| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 660 | 47g | 16g | 6g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 1g | 45g | 0.75g |
When I first came across the concept of Seared Salmon with Elephant Garlic Sauce, I was immediately intrigued. This recipe offers a delightful fusion of simplicity and sophistication. It’s easy to prepare yet grand enough for a special occasion—an ideal combination for a Southern belle like me who loves both tradition and innovation in the kitchen.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
What I love most about this recipe is how the robust flavors of elephant garlic meld perfectly with the creamy white wine sauce, enhancing the delicate, buttery texture of the seared salmon. The juxtaposition of flavors is quite akin to the traditional Lowcountry cuisine of Charleston, where seafood always shines but never from an overpowering, single-note seasoning. The lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, balancing out the richness of the cream and butter.
A Healthy Yet Gourmet Choice
Beyond its delightful flavors, Seared Salmon with Elephant Garlic Sauce brings an array of health benefits to the table. Salmon is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Olive oil, another key ingredient, is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Even the elephant garlic, which provides the recipe’s distinctive flavor, offers health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties. Together, these ingredients make this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.
This gourmet dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and can be complemented by a fresh fruit mix, such as berries, citrus segments, or pomegranate seeds, adding both color and a touch of natural sweetness. If you’re looking for similar recipes that emphasize robust sauces, you might enjoy trying my Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Cream Sauce or Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli. Both offer that same harmony of bold, creamy flavors with savory seafood.
Whether you’re new to searing fish or a seasoned pro, Seared Salmon with Elephant Garlic Sauce will delight your palate and impress any dinner guest. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
What You’ll Need
- 6 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large head of elephant garlic, minced
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Fresh fruit mix (such as berries, citrus segments, or pomegranate seeds) for serving
Method
Step One
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until the salmon is cooked through and has a nicely seared crust. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Step Three
In the same skillet, add the minced elephant garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step Four
Pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
Step Five
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Step Six
Add the unsalted butter to the sauce and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Pour in the lemon juice and mix well. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step Seven
Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet to warm them through, spooning the sauce over the top.
Step Eight
Transfer the salmon fillets to serving plates and spoon the elephant garlic sauce over them. Garnish with fresh dill if desired. Serve immediately with a side of fresh fruit mix for a delightful contrast.
