If you’re craving a dinner that feels both elegant and effortlessly fresh, the Garlic Lemon Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. This dish combines tender salmon fillets and plump shrimp in a luscious butter and garlic sauce, brightened perfectly with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Every bite bursts with flavor, from the savory garlic aroma to the subtle kick of cayenne, all coming together in one skillet to make cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing a friend, this recipe is a celebration of simplicity and taste that shines through every ingredient.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is all you need to create this stunning Garlic Lemon Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe. Each component plays its part, lending richness, brightness, and that lovely pop of green that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Salmon fillets (about 6 oz each): Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Large shrimp (8 oz, peeled and deveined): Adds a juicy, delicate contrast to the salmon.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): The heart of the aromatic base that wakes up your taste buds.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Creates a luscious, creamy sauce to coat the seafood.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Brings a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish and lovely color contrast.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor note.
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a subtle kick if you like a little heat.
How to Make Garlic Lemon Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by rinsing the salmon fillets under cold water and gently patting them dry with paper towels—this step helps the skin crisp up beautifully when cooked. Peel and devein your shrimp to ensure they’re ready to cook evenly without any surprises.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter until it’s bubbly and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic, cooking it for about 30 seconds just until fragrant—don’t let it brown, as you want that mellow, sweet garlic flavor to shine through.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp straight into the butter and garlic mixture. Season them with salt and pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and curl up slightly. The shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, nestling them in the buttery mixture beside the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper and cook without disturbing for around 5 to 6 minutes. This allows the skin to crisp up nicely while the flesh cooks through to tender perfection.
Step 5: Add the Lemon and Simmer
Squeeze the fresh juice of one lemon over the skillet. This bright acidity cuts through the richness and adds a vibrant layer of flavor. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 more minutes until the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Step 6: Finish with Parsley and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the skillet for a fresh, green pop and a touch of herbaceousness that perfectly complements the seafood. Serve immediately while hot, soaking up all those delicious buttery juices.
How to Serve Garlic Lemon Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley is heavenly, but you can also add thinly sliced lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrus punch. A touch of freshly cracked black pepper on top right before serving enhances the aroma and taste beautifully.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve this Garlic Lemon Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe alongside fluffy steamed rice or a vibrant quinoa salad. Roasted asparagus or garlic sautéed green beans add a crunchy, fresh contrast to the buttery seafood.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salmon and shrimp over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside buttery garlic pasta for a comforting twist. You can also plate it with a colorful medley of grilled vegetables to create a stunning presentation that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cool them to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, maintaining most of their flavor and texture.
Freezing
While freezing seafood dishes can be tricky, you can freeze portions of the cooked salmon and shrimp in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to a month. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly once thawed.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the fish and shrimp. Adding a splash of lemon juice or a knob of butter during reheating helps retain moisture and revitalize the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent proper searing.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is ideal for its brightness, but you can substitute with bottled lemon juice in a pinch—just use a little less to avoid overpowering the dish.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should flake easily when gently pressed with a fork and appear opaque all the way through, but still moist and tender inside.
Can I add other herbs besides parsley?
Definitely! Dill, thyme, or chives can be wonderful alternatives or additions, each bringing their own fresh, aromatic flair to the recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s naturally mild, but the optional pinch of cayenne pepper gives it a gentle warmth. Feel free to skip it or adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Lemon Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe is a true delight, combining freshness and comfort in a way that’s quick enough for a weeknight yet special enough for company. The joyful mix of buttery garlic, citrus zing, and perfectly cooked seafood creates a dish you’ll be excited to make again and again. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want something deliciously simple yet impressive.
Print
Garlic Lemon Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful skillet-cooked seafood dish combining tender salmon fillets and juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley for a bright, savory meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done, then set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper (and cayenne pepper if using). Cook the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the skillet with the shrimp. Season the fillets with salt and pepper as well. Cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until the salmon develops a golden brown crust on the skin side.
- Simmer with Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and shrimp, then reduce the heat slightly and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the seafood and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet and butter are properly heated before adding garlic to avoid burning.
- Do not flip the salmon fillets repeatedly; cooking skin-side down undisturbed helps get a crispy skin.
- Optionally add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Serving suggestions include steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
