Dreamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon Recipe

Irresistible Tuscan Salmon: Creamy Garlic Butter Recipe

Mouthwatering aromas of herbs and garlic butter tuscan salmon recipe swirl through the kitchen, promising a culinary adventure that’s both elegant and comforting.

This delectable dish combines rich, succulent salmon with a velvety sauce that whispers of Mediterranean flavors.

Each flaky bite promises a symphony of taste that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

The salmon sears to golden perfection, creating a delicate crust that locks in incredible moisture.

creamy spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add vibrant color and depth to the plate.

Tender, delicate fish meets luxurious sauce in a dance of pure deliciousness.

Dive into this restaurant-quality meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes and transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon Ingredient List

For Fish:
  • Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh, vibrant pink fillets with firm texture and clean ocean scent for best flavor and quality.
For Sauce Base:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich, velvety foundation that enhances salmon's natural taste and creates smooth cooking surface.
  • Garlic, Onion: Delivers aromatic depth and sweet underlying notes that complement seafood's delicate profile.
  • Half-and-Half, Parmesan Cheese: Creates luxurious, silky sauce with tangy, creamy undertones that elevate entire dish.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that highlight salmon's natural richness and balance overall taste.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach Leaves: Introduce vibrant Mediterranean-inspired colors, textures, and earthy, concentrated flavor dimensions.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, herbaceous finish and visual appeal with its delicate green garnish.
For Sauce Thickening:
  • Cornstarch: Optional ingredient for achieving desired sauce consistency and creating glossy, smooth texture.

Tools You’ll Use for Tuscan Salmon Prep

  • Large skillet: Essential for searing salmon and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Sharp knife: Perfect for dicing onions and chopping sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps season salmon and measure ingredients accurately.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Tongs: Useful for handling and turning salmon fillets while cooking.

Cooking Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Ease

  • Salmon Preparation

Select fresh salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper for robust flavor.

  • Searing Magic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Carefully place salmon flesh-side down, cooking until golden and crispy around edges, about 5 minutes per side.

  • Sauce Foundation

Remove salmon and use same pan to create luxurious sauce. Melt butter, sauté minced garlic until aromatic, then add diced onions for deeper complexity.

  • Flavor Layers

Introduce sun-dried tomatoes, allowing their intense taste to bloom. Pour in cream, creating a silky base that will coat the fish beautifully.

  • Greens and Cheese

Gently fold spinach into sauce, watching leaves soften and release vibrant color. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce reaches perfect creamy consistency.

  • Final Assembly

Return salmon to pan, nestling fillets into rich sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for bright, herbal notes. Serve immediately over your favorite accompaniment.

Tuscan Salmon Tips to Keep It Flavorful

  • Pick fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with bright color and firm texture, preferably wild-caught for richer flavor and better nutrition.
  • Replace salmon with chicken breasts or shrimp for delightful variations that maintain the creamy Tuscan sauce's delectable taste profile.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding more half-and-half for a lighter version or extra Parmesan cheese for a richer, more concentrated sauce.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, dill, or thyme instead of parsley to introduce unique aromatic dimensions to the dish's overall flavor experience.
  • Add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to increase nutritional content and create a more balanced, colorful meal.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Tuscan Salmon

  • Hearty Pasta Companion: Serve this luxurious salmon over fettuccine or linguine to create a restaurant-worthy meal that catches every delicious sauce drop.
  • Mediterranean Plating Style: Arrange the salmon on a large white platter with sauce cascading around the fish, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a stunning visual presentation.
  • Veggie Side Symphony: Pair the salmon with roasted asparagus, garlic-infused zucchini, or buttery green beans to complement the creamy sauce and add nutritional balance to the dish.
  • Rustic Bread Dipping Delight: Include crusty Italian bread or garlic toast on the side to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce, transforming every bite into a culinary experience that celebrates Tuscan-inspired ingredients.

Storing for Garlic Butter Salmon

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the fish and sauce separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy edges.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream to restore moisture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent overcooking and rubbery texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Options: Freeze the sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Salmon is best enjoyed fresh, so freeze sauce only without the fish for best quality.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare sauce ingredients in advance and store in sealed containers. Chop garlic, slice sun-dried tomatoes, and measure spices ahead of time to streamline cooking process and reduce weeknight stress.
Print
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Dreamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon Recipe

Dreamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter Tuscan salmon offers a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey with rich, harmonious flavors. Creamy sauce and perfectly seared salmon promise an elegant dinner you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (skin off, or trout/white fish)
  • 6 cloves garlic (finely diced)
  • 1 yellow onion (diced)
  • 5 oz (142 g) sun-dried tomato strips (jarred, drained of oil)
  • 3 cups baby spinach leaves
  • 1 ¾ cups (414 ml) half-and-half
  • ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 2 tsps olive oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch pepper

Instructions

  1. Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then sear flesh-side down for 5 minutes per side until perfectly cooked. Remove and set aside.
  2. Create Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 60 seconds. Add diced onions, cooking until translucent and tender.
  3. Build Flavor Layers: Introduce sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, allowing them to release their rich, concentrated essence. Reduce heat and pour half-and-half, stirring to develop a smooth, creamy consistency.
  4. Integrate Greens and Cheese: Gently add spinach leaves, watching them wilt into the sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Enhance Sauce Texture: If needed, incorporate cornstarch mixture to achieve desired sauce consistency, ensuring a velvety smooth finish.
  6. Final Assembly: Return salmon fillets to the pan, carefully nestling them into the luxurious Tuscan-inspired sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
  7. Serving Suggestion: Plate the creamy garlic butter Tuscan salmon over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete and elegant meal.

Notes

  • Searing Technique: Create a crispy exterior by patting salmon dry before cooking and using high heat to lock in moisture and develop rich golden-brown edges.
  • Garlic Timing: Brief 60-second garlic sauté prevents burning and ensures a sweet, mellow flavor without bitter undertones.
  • Sauce Consistency: Stir half-and-half slowly and consistently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture without curdling.
  • Cheese Melting Tip: Add Parmesan off direct heat and stir gently to integrate smoothly, preventing grainy sauce texture and ensuring even distribution.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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