Introduction
Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms is a refined yet approachable dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavour using simple ingredients and one pan. Tender salmon fillets are seared until perfectly flaky, then finished in a fragrant garlic butter sauce alongside earthy mushrooms and wilted spinach. The result is a balanced meal that feels indulgent while remaining wholesome and quick to prepare. I often turn to this recipe when I want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The garlic butter enhances the natural richness of the salmon, while the vegetables add colour, texture, and freshness. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings together elegance, nutrition, and comfort in a way that never feels complicated.
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Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms: A Rich, Elegant One-Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms is a flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender salmon fillets cooked in rich garlic butter sauce with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 150 g each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 200 g mushrooms, sliced
- 150 g fresh spinach
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add salmon fillets and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add lemon juice and return the salmon to the skillet.
- Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the salmon and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with lemon slices if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcook the salmon to keep it moist.
- You can add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: International
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is fast, flavour-packed, and made in a single pan for easy cleanup. It pairs rich salmon with nutrient-dense vegetables and a luxurious garlic butter sauce. It is suitable for low-carb and gluten-free diets while still feeling satisfying and complete.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon Fillets
Salmon is the main protein in this dish, offering rich flavour, healthy fats, and a tender, flaky texture when cooked properly.
Butter
Butter forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and depth that complements the salmon beautifully.
Garlic
Garlic provides bold aroma and savoury warmth, infusing the butter with intense flavour.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms add an earthy note and meaty texture that balances the richness of the fish.
Fresh Spinach
Spinach wilts quickly into the sauce, adding colour, nutrients, and freshness.
Olive Oil
Olive oil helps sear the salmon evenly while preventing the butter from burning.
Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavours of the salmon and vegetables.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance to the dish.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness of the butter.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning adds subtle herbaceous notes that tie the flavours together.
Directions
Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until softened and lightly browned.
Add the spinach and cook until just wilted. Season with Italian seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the fillets. Cook for another minute to warm through, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately four people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is 15–18 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the salmon.
Variations and Customizations
Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms is easy to adapt to different tastes. For a creamier version, a small amount of cream can be added to the sauce, creating a richer finish. I have also prepared this dish using ghee instead of butter, which added a slightly nuttier flavour.
If you enjoy spice, crushed red pepper flakes can be added with the garlic. Sun-dried tomatoes or shallots make excellent additions for deeper flavour. You can also substitute kale for spinach, adjusting cooking time slightly. These variations allow you to tailor the recipe while keeping its elegant simplicity intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is high in protein and healthy fats while remaining low in carbohydrates. Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, and the vegetables contribute fibre and essential vitamins. It is naturally gluten-free and suitable for low-carb diets.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Perfect Salmon Sear
Cook salmon skin-side down first for the best texture and flavour.
Avoid Overcooking
Remove salmon as soon as it flakes easily to keep it moist.
Fresh Garlic Matters
Use fresh garlic for the most aromatic and robust sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking.
What type of mushrooms work best?
Button, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms work very well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, it is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats.
Can I bake instead of pan-sear?
Yes, but pan-searing provides better flavour and texture.
How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque.
Can I add cream to the sauce?
Yes, a small amount creates a creamy garlic sauce.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Can I use dried spinach?
Fresh spinach is recommended for best texture.
Does lemon make the salmon fishy?
No, it enhances freshness and balances richness.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms is a sophisticated yet simple dish that delivers bold flavour, nutritional balance, and visual appeal. With its quick preparation, one-pan method, and elegant presentation, it is an excellent choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. This recipe proves that wholesome cooking can still feel indulgent and refined.
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