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salmon and mashed potatoes

Salmon and Mashed Potatoes with Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

A comforting yet elegant dish featuring perfectly pan-seared salmon with a crispy golden crust, served over creamy mashed potatoes and drizzled with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, European
Servings 3 people
Calories 711 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling potatoes
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Colander for draining
  • Mixing bowl
  • Heavy-bottomed skillet or non-stick pan
  • Fish spatula
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salmon:

  • 2-4 salmon fillets wild-caught preferred
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon oil

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Fresh herbs dill, parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

  • Peel and cut potatoes into chunks.
  • Boil in salted water until fork-tender.
  • Drain and mash with warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Cook the Salmon:

  • Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
  • Sear salmon skin-side up for 4-5 minutes until golden, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • Melt butter in a small saucepan, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
  • Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Assemble the Dish:

  • Spoon mashed potatoes onto a plate, place salmon on top, and drizzle with creamy garlic butter sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge.

Notes

  • Warm milk and butter before adding them to mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
  • Let salmon rest for a few minutes before serving to retain moisture.
  • Customize mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, chives, or cheese for extra flavor.
Keyword salmon, salmon and mashed potatoes