If you are craving a luxurious seafood dish that bursts with rich flavors and creamy goodness, this Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine succulent salmon fillets and perfectly cooked shrimp enveloped in a velvety garlic cream sauce, accented with just the right hint of spice and brightness from fresh lemon. It is a dish that not only feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, making it your new go-to special meal when you want to impress or treat yourself. Every bite feels like a celebration of textures and tastes that feel downright heavenly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe lies in a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role. From the freshness of garlic to the savory depth of Parmesan and the light zing of lemon, these components come together to create layers of flavor that make this dish irresistible.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets for a flaky and juicy result that stands up well to the creamy sauce.
- Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and provide a sweet, tender contrast to the salmon.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sear the seafood to perfection.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Butter: Boosts richness and creates a luscious base for the garlic sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with its aromatic punch.
- Heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, giving it that smooth and silky texture.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a hint provides warmth and a subtle kick without overpowering.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the dish with its fresh, herbaceous note.
- Lemon juice: A squeeze at the end lifts and balances the richness of the cream sauce.
How to Make Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Seafood
Start by generously seasoning your salmon fillets and shrimp with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures that every bite of seafood is flavorful on its own and lays the foundation for the sauce to shine.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then carefully add the salmon fillets. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until the salmon is beautifully seared and cooked through but still tender and moist inside. After cooking, set the salmon aside to rest so it stays juicy.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet (this keeps all those tasty browned bits), add the shrimp and cook them for just 2-3 minutes per side. They are done when they turn opaque and pink. Remove them and set aside with the salmon to prepare for the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring until fragrant – about one minute. Then, slowly stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce simmer gently until it thickens into a rich and creamy coating that’s packed with flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Return the salmon fillets and shrimp to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy garlic sauce. Spoon the sauce over them and let everything heat together for another two minutes to meld those flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
The final touch is simple but transformative — freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant green pop and a mild herbal freshness that brightens the dish visually and in flavor. A drizzle of fresh lemon juice over the top introduces just enough acidity to balance the creamy richness, making every forkful perfectly harmonious.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with light, complementary sides to soak up the exquisite sauce. Steamed asparagus, a bed of fluffy rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes make excellent companions. A crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the seafood and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching meal, consider plating the salmon and shrimp atop a swirl of garlic mashed potatoes or cauliflower puree. You can also serve it family-style in a large skillet right at the table to invite everyone to dive in. Garnish with lemon wedges and an extra sprinkle of parsley for a restaurant-quality touch that still feels warm and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover salmon and shrimp with creamy garlic sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2 days to enjoy the freshest flavors and texture.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well because the cream sauce can separate when thawed. For best results, freeze the salmon and shrimp separately before cooking if you want to prepare in advance, then make the sauce fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. You may add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the silky texture. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can cook the seafood unevenly and make the sauce grainy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can interfere with searing and sauce consistency.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this creamy garlic sauce?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to keep that cheesy flavor while making the dish dairy-free.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth and hint of spice, but you can easily reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
The sauce is best made fresh to keep its creamy texture and vibrant flavor. However, you can prep the garlic and measure ingredients beforehand to speed up the cooking process.
What wine pairs well with Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the richness of the sauce and enhances the flavors of both salmon and shrimp beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet surprisingly easy to whip up. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive weekend feast. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary seafood nights. Dive in and enjoy every luscious, creamy, garlicky bite with someone special or just yourself — you deserve it!
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Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A quick and delicious seafood dish featuring pan-seared salmon and shrimp in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with a hint of spice and fresh lemon zest, perfect for an elegant yet easy dinner.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 salmon fillets
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Season the Seafood: Season both the salmon fillets and shrimp evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned salmon fillets and cook them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked and have a golden crust. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, place the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are done. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the salmon.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked salmon and shrimp to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Spoon the sauce over the seafood and heat for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and drizzling fresh lemon juice over the top for a bright, fresh flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding salmon to get a nice sear and prevent sticking.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for desired spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred for better melting and flavor in the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
