Boursin Garlic Salmon Skillet Recipe
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels fancy but comes together in a snap, you’re going to love this Boursin Garlic Salmon Skillet Recipe. It’s got that creamy, garlicky tang from the Boursin cheese that just elevates simple salmon into something really special. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on repeat – and I’m here to walk you through every step to make sure it turns out perfect.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor Harmony: The garlic and herbs in Boursin meld beautifully with tender, flaky salmon for a luscious, balanced taste.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, so it’s an effortless dish that feels gourmet.
- One-Skillet Efficiency: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup easy and keeping all those flavors married.
- Adaptability: You can tweak seasonings or add sides to make it your own, no matter your skill level.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic here mainly comes from pairing fresh salmon with that creamy, herby Boursin cheese, which melts into a rich sauce that’s both luscious and flavorful without any heavy cream. Plus, lemon juice brightens everything up so the dish doesn’t feel too heavy.
- Fresh Salmon: Choose thick fillets about an inch thick for juicy, tender results; skin on or off works, just peel it off after cooking if you prefer.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor of salmon without overpowering it.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential to bring out the natural flavors of the fish and balance the creaminess.
- Olive Oil & Butter: The combo provides the perfect searing fat, giving the fish a lovely golden crust.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture, building a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce light yet rich, and can be swapped for vegetable broth if needed.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the whole dish, cutting through the richness of Boursin.
- Boursin Fine Herbs & Garlic Cheese: This herby cream cheese is the soul of the dish, bringing a burst of flavor and creamy texture.
- Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a subtle herbaceous note to finish.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love that the Boursin Garlic Salmon Skillet Recipe is such a flexible canvas – you can easily swap herbs, add veggies to the pan, or even adjust the garlic level. I often toss in a little crushed red pepper flakes when I want a touch of heat, but it’s just as comforting without.
- Variation: For a creamier twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk with the Boursin for an ultra-rich sauce.
- Vegetarian option: Use a firm-fleshed fish alternative like firm tofu or tempeh, cooking the same way with the sauce.
- Seasonal tweak: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach with the onions for more depth and color.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Boursin Garlic Salmon Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon
First, take your salmon out of the fridge about 15 to 30 minutes before you cook. This helps it cook more evenly. Cut it into four pieces if it’s one large fillet. Pat each piece dry with paper towels—that’s a key step if you want a nice sear and not a steamed fish. Then sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over each piece. Simple but important seasoning!
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat a skillet over medium-high and add your butter and olive oil. When the fats are shimmering, carefully add the salmon pieces skin side down if the skin’s still on. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they get a golden crust but are still slightly undercooked inside. Don’t overcook here — you’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Then transfer the salmon to a plate while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Build the Sauce
Add chopped onions to the same skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes or until soft and lightly golden. This little step adds sweetness and depth. Then pour in your chicken broth along with fresh lemon juice, and add the softened Boursin cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Give it a gentle simmer for 4-5 minutes so the flavors marry and the sauce thickens a bit.
Step 4: Return Salmon & Finish Cooking
Slide the salmon back into the skillet, nestling each piece in the sauce. Turn the heat down a notch to medium-low and let it cook another 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Stir in fresh parsley at the end, taste for salt and pepper, then serve piping hot.
Pro Tips for Making Boursin Garlic Salmon Skillet Recipe
- Don’t Skip Drying the Salmon: Patting the fish dry ensures a beautiful sear instead of steaming.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing salmon and Boursin to near room temp helps them cook and melt evenly.
- Control Your Heat: Sear hot and finish low to avoid overcooked, dry salmon.
- Watch Sauce Thickness: If sauce gets too thick, add a splash more broth and stir gently.
How to Serve Boursin Garlic Salmon Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness and a few lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add a little extra zing if they want. Sometimes, I add a dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note and a gorgeous color pop.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides include steamed asparagus or green beans tossed with a bit of lemon and garlic, and a simple rice pilaf or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up that luscious sauce. Roasted baby potatoes also pair beautifully here, especially if you want something crispy and comforting alongside the salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to present the salmon over a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy polenta, with a drizzle of the sauce artistically spooned around the plate. Adding edible flowers or microgreens gives a nice gourmet touch that always impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce keeps the salmon moist, but be mindful it’s best enjoyed fresh, as texture changes a bit with refrigeration.
Freezing
Freezing cooked salmon with the sauce isn’t my favorite for texture – the salmon can get a bit mushy when thawed. If you want to freeze, freeze just the salmon before cooking, then make the sauce fresh to keep things optimal.
Reheating
When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible because it can dry out the fish. Gentle reheating helps keep that creamy, delicate texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for this Boursin Garlic Salmon Skillet Recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon works fine; just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desirable crust when searing.
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What if I can’t find Boursin cheese?
If Boursin isn’t available, you can make a quick substitute by blending cream cheese with garlic, chives, parsley, and a pinch of salt for a similar herby creamy effect.
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How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked in this recipe?
The salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through but still moist inside. It continues cooking slightly in the sauce, so avoid overcooking during the searing step.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For dairy-free, swap Boursin for a dairy-free herbed cream cheese alternative and use olive oil instead of butter. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Boursin Garlic Salmon Skillet Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. The creamy Boursin sauce paired with perfectly seared salmon is just that wonderful balance of comfort food and elegance. I hope you give it a try soon—you’ll impress yourself and anyone you share it with. Happy cooking, friend!
Print
Boursin Garlic Salmon Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
Boursin Salmon is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring pan-seared salmon topped with a rich Boursin cheese and herb sauce. This recipe combines tender salmon with garlic, onions, fresh lemon juice, and herbs to create a delicious main course perfect for a quick and elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 pound fresh salmon cut into 4 pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 3/4 cup chicken broth (use low sodium if sensitive to salt)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 (5.2 oz/150g) package Boursin Fine Herbs & Garlic cheese softened
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Take the salmon out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Cut it into 4 pieces, pat each piece dry, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the salmon: Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the salmon pieces and sear for 4 minutes per side until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté onions: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Make the sauce: Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and softened Boursin cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and bubbling, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in chopped parsley.
- Finish cooking the salmon: Return the salmon to the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The sauce should thicken during this step.
- Season and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use salmon fillets approximately 1 inch thick; adjust searing time for thicker or thinner pieces accordingly.
- If your salmon has skin, you can remove it after searing if you prefer not to eat it.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen it up.
- Allowing salmon to rest before cooking helps achieve even cooking.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control saltiness if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 piece salmon with sauce)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg