The Best Sauce for Salmon: Easy 10-Minute Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
Salmon is a healthy and delicious protein, but let’s face it—a good Sauce is what transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy meal. If you’re looking for the best Sauce for salmon, your search ends here.
This garlic Sauce is sweet, creamy, and full of fresh citrus flavor that perfectly complements the fish. The best part? It takes less than 10 minutes to make while your salmon is cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Salmon Sauce
- Super Fast: From pot to plate in less than 10 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your fridge.
- Variations: Pairs well with grilled, baked, or air-fried salmon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tbsp | Creates a rich, velvety base |
| Garlic | 3 cloves (minced) | Adds a pungent, aromatic depth |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup | Provides the luxurious, creamy texture |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 1.5 tbsp | Cuts through the richness with brightness |
| Chicken or Veggie Broth | 1/4 cup | Balances the cream and adds savory flavor |
| Fresh Dill or Parsley | 2 tbsp (chopped) | Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes |
| Salt & Black Pepper | To taste | Enhances all the flavors |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Garlic:
- Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Bring the liquid to a boil:
- Add the chicken stock and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by half.
Add the Cream:
- Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the stock thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Add the seasoning:
- Remove from the heat. Stir in the fresh dill (or parsley), salt, and pepper.
Serve:
- Pour the sauce evenly over the cooked salmon and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: If you want a little spice, add a dash of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic!
Expert Variations to Try
If you want to change things up, this recipe is very easy to adapt:
- Cream of Salmon Mustard Sauce: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard while adding the heavy cream.
- Tuscan Style: Add some chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the cream for a tangier flavor.
- Lemon Caper Sauce: Add a tablespoon of fresh mustard at the end for a sweet and tangy flavor.
What to Serve with This Dish
To serve with this delicious bowl of Sauce, pair your salmon with mashed potatoes, jasmine rice, or steamed asparagus.