2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced finely
2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
2 cups fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth)
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Prepare the salmon fillets
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. If desired, drizzle a small amount of lemon juice over the fillets for freshness.
Sear the salmon
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Press them gently with a spatula to prevent curling. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip carefully and cook for another 3–4 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the creamy garlic mushroom sauce
In the same pan, add butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook until golden and tender, releasing their juices. Pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce slightly, then stir in the cream and Dijon mustard if using. Simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add spinach
Stir the fresh spinach into the sauce. Let it wilt naturally in the heat, keeping its vibrant green color. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes silky. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Combine salmon and sauce
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.
Serve and enjoy
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Pan-Seared Salmon
