Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp 🧈🐟🍤🍋
Deliciously rich, zesty, and packed with flavor, this Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp dish is a quick yet elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy garlic butter sauce ties everything together, while the fresh lemon adds a bright, citrusy finish. Paired with your favorite sides, this dish is sure to impress!
Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering seafood dinner step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy : Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or last-minute dinner plans.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce : The garlic butter sauce is rich, tangy, and slightly spicy—perfect for coating both salmon and shrimp.
- Versatile Pairings : Serve with steamed veggies, rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Healthy & Satisfying : Packed with lean protein and healthy fats, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients
(Serves 2–3)
Main:
- 1 salmon fillet (6–8 oz )
- 8–10 large shrimp , peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper , to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley , for garnish
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste )
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chicken or seafood broth
- Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional, for extra zing )
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Seafood
- Pat the salmon fillet and shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Season both sides of the salmon and shrimp generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Salmon
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the salmon skin-side down (or presentation side) in the pan and sear for 4–5 minutes , pressing gently to ensure even contact with the pan.
- Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes , or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed.
- Add the shrimp and sauté for 1–2 minutes per side , or until pink, opaque, and lightly charred. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside with the salmon.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute , stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice, chicken or seafood broth, and lemon zest (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes , allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Finish & Serve
- Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce generously over them.
- Tilt the pan or use a spoon to baste the seafood with the sauce for extra flavor.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with lemon slices on the side.
Perfect Pairings
This Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed Vegetables : Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are light and healthy options.
- Mashed Potatoes : Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the flavorful sauce perfectly.
- Rice or Pasta : Serve with white rice, quinoa, or linguine for a heartier meal.
- Crusty Bread : Use warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the garlic butter sauce.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp : Shrimp cook quickly—remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink to avoid toughness.
- Skin-On Salmon : If your salmon has skin, leave it on while cooking for added flavor and moisture. Remove the skin before serving if desired.
- Adjust Heat Level : Control the spiciness by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes based on your preference.
- Use Fresh Lemon : Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest make a noticeable difference in brightness and flavor.
- Prep Ahead : Pat the seafood dry and measure out all ingredients before starting. This dish cooks quickly, so having everything ready ensures a smooth process.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories : ~450 kcal
- Protein : ~35g
- Carbohydrates : ~8g
- Fat : ~32g
- Fiber : ~1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp is a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The combination of tender salmon, juicy shrimp, and a rich, zesty garlic butter sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation.
So grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat! 🍴✨