Imagine transforming your home kitchen into a gourmet restaurant with a dish that looks stunning, tastes incredible, and takes less time to prepare than ordering takeout. This Pan Seared Salmon with Arugula and Cream Sauce is your ticket to culinary magic, delivering a perfect balance of crispy, golden salmon, peppery arugula, and a luxurious cream sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or want to impress your family with a restaurant-worthy meal, this recipe is your ultimate game-changer.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Remove salmon fillets from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy sear.
- Season both sides of salmon fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan, pressing gently to ensure even contact with the cooking surface.
- Cook salmon for approximately 4-5 minutes without moving, allowing the skin to become crispy and golden brown.
- Flip salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the flesh side until internal temperature reaches 145°F (medium doneness).
- Remove salmon from pan and let rest on a plate while preparing the cream sauce.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream, stirring to incorporate any salmon drippings.
- Simmer cream sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, then add lemon juice and stir.
- Plate salmon over fresh arugula, drizzle with cream sauce, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let salmon sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent overcooking.
- Moisture is the Enemy of Crispy Skin: Pat your salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy, golden exterior.
- Use the Right Pan: A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan provides the most consistent heat and helps create a perfect sear.
- Don't Flip Too Soon: When cooking the salmon skin-side down, resist the urge to move it. Let it develop a crispy, golden crust for about 4-5 minutes.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your salmon reaches 145°F for perfect medium doneness.
- Sauce Tip: Using the same pan after cooking salmon allows you to capture all those delicious browned bits, adding extra flavor to your cream sauce.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and temperature, plate and serve your salmon right after cooking to maintain its crispy skin and juicy interior.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 545kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 43g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 110mg
