Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy White Beans

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Staring for a healthy dinner that's full of flavor? Look no farther than this Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon White Beans dish! Imagine freshly cooked salmon fillets drenched in a decadent garlic butter sauce, nestled alongside creamy white beans that soak up all the lemony sweetness.

This recipe is not only tasty, but also nutritious, and it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare - ideal for hectic weeknights! Let's look at how to recreate this flavor explosion in your own kitchen.

Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy White Beans: A One-Pan Wonder!

Let's whip up a delicious and super easy weeknight meal that's sure to impress everyone at the table: Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy White Beans! This recipe is all about fresh flavors and comes together in just one pan with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Imagine perfectly flaky salmon bathed in a lemony garlic butter sauce, nestled alongside creamy cannellini beans. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more!

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. So, let's get cooking!

Preparation time: 10 minutes.    Yield: 2 servings.    Cooking time: 15 minutes

Here's what you'll need (serves 2):

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) salmon fillets, cut into 2 pieces
• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, we love Sriracha!)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon, divided
• 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth (or white wine)
• 1/2 stick butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Lemon slices, for garnish

Let's make magic happen!

1. Marinate the salmon: In a jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, hot sauce (if using), half the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Place the salmon in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prep the beans.
2. Heat up the pan: Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-low heat. Remove the salmon from the marinade and pat dry. Add the salmon to the pan and cook gently on both sides until golden brown and flaky (around 5-7 minutes per side). Tip: Keep the heat low to avoid burning the skin and marinade.
3. Build the creamy sauce: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Add the vegetable broth (or white wine) to the pan and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the butter, remaining lemon juice, and the leftover marinade. Let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Welcome the beans!: Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pan and toss them in the sauce for 2 minutes.
5. Reunion time: Gently push the beans to one side of the pan and add the cooked salmon back in. Reheat everything for another minute, letting the flavors marry beautifully.
6. Time to shine! Plate your delicious creation, garnishing it with fresh parsley (or cilantro), a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a bright lemon slice.

There you have it! A restaurant-worthy Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy White Beans, ready to be devoured in under 30 minutes.

We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

Pro Tips for Your Garlic Butter Salmon and Creamy White Beans:

Salmon Savvy: No matter your preference, this recipe works for both skin-on and skinless salmon fillets. We love skin-on because it crisps up beautifully and helps prevent sticking during the second sear. Just remember to cook the salmon over low heat to avoid burning the marinade and ensure a perfect sear.

Bean Broth Bonus: Some folks like to use the leftover liquid from the canned beans in their cooking. Feel free to add a splash to your sauce for extra flavor, but go easy on it! Too much bean liquid can make the sauce overly thick.

Crispy Skin Perfection: Pat the salmon dry before searing to ensure crispy skin.

Don't Crowd the Pan: This recipe is for two servings. If doubling the recipe, use a larger pan to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Salmon Savior: Unsure if your salmon is cooked through? Flake a small piece with a fork in the center. If it's opaque and flakes easily, it's done!

Leftover Magic: Leftover cooked salmon and beans can be flaked and tossed with fresh greens, chopped vegetables, and a light vinaigrette for a delicious and healthy salad.

Wine Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Recipe Variations for Your Garlic Butter Salmon and Creamy White Beans:

Flavor Twists:

Mediterranean Twist: Add a sprinkle of dried oregano and thyme to the marinade for a touch of Mediterranean flair.

Spicy Kick: Love a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped fresh jalapeno to the marinade.

Citrusy Sunshine: Swap the lemon juice for equal parts orange and lime juice for a bright and citrusy twist.

Herb Heaven: Fresh herbs elevate any dish! Add chopped fresh dill, chives, or tarragon alongside the parsley for extra flavor.

Bean Bonanza:

Cannellini Classics: Love the cannellini beans? Stick with the original recipe for a creamy and satisfying side.

White Bean Medley: Swap the cannellini beans for chickpeas, kidney beans, or a mix of your favorites for a different texture and flavor.

Veggie Powerhouse: Add a cup of chopped broccoli florets or sliced asparagus to the pan with the beans for an extra veggie boost.

Salmon Substitutes:

Firm and Flavorful: While salmon is the star, this recipe works well with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of your fish.

Here's why this Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy White Beans recipe is both love-worthy and healthy:

Love at First Bite:

Flavorful Fusion: The combination of tender, flaky salmon bathed in a garlicky, lemony butter sauce alongside creamy white beans is a symphony of textures and tastes that's simply delicious.

One-Pan Wonder: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and just one pan for cleanup! It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.

Fresh and Appealing: The use of fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs adds a vibrant touch that makes this dish feel light and inviting.

Healthy from the Inside Out:

Salmon Powerhouse: Salmon is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. These contribute to heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.

Fiber Fiesta: White beans are packed with fiber, which keeps you feeling full and promotes healthy digestion. They're also a good source of plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Light and Balanced: This recipe is relatively low in calories and fat compared to heavier cream-based dishes. The use of olive oil and a light hand with the butter keeps it on the healthier side.

Overall, this Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy White Beans is a recipe that delivers on both taste and nutrition. It's a perfect example of how delicious and healthy eating can go hand-in-hand!

Leftover Love: Storing Your Garlic Butter Salmon and Creamy White Beans

This dish is just as delicious the next day! Here's how to store and reheat your leftovers:

Storage: Keep any leftover garlic butter salmon and cannellini beans in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in the microwave until warmed through.