Garlic Butter Salmon Bites with Creamy Sauce

Garlic butter salmon bites—tender, flavorful, and drizzled with creamy sauce. Serve over rice or quinoa for a delicious meal ready in 25 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Flavorful & Creamy – Garlic butter and Dijon sauce create an irresistible taste.
  • Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with omega-3s and protein.
  • Versatile – Serve over rice, quinoa, or even pasta.
  • One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup required.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets, cut into large chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Serving:

  • Cooked rice or quinoa
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Heat the Oil

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season the Salmon

Season the salmon chunks with paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

3. Sear the Salmon

Add salmon pieces to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4. Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Prepare the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well.

6. Simmer and Add Lemon Juice

Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the lemon juice.

7. Coat the Salmon

Return the salmon bites to the pan and coat them in the sauce. Simmer for another minute.

8. Serve

Serve over cooked rice or quinoa, garnished with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
  • Extra Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
  • Different Protein: Swap salmon for shrimp or chicken.
  • Vegan Option: Use tofu instead of salmon and dairy-free cream.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 30-45 seconds.
  • Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw completely before cooking.

What can I serve with this dish?

Rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the salmon and sauce separately and reheat before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be less creamy. Use whole milk for better results.

How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and remove from heat as soon as it’s done.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

What’s the best way to get a crispy sear on the salmon?

Ensure the pan is hot and avoid overcrowding.

Can I use a different mustard?

Yes, whole-grain or honey mustard works well too.

What’s a good wine pairing for this dish?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs well.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Salmon Bites with Creamy Sauce is a delicious, quick, and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re meal-prepping or cooking a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

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Garlic Butter Salmon Bites with Creamy Sauce


  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Garlic butter salmon bites—tender, flavorful, and drizzled with creamy sauce. Serve over rice or quinoa for a delicious meal ready in 25 minutes!


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Salmon:

    • 4 salmon fillets, cut into large chunks
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
    • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
    • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

    For the Creamy Sauce:

    • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1/4 tsp black pepper
    • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season salmon chunks with paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  • Sear salmon for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
  • Reduce heat to low, add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well.
  • Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, then add lemon juice.
  • Return salmon bites to the pan, coat in sauce, and simmer for 1 minute.
  • Serve over rice or quinoa, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
  • Pair with roasted veggies for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Seafood
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: American