Grilled Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
This elegant yet easy dish brings together two seafood favorites—juicy shrimp and tender salmon—seared to perfection and drizzled in a rich, creamy lemon garlic butter sauce. The dish is packed with flavor, texture, and freshness, making it ideal for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dinner.
Time Estimate:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Ingredients:
Seafood:
2 salmon fillets
10–12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Juice of 1/2 lemon (plus extra lemon slices for garnish)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
Season the Seafood:
Pat salmon and shrimp dry.Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Cook the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook salmon fillets skin-side down first for about 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
Lower heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in cream, broth, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble and Serve:
Return the salmon and shrimp to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and garnish with parsley/chives and charred lemon slices. Serve hot.
Tips:
Don’t Overcook Seafood:
Salmon should be moist and flaky, not dry. Shrimp are done when they curl and turn opaque with a slight pink hue.
Use a Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan:
For a beautiful sear and even cooking, a hot cast iron pan is ideal.
Pat Dry Before Cooking:
This helps achieve a good crust and prevents the seafood from steaming.
Char the Lemon:
Searing lemon halves cut-side down in the skillet brings out their sweetness and adds a smoky edge to the dish.
Rest the Salmon:
Let it rest for a couple of minutes after cooking for juicier results.
Variations:
Add Veggies:
Serve with sautéed green beans, asparagus, or roasted cherry tomatoes for a complete one-pan meal.
Spicy Kick:
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce or seasoning mix.
Wine-Based Sauce:
Replace broth with a splash of white wine for a more sophisticated flavor.
Herb Butter Twist:
Infuse butter with fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon before adding cream for extra aroma.
Low-Carb Option:
Serve over cauliflower rice, zoodles, or leafy greens instead of pasta or grains.
Cheese Swap:
Instead of Parmesan, try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp or salmon?
A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.
Q: What sides go well with this dish?
A: Great options include mashed potatoes, steamed rice, roasted veggies, pasta, or a fresh garden salad.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving to avoid separation.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as your broth and cheese are gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving – based on 2 servings):
Calories: 520
Protein: 40g
Fat: 36g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Sodium: 480mg
Note: Values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion:
This Grilled Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce is a seafood lover’s dream—rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home that’s perfect for date night, family dinners, or entertaining guests. Whether paired with veggies, pasta, or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and elegant presentation.