A Quick and Flavorful 30-Minute Meal
Salmon is one of those dishes that feels gourmet but takes little time to prepare. This pan-seared salmon with horseradish cream sauce is a game-changer—perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and finished with a rich, tangy sauce that will have you licking the plate. It’s a meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for weeknights or impressing guests. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes and enjoy an elevated dining experience at home.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning
- 1 teaspoon total seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Horseradish Cream Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Mashed potatoes (optional, but highly recommended)
- Chopped fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or chives)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the salmon with salt, blackened seasoning, and total seasoning for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the salmon skin-side down (or presentation side down if skinless) in the pan.
- Sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Cover with a lid for an extra minute to ensure the salmon is cooked through. Alternatively, transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F for 5 minutes for a fully cooked, juicy fillet.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Horseradish Cream Sauce
- In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, followed by horseradish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Spoon the horseradish cream sauce over the salmon fillets.
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs for added freshness.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pan-Seared Salmon
- Hot Pan = Crispy Salmon: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the fish to get a perfect sear.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon continues to cook after removing from heat. For the best texture, cook until the center is just slightly translucent.
- Make It Your Own: If you’re not a fan of horseradish, simply omit it, and the sauce will still be incredibly flavorful.
About the Creator
This recipe is brought to you by Jateriya Dashai’, a passionate cook who loves elevating simple ingredients into restaurant-worthy meals. Follow @eatsbytweeet for more delicious recipes!