Crispy Skin Salmon with Creamed Spinach

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes


Ingredients:

For the Salmon

  • 2 skin-on salmon fillets (6–8 oz each)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 lemon (cut into wedges)

For the Creamed Spinach

  • 2 tsp olive oil or butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 oz fresh spinach (or 8 oz frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

Prepare the Creamed Spinach

  1. Heat 2 tsp olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted (or add thawed, drained frozen spinach).
  4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened and creamy.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Set aside on low to keep warm.

Cook the Salmon

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Place salmon skin-side down and press gently to ensure full contact with the pan.
  4. Cook without moving for 4–5 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the salmon is mostly opaque.
  5. Flip and add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Baste the salmon with the garlic butter as it finishes cooking (1–2 minutes).
  6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over just before serving.

To Serve

  • Plate each salmon fillet skin-side up.
  • Spoon creamed spinach alongside.
  • Garnish with a lemon wedge and optionally some shaved Parmesan or chopped parsley.