Garlic Butter Salmon and Mashed Potatoes: easy and delicious recipe

Looking for a mid-week meal that combines simplicity, speed, and irresistible flavors? Look no further! This garlic butter salmon and mashed potatoes dish is the perfect solution for a dinner date ready in just 20 minutes. The contrast between the crispy skin of the pan-seared salmon and the smoothness of the mashed potatoes, all enhanced by a tangy garlic butter sauce, will delight your taste buds.

Why You Should Make This Salmon and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

This recipe has numerous benefits that make it a must-have in your culinary repertoire:

• Quick and efficient: Ready in only 20 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Perfect portions: Designed for two people, it’s the ideal effortless romantic dinner.
• Health and wellness: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart and brain health.
• Accessible ingredients: All ingredients are easy to find in any grocery store.
• Flexibility: Works well with both fresh and frozen (thawed) salmon.
• Economical: The sauce ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.
• Adaptable: You can vary the accompanying vegetables according to your preferences or what you have on hand.

How to Cook Perfect Pan-Seared Salmon Every Time

The key to successful pan-seared salmon lies in a few simple but effective tricks:

1. Thoroughly dry your salmon before cooking by gently patting it with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve that desirable crispy skin.
2. Lightly salt both sides of the fillet. Salt not only enhances flavor but also contributes to creating that sought-after golden crust.
3. Use a hot pan with a bit of heat-resistant oil. Place the salmon skin-side down first and cover for about 4 minutes. This technique allows for even cooking without drying out the fish.
4. Gently flip the fillet and continue cooking for another 3 minutes with the lid on.
5. For a perfect finish, briefly sear the sides of the fillet for a uniform crust. Watch this step carefully to avoid overcooking the salmon, which would make it dry.

Creating Creamy and Healthy salmon and Mashed Potatoes

The perfect mashed potatoes are a balance between creaminess and lightness:

• Choose the right potatoes: Russets are ideal for smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes thanks to their high starch content.
• Respect the proportions: A balanced ratio of butter and milk ensures a perfect texture, neither too liquid nor too compact.
• Lighter option: For a less caloric but still delicious version, opt for skim milk or unsweetened almond milk, and slightly reduce the amount of butter.
• Mashing technique: For an airy texture, prefer a manual potato masher rather than a food processor, which could make the mashed potatoes sticky.

Variations and Substitutions for Salmon and Mashed Potatoes

This versatile recipe can be adapted according to your tastes and what’s in your refrigerator:

• Alternative proteins: Replace salmon with chicken or turkey for a different but equally tasty version.
• Starchy base: Sweet potato can advantageously replace classic potatoes for a sweeter and more colorful touch.
• Twist for the mashed potatoes: Add finely grated and cooked cabbage with some lemon pepper for an invigorating and original mash.
• Accompanying vegetables: Vary the pleasures with broccoli, snow peas, bok choy, or baby spinach.
• Condiment variations: Whole grain mustard can replace Dijon mustard for a more rustic texture.
• Aromatic herbs: Experiment with combinations like basil-oregano or thyme-oregano instead of dried dill and chives.

Ingredients for Salmon and Mashed Potatoes

Main Dish Ingredients	Quantity	Garlic Butter Sauce Ingredients	Quantity
Salmon fillets	2 (about 150g each)	Fresh lemon juice	2 tablespoons
Russet potatoes	400g, peeled and cut	Garlic, finely chopped	2 cloves
Milk	3 tablespoons	Butter	3 tablespoons
Butter	2 tablespoons	Dijon mustard	1 teaspoon
Green beans	200g, trimmed	Dried dill	1/2 teaspoon
Salt and pepper	To taste	Sea salt	A pinch

Instructions

1. Preparing the potatoes: Place the potato pieces in a pot of lightly salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, until tender.
2. Cooking the salmon: Meanwhile, thoroughly dry the salmon fillets with paper towels. Salt and pepper both sides. In a pan over medium-high heat, heat a drizzle of oil. Place the salmon skin-side down, cover and let cook for 4 minutes. Gently flip, cover again and continue cooking for 3 minutes. Briefly sear the sides if necessary.
3. Preparing the vegetables: Steam the green beans for 3-4 minutes or microwave them in a covered bowl with 2 tablespoons of water for 2-3 minutes.
4. Finishing the mashed potatoes: Drain the potatoes, add the butter and milk, then mash them until you get a smooth and creamy texture. Salt and pepper to taste.
5. Preparing the sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and let it release its aromas without coloring (about 30 seconds). Incorporate the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir until you get a homogeneous sauce.

Serving Your Salmon and Mashed Potatoes

Divide the mashed potatoes between two warm plates, forming a creamy bed. Gently place a salmon fillet on each portion of mashed potatoes. Generously drizzle with garlic butter sauce and arrange the green beans alongside. Serve immediately to enjoy all the textures and flavors at their peak.

Nutrition

Per serving:

• Calories: 510 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 3g (naturally present in vegetables)

try more delicious salmon recipes

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• Crispy Baked Salmon Belly Recipe with Soy-Ginger Glaze

• One-Pot Salmon Stew Recipe: A Comforting Masterpiece in 30 Minutes

• Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe: Easy Sushi Bake in Under 40 Minutes

Feel free to leave a comment to share your experience with this recipe or ask your questions. Enjoy your meal!