Easy Pan Seared Salmon with Mushroom Sauce

Recipe Video

Ingredients

(You can find the exact measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this page.)

• Fresh salmon fillets: Though this recipe will work for any kind of fillet, choose center-cut fillets if possible. They will be the most evenly shaped, perfect for pan-searing.
• Fresh mushrooms: I prefer cremini (brown button) mushrooms, since they have a deep flavor and are best suited for the creamy sauce. That’s why I use them in mushroom pesto pasta recipe as well.
• Olive oil: To sear the salmon filets
• Butter, flour and whole milk: To thicken the sauce and make it creamy
• Spices: Cayenne and black pepper
• Other flavor enhancers: Lemon juice, garlic and fresh chilies
• Chicken stock: For umami flavor, you can also use vegetable broth
• Fresh herbs: Rosemary, thyme or parsley.

How to make salmon with mushroom sauce 

Season the salmon

Mix up cayenne pepper, black pepper and salt in a small bowl.

Season the salmon with the spice mix. Drizzle lemon juice on the salmon fillets.

Pan-sear the salmon

Heat oil in a large skillet or saute pan. Place the salmon filets skin side down.

Cook on medium-high heat for 2 minutes.

Flip the salmon fillets and brown the flesh side for 2 minutes. Remove and keep aside.

Make creamy mushroom sauce

Remove the oil from the pan and add butter. Once the butter melts, add minced garlic and green chilies.

Sauté on medium heat for a couple of minutes until the garlic starts to brown.

Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes.

Sprinkle all purpose flour and stir for 2 to 3 minutes.

Slowly add stock, a few spoons at a time.

Once everything gets mixed without lumps, add the rest of the stock and milk.

Bring it to a boil on medium high heat.

Once the sauce starts boiling, stir in black pepper and fresh rosemary.

Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

Finish cooking salmon in creamy mushroom sauce

Place the browned salmon fillets and coat them with the warm sauce.

Cover the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Salmon with mushroom cream sauce is ready to be served!

Serve individual portions of salmon fillets topped with mushroom sauce. Serve with crusty bread and steamed veggies for a simple healthy dinner.

You can also serve it with pasta as salmon mushroom pasta: mix the sauce with cooked pasta and serve with shredded salmon.

Recipe tips

Cooking time: Once you add the pan seared salmon to the sauce, allow only a maximum of 5 minutes. Since the salmon is almost done, it needs only that much time to cook in the mushroom sauce. 

Rule of thumb: Allow 2 minutes for about 1-inch thick salmon and add a minute for every additional ½ inch.

Storage and make ahead tips

Storing leftovers: Salmon with mushroom sauce keeps in the fridge for about 3 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it.

Making ahead: This recipe can be frozen. The taste remains the same, but the texture of the salmon might change, depending on how fresh the salmon was before you cooked it.

For the best results, store the pan seared salmon and mushroom sauce in separate airtight containers. 

Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight. Add salmon to the sauce and heat in a pan on stove top or in the microwave. Use low heat/power to ensure uniform heating.

Why you’ll love this salmon with creamy mushroom sauce

• One-pan dish: No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps. Just throw it all in a pan, let the magic happen.
• No heavy cream, no problem: Low-cal doesn’t have to mean low-delicious. This dish, like baked salmon kabobs, proves that healthy and heavenly can go hand-in-hand, leaving you feeling satisfied, not deprived.
• Flavor explosion in every bite: Forget bland! This sauce is bursting with flavors from aromatic garlic, earthy mushrooms, and a touch of tangy lemon.
• Salmon that sizzles: This salmon gets pan-seared to perfection, with a crispy golden crust and a juicy, tender center. If you’ve tried the brown butter honey garlic salmon, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
• Hello, healthy goodness! This dish is packed with protein, vitamins, and good fatty acids, making it a nutritional all-star. You can indulge in this healthy dish without the guilt, knowing you’re fueling your body with delicious goodness.
• Versatile & crowd-pleasing: Whether it’s an easy weeknight meal or a dinner party with friends, this salmon dish shines. It’s versatile enough to steal the spotlight on any occasion and will have everyone asking for your secret!

Variations and substitutions

Sautéed spinach: Add some sautéed spinach when you add the salmon fillets. This will add more flavor, nutrition and a pop of color.

Sun-dried tomatoes: They add a bit of sweetness and tang.

Stock: If you don’t have chicken or vegetable stock, use bouillon cubes. Dissolve a cube in ¾ cup of hot water for this recipe.

Fresh herbs: Feel free to use any herb you have on hand. If you don’t have fresh ones, dried herbs work too.

Making it for a crowd

This salmon recipe can be easily scaled up or down. Use the slider that will appear if you hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card below.

What to serve with salmon with mushroom cream sauce

Alright, friends, you’ve just whipped up this epic salmon smothered in dreamy, creamy mushroom sauce (without the guilt trip!), but the party doesn’t stop there! Here are some perfect partners for your salmon masterpiece:

1. Grain games:

• Quinoa power bowl: Fluffy quinoa bursts with nutty goodness and soaks up that extra sauce like a champ. Add roasted veggies, black beans, and a sprinkle of avocado for a fiesta in a bowl.
• Brown rice: Brown rice adds a chewy, earthy vibe that balances the creamy sauce. Toss in some chopped herbs and sunflower seeds for a textural adventure.
• Salmon mushroom pasta (as mentioned above): Pasta soaks up the delicious creamy mushroom sauce like nobody’s business.

2. Veggie Extravaganza:

• Balsamic roasted brussels sprouts and carrots: Adds color and nutrients to your (already) nutritious meal.
• Roasted potatoes and broccoli with rosemary: A simple, flavorful side, a nutritional powerhouse and adds a pop of green to your plate.
• Unique roasted green beans and carrots with almonds: Pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.

Click here for more side dishes.

3. Salad surprise:

• Beet walnut feta salad with a light and flavorful roasted garlic dressing.
• Potato salad with raisins and Greek yogurt, a refreshing twist on the traditional potato salad.
• Beet orange salad with citrus ginger dressing.

Click here for more salads.