Salmon with Creamy Garlic Dijon is the perfect way to bring a touch of gourmet flair to your dinner table. The combination of tender, flaky salmon and a rich, tangy sauce creates a dish that’s both sophisticated and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why This Salmon with Creamy Garlic Dijon Is the Best
Rich and Creamy Texture: The sauce is incredibly rich and creamy, thanks to the combination of garlic, Dijon mustard, and cream.
Flavorful and Tangy: The blend of garlic and Dijon mustard gives this dish a tangy, savory flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
Perfectly Cooked Salmon: The salmon is cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior.
A Seasonal Tradition
Salmon with Creamy Garlic Dijon has become a beloved dish for many families, especially during the cooler months. The rich, comforting flavors make it an ideal choice for cozy dinners and special occasions. Whether served with a side of steamed vegetables or a hearty grain, this dish is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal.
Ingredient Notes:
Salmon:
- Salmon fillets: The main protein of the dish, providing a rich, flavorful base. Salmon is known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which is beneficial for heart health.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the salmon, adding a subtle flavor and helping to prevent sticking. Olive oil also contributes healthy fats to the dish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the salmon, enhancing its natural flavors. Salt helps to bring out the moisture and flavor of the salmon, while black pepper adds a mild heat and complexity.
Creamy Garlic Dijon Sauce:
- Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the sauce. Garlic is also known for its health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a creamy consistency without adding extra fat. It ensures the sauce clings well to the salmon.
- Heavy cream: Provides richness and a smooth, creamy texture to the sauce. The fat content in the cream helps to balance the tanginess of the mustard and the sharpness of the garlic.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor that complements the richness of the cream. Dijon mustard is smoother and less vinegary than yellow mustard, making it ideal for creamy sauces.
- Honey: Balances the tanginess of the mustard with a touch of sweetness. Honey also adds a slight floral note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps to thin the sauce to the desired consistency. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Fresh dill: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish. Dill pairs particularly well with fish and adds a subtle anise-like flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Vegetables: Serve Salmon with Creamy Garlic Dijon alongside steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a complete meal.
- With Rice or Quinoa: Pair this dish with rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
- As a Main Course: This dish is perfect as a main course for any dinner gathering or special occasion.
Tips for Perfect Salmon with Creamy Garlic Dijon
- Chill the Sauce: For best results, chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and enhances the overall taste.
- Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets provide the best texture and flavor. Look for fillets with a bright color and firm texture.
- Avoid Overcooking: Cook the salmon just until it flakes easily with a fork to ensure it remains moist and tender.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the smell of salmon with creamy garlic Dijon sauce cooking in the kitchen. This Salmon with Creamy Garlic Dijon is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Rich, tangy, and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Salmon with Creamy Garlic Dijon
Ingredients
- 4 6 – 7 oz skinless salmon fillets
- 3 teaspoon of olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves minced (1 Tbsp)
- 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 1/2 Tbsp of dijon mustard or you can add a little more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of honey
- 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp of minced fresh dill
Instructions
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. If you have large salmon fillets (7-8 oz each), use two skillets to avoid overcrowding.
- Add 1 ½ teaspoons of olive oil to each skillet. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side up, and sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
- While the salmon is cooking, whisk 1 tablespoon of cream with cornstarch in a measuring cup. Add more cream until you have ½ cup, then whisk in Dijon mustard and honey.
- Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and cover with foil, leaving the oil in the skillet.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until lightly golden. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 4 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by two-thirds.
- Whisk the cream mixture again and pour it into the skillet. Simmer for about 40 seconds, stirring continuously.
- Remove from heat, stir in the fresh dill, and return the salmon fillets to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the salmon.
- Serve warm.