Creamy garlic grilled salmon is a rich and flavorful dish made with tender grilled salmon fillets topped with a luscious garlic cream sauce. It’s elegant yet easy enough for weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the smoky depth of grilled salmon with the indulgent silkiness of a creamy garlic sauce. It’s quick, protein‑rich, and perfect for low‑carb or keto‑friendly meals.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Salmon fillets, skin on or off
• Olive oil
• Salt & black pepper
• Paprika or smoked paprika
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

directions

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) over medium‑high heat.
Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Grill salmon, skin side down first, for 4–5 minutes per side or until cooked through and flaky. Remove and tent with foil.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (1–2 minutes).
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Parmesan and stir until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
Finish with lemon juice and fresh herbs.
Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the grilled salmon and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: ~10 minutes; Cook time: ~15 minutes; Total time: ~25 minutes
(Timing based on recipes from cafedelites.com, thekitchn.com, and wholesomeyum.com)

Variations

• Use coconut cream instead of dairy for a dairy‑free version.
• Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra vegetables.
• Use trout or arctic char instead of salmon.
• Add a dash of crushed red pepper for heat.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid overcooking the salmon or breaking the sauce.

FAQs

What kind of salmon works best?

Use fresh, wild-caught salmon when possible, but farm‑raised works too. Skin‑on fillets hold together better on the grill.

Can I cook the salmon indoors?

Yes—use a grill pan or cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat.

Is the garlic sauce heavy?

It’s rich but well-balanced with lemon juice and herbs; you can lighten it by using half cream and half milk.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, but reheat it slowly and whisk to maintain texture before serving.

Does the sauce pair with other proteins?

Yes—try it over chicken, shrimp, or seared scallops.

How do I know when salmon is done?

It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temp of 145°F (63°C).

Can I use pre‑minced garlic?

Fresh garlic is preferred for the best flavor, but jarred garlic can be used in a pinch.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and grilling.

What side dishes go well?

Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Is this keto-friendly?

Yes—it’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic grilled salmon is an elevated yet easy recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of grilled seafood and a velvety garlic cream sauce will impress at the dinner table—ideal for both special occasions and simple weeknight meals.