Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Florentine Sauce Recipe 🐟🍄🌿

A delightful and elegant dish, Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Florentine Sauce combines perfectly cooked salmon with a rich, creamy sauce made with fresh spinach and mushrooms. This recipe is simple yet impressive, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, approximately 6-8 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Florentine Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button work well)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for added warmth and depth)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Salmon

1. Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Salmon:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them to ensure a crispy crust.
   • Flip the salmon carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through. (The internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C.)
   • Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Florentine Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter. Let it melt, picking up any browned bits from the salmon.
2. Cook the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and fragrant.
3. Add the Cream: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir gently. Allow the sauce to come to a light simmer.
4. Incorporate the Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add the Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they wilt completely.
6. Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the fish to coat it lightly. Let everything warm together for 1-2 minutes.
2. Plate the salmon and generously ladle the creamy Florentine sauce over the top.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with your choice of sides, such as:
  • Fluffy rice pilaf or mashed potatoes
  • Lightly roasted asparagus or broccoli
  • Crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories (per serving): 520 kcal
• Servings: 2

Cooking Tips

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: To get a nice sear on your salmon, make sure the fillets are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
2. Fresh vs. Frozen Salmon: If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat dry to ensure proper searing.
3. Cream Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
4. Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan to make this dish dairy-free.
5. Experiment with Herbs: For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of dried basil, oregano, or thyme to the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Pan-Seared Salmon with Florentine Sauce is a harmonious blend of rich flavors, creamy textures, and fresh ingredients. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s quick and easy to prepare at home. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you simply want to treat yourself! Enjoy! 🍴