If you are looking for a dish that brings together the rich, buttery flavor of salmon and the delicate sweetness of shrimp all bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce, this Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s an irresistible combination where tender seafood meets a savory garlic cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The balance of textures and the fresh burst from lemon juice make every bite a true delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this recipe sing with deliciousness. Each element plays a unique and important role in building the rich flavors and satisfying texture of this dish.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best taste and perfect flaky texture after cooking.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined to save prep time and ensure easy eating.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity depth and helps sear the seafood perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors.
- Butter: Creates a silky base for the creamy garlic sauce with a hint of richness.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to infuse the sauce with bold aromatic punch.
- Heavy cream: The heart of the creamy sauce, lending it that smooth and indulgent texture.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a touch to add warmth and a slight kick without overpowering.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated finely to melt into the sauce and introduce a salty, savory depth.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a fresh, bright finish and beautiful color contrast.
- Lemon juice: Adds a refreshing tang that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Seafood
Start by seasoning both your salmon fillets and shrimp generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial because it brings out the natural flavors in the seafood, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets carefully, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Once done, remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside to rest; this keeps it moist and tender.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn beautiful shades of pink and become opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the salmon to keep the seafood warm.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Next, melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just until the garlic is fragrant—about one minute. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese, then let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens to a luxuriously creamy consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Return both the salmon and shrimp to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy garlic sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the seafood, letting everything warm together for about two minutes so the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and drizzle with lemon juice just before serving. This final touch brightens the rich sauce and adds a burst of freshness that balances the whole dish.
How to Serve Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the classic choice, adding a hint of herbal brightness and a pop of green. You can also experiment with a few thin lemon slices on the side or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for those who love an even cheesier finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a light arugula salad. These options complement the creamy garlic sauce without overpowering the delicate flavors of the salmon and shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the seafood atop a bed of linguine or fresh buttered noodles soaked in the creamy garlic sauce. Another great idea is arranging the seafood carefully on a large platter for sharing, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a vibrant table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the creamy sauce, freezing is not ideal for this dish as the texture of the sauce may change. If you must freeze, separate the sauce from the seafood and freeze each independently in airtight containers for better results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the sauce’s creamy texture during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and avoid watering down the sauce.
Is this recipe spicy because of the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth without overwhelming heat, but feel free to adjust the amount to fit your spice preference or omit them if you prefer no spice.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
While heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously thick, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
Cook salmon until it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through, usually about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it gently before combining with the seafood, but it’s best to finish cooking the seafood fresh for optimal taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is the kind of meal that feels fancy enough to impress but simple enough to enjoy anytime. It’s a real winner whether you’re making a weeknight dinner special or treating someone to a lovely seafood feast. I encourage you to give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delectable seafood dish featuring perfectly cooked salmon fillets and shrimp, smothered in a rich and creamy garlic sauce infused with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh lemon juice. This quick and easy recipe serves two, making it ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 salmon fillets
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 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 before cooking.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked and flaky. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the salmon.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the seafood, and heat together for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors and warm the proteins thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle with lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon or shrimp to maintain a tender, juicy texture.
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the texture will be slightly less rich.
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth to the sauce, so be cautious when adding additional salt.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to complement the creamy sauce.
