Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Introduction

There’s something magical about seafood that just feels like a treat, don’t you think? And when you pair two favorites—salmon and shrimp—together in a creamy garlic sauce, it’s like a symphony of flavors on your plate. This recipe for Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the ultimate way to indulge in seafood without feeling like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant, all from the comfort of your own home.

I’ve been making this dish for years, and it has quickly become one of those recipes that I can always count on to impress. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it never disappoints. The combination of salmon and shrimp is a perfect match—salmon’s rich, buttery flavor complements the sweetness of the shrimp, while the creamy garlic sauce ties everything together beautifully.

The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make. All you need are a few key ingredients, and you’ll have a dinner that looks and tastes like you’ve put in hours of work—without actually doing so! Trust me, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re wondering why you should make this Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce, here’s why:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-packed: The creamy garlic sauce is everything! It’s rich, indulgent, and has a little bit of a zing from the lemon. Plus, the combination of the tender salmon and juicy shrimp is a match made in seafood heaven.
• Impressive but Simple: This dish looks like it came straight from a five-star restaurant, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a dinner party or just your family, this recipe will definitely impress.
• Healthy and Hearty: Packed with protein from the salmon and shrimp, this dish is filling, but also a lighter option compared to a heavy pasta or steak dinner. Plus, the creamy sauce adds just the right amount of indulgence without being too heavy.

It’s the kind of meal that’ll have you going back for seconds (or maybe thirds) and leaving the table feeling satisfied, not stuffed. The salmon is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the shrimp is perfectly cooked, and that creamy garlic sauce? Oh, it’s absolutely irresistible.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people, but you can easily adjust it depending on your needs.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 5g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each): The rich, buttery flavor of salmon is the star of this dish.
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined): Sweet and succulent shrimp add the perfect contrast to the salmon.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced): The garlic brings the sauce to life, giving it that aromatic depth.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce so creamy and rich.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds some depth to the sauce and helps it come together smoothly.
• 2 tbsp butter: To cook the seafood and make the sauce extra silky.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the shrimp and salmon.
• Juice of 1 lemon: A fresh squeeze of lemon cuts through the richness of the sauce and brightens up the flavors.
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped): For garnish, adds a touch of color and freshness.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the seafood and the sauce.

The combination of these ingredients is so simple, but they come together to create a truly luxurious dish. The garlic and butter set the base for the creamy sauce, while the lemon adds just enough acidity to balance the richness. You’ll have everything you need in your kitchen already, making this recipe both convenient and crowd-pleasing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into making this delicious dish! Don’t worry, even though it looks fancy, it’s super easy to put together. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce in no time.

1. Prepare the Seafood
   Start by patting the salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them get that nice golden sear when you cook them. Season the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides. For the shrimp, season them lightly with salt and pepper as well.
2. Cook the Salmon
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F). Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Shrimp
   In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and then toss in the seasoned shrimp. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they’re pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the salmon.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
   Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
5. Add the Liquids
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Return the Seafood to the Pan
   Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, gently return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon some of the creamy garlic sauce over the seafood to coat it evenly. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
7. Garnish and Serve
   Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. You can serve this dish over a bed of rice, with some roasted veggies, or even with a side of buttery mashed potatoes.

How to Serve

This Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Over pasta: The creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over your favorite pasta, like linguine or fettuccine.
• With rice: Serve the seafood and sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice or quinoa for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Roasted vegetables: Pair with roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a well-rounded meal.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes would be a deliciously comforting base for this rich, garlicky sauce.

For a lighter option, try serving it with a crisp green salad on the side for a balance of textures.

Additional Tips

Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use fresh seafood: Fresh salmon and shrimp will give you the best flavor. If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
2. Don’t overcook the seafood: Salmon and shrimp cook quickly. Overcooking them can make them tough, so keep an eye on the clock and remove them from the pan as soon as they’re done.
3. Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reduces. For a thinner sauce, add a splash more chicken broth or cream.
4. Don’t skip the lemon: The lemon juice cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds brightness to the dish. It really makes the flavors pop!
5. Use a non-stick pan: This will help prevent the seafood from sticking to the pan, especially when you’re cooking the shrimp and salmon.

Recipe Variations

If you want to mix things up, here are a few variations to customize this Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe:

• Add vegetables: Toss in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms into the sauce for extra flavor and texture. These would pair wonderfully with the seafood.
• Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce. It’ll give the dish a nice kick!
• Try different seafood: You can substitute the shrimp for scallops, or use a different type of fish in place of the salmon, like tilapia or cod. Each variation will bring its own unique flavor.
• Use coconut milk: For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk. It’ll still be creamy and rich, but with a slightly tropical twist.

FAQ: Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and salmon, but it’s important to thaw them properly before cooking. For shrimp, place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water to defrost. For salmon, thaw it in the fridge or under cold running water as well. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear.

2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative or don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that using lighter alternatives will result in a less rich sauce, but it will still be creamy and delicious.

3. How do I know when the salmon and shrimp are cooked properly?

The salmon should be cooked until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Shrimp cook very quickly; they should turn pink and opaque when fully cooked, which takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking either seafood can make it tough, so be sure to watch them closely.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While seafood is best when freshly cooked, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat, then add the cooked salmon and shrimp to warm through. This will save you time on busy nights!

5. What side dishes pair well with this creamy garlic seafood?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over pasta, rice, or quinoa for a hearty meal. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables (like asparagus or broccoli), a fresh green salad, or mashed potatoes for a comforting touch.

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Conclusion

There you have it—Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce that’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The combination of tender salmon and juicy shrimp in a rich, creamy garlic sauce is both indulgent and comforting, while still being surprisingly easy to make.

With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a dish that feels fancy but is actually very approachable. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will rave about.

So the next time you’re craving seafood or want to try something new, give this recipe a go. I guarantee it will become one of your favorites, just like it’s become one of mine. Enjoy!