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Juicy Seared Salmon

Featured in Fresh Seafood Made Easy.

This meal showcases golden-brown fish swimming in a decadent sauce blending garlic, cheese, and fresh herbs. Tastes like a restaurant splurge but comes together quickly on busy nights.

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Emily Watson
Updated on Tue, 11 Mar 2025 06:30:02 GMT
Four pieces of salmon are cooking in a creamy sauce with herbs in a skillet. Pin it
Four pieces of salmon are cooking in a creamy sauce with herbs in a skillet. | thefamilycooks.com

I've gotta share my all-time fave date night dish - Say Yes Salmon! I stumbled on this recipe while putting together something fancy for my anniversary years back, and it's become my foolproof impressive-but-easy meal. The funny name? It comes from how people react when they take their first bite of that crispy salmon covered in that smooth, herb-filled cream sauce. Believe me, this quick 30-minute meal makes anyone swoon!

Fish Prep

Everything starts with properly flavored salmon. I've learned that spending just a moment mixing the spices before coating the fish really works wonders. When those Italian spices, garlic and that little kick of spice meet the hot pan, you get this amazing crust. And let me tell you about that gorgeous brown outside - it's absolutely fantastic!

Ingredients for Crispy Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets: Without skin, roughly 6 ounces per piece
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for coating and cooking
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Mixed herbs that give wonderful taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Change amount to match your preference
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds nice flavor depth
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano: Brings a bit of earthiness
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for extra zip
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle warmth

Ingredients for Velvety Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates creaminess
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings strong flavor
  • 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the smooth base
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds extra flavor layers
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Gives bright citrus notes
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese: Softened to make things extra smooth
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup grated parmesan: Add to your liking for cheesy goodness
  • Salt and black pepper: Season until it tastes right
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Cut small for freshness
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil: Chopped to add herby freshness

Cooking the Fish

My top trick for amazing salmon is getting your pan super hot before the fish goes in! I can't help but watch with excitement as the edges turn golden during those first 3 minutes. Don't stress about cooking it through after flipping, just turn down the heat and let it finish cooking slowly. The end result? You'll get that perfect crispy outside and juicy inside every time.

Creating the Sauce

This sauce really makes the dish special. I always cook it in the same pan to grab all those tasty browned bits from the salmon. When garlic meets melted butter, my house smells incredible. The way cream cheese dissolves into the sauce makes everything so velvety smooth, it's just wonderful!

Plating Your Meal

I always put this dish on my best serving plate surrounded by that amazing sauce. A little sprinkle of fresh herbs on top looks pretty and smells great too. Sometimes I'll pair it with some roasted asparagus or simple arugula greens. How the sauce mixes with everything else on your plate is just incredible.

A close-up of four salmon fillets drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with parsley, cooking in a pan. Pin it
A close-up of four salmon fillets drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with parsley, cooking in a pan. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when the salmon is done?

Your fish is ready when it breaks apart without effort using a fork and still looks slightly pinkish in the middle. For thicker cuts around 1-inch, you'll need about 3-4 minutes on each side.

→ Can I make this with skin-on salmon?

Sure thing! Start with the skin facing down until it gets crunchy, then turn it over. The skin actually helps lock in moisture while it cooks.

→ Why is my sauce not thickening?

Let the sauce bubble a bit longer and check that your cream cheese has fully mixed in. The grated cheese will also help it get thicker as it melts.

→ Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream works best, but half and half can do the job. Your sauce won't be as thick, so you'll need to let it cook down more.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

This fish tastes great with noodles, oven-roasted veggies, or a scoop of rice. The yummy sauce works wonders drizzled over whatever side you pick.

Conclusion

Fish smothered in a decadent cream blend that highlights the bold tastes of garlic and aged cheese. A no-fuss yet fancy dish that brings high-end dining straight to your kitchen table.

Glazed Salmon Parmesan

Juicy fish cooked to a golden finish, bathed in velvety garlic cheese sauce with chopped herbs. Fast yet fancy dinner idea.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 salmon fillets)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 boneless salmon fillets.
02 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
03 2 teaspoons mixed Italian herbs.
04 1 teaspoon table salt.
05 1 teaspoon powdered garlic.
06 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves.
07 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.
08 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper.
09 3 tablespoons plain butter.
10 1/2 tablespoon finely chopped garlic.
11 1 cup whipping cream.
12 1/2 cup chicken stock.
13 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice.
14 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese.
15 1/2 to 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese.
16 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
17 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil.

Instructions

Step 01

Coat the salmon with oil then sprinkle with mixed Italian herbs, salt, powdered garlic, oregano, and both peppers.

Step 02

Brown the fish in a hot oiled skillet for about 3 minutes each side until golden brown. Lower the heat to finish cooking through.

Step 03

Using the same pan, add butter and cook the chopped garlic. Pour in whipping cream, chicken stock, and lemon juice. Let it bubble gently for 2-3 minutes.

Step 04

Mix in cream cheese and parmesan, stirring until the sauce gets nice and thick. Add salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 05

Mix in the fresh herbs, then put salmon back into the pan so it warms up in the creamy sauce before you serve it.

Notes

  1. You can throw in some diced onions to make the sauce even tastier.
  2. Feel free to add more or less parmesan depending on how cheesy you want it.

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep frying pan.
  • Mixing spoon.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk products (whipping cream, butter, parmesan, cream cheese).
  • Seafood (salmon).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g