🐟🦐 Pan-Seared Salmon & Shrimp in Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
Some dinners feel like something you’d order at a nice seaside restaurant, yet they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. This Pan-Seared Salmon & Shrimp in Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is one of those meals. I first made it after a close friend suggested combining two of my favorite seafoods into one dish. I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but after one bite of the flaky salmon, juicy shrimp, and silky lemon butter sauce, I knew it would become a regular in our dinner rotation.
Last weekend, I prepared this for my family as a special Saturday evening meal. As the salmon sizzled in the skillet and the buttery garlic sauce filled the kitchen with the aroma of fresh lemon and herbs, everyone gathered around asking when dinner would be ready. We served it with roasted asparagus and fluffy rice, and every plate was completely clean by the end of the meal. It’s one of those recipes that feels elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight when you want something a little extra special.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a restaurant-quality seafood dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Restaurant-quality at home
Ready in about 35 minutes
High in protein
Rich, creamy, and flavorful
Perfect for date night or family dinners
Naturally low in carbohydrates
Easy enough for beginners
Pairs well with countless side dishes
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired, American
🛒 Ingredients
Seafood
4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken or seafood broth
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Garnishes
Lemon slices
Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese
Cracked black pepper
🍳 Equipment Needed
Large skillet
Tongs
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Season the Seafood
Pat the salmon and shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season both with:
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Garlic powder
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets).
Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through.
Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet, add the shrimp.
Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
Remove and set aside with the salmon.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Melt the remaining butter.
Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Pour in the broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in:
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Dijon mustard (if using)
Italian seasoning
Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet.
Spoon the sauce over the seafood and simmer for 2–3 minutes, just until heated through.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with lemon slices and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately while hot.
💡 Tips for Success
Pat the Seafood Dry
Removing excess moisture helps create a beautiful golden crust on both the salmon and shrimp.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat.
Fresh Lemon Makes a Difference
Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the rich cream sauce and balance the flavors beautifully.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Fresh Parmesan melts more smoothly and creates a silky sauce.
🌟 Delicious Variations
Mediterranean Style
Add:
Baby spinach
Cherry tomatoes
Kalamata olives
Capers
during the final few minutes of cooking.
Keto Version
Serve over:
Cauliflower mash
Zucchini noodles
Sautéed spinach
for a low-carb meal.
Spicy Seafood
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce.
Garlic Lovers
Increase the garlic to 6 cloves for an extra-bold flavor.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This seafood dinner pairs beautifully with:
Garlic mashed potatoes
Buttered rice
Parmesan risotto
Roasted asparagus
Steamed broccoli
Green beans
Mediterranean salad
Crusty bread
Last weekend, I served this dish with roasted asparagus and fluffy jasmine rice. The creamy lemon butter sauce soaked into the rice beautifully, making every bite absolutely irresistible.
🥡 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
The seafood freezes well, but the cream sauce may separate after thawing. For best quality, enjoy fresh.
Reheating
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened.
Avoid overheating to keep the seafood tender.
📊 Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 545
Protein: 43g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 220mg
Sodium: 560mg
Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon and shrimp?
Yes. Thaw both completely in the refrigerator and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture and browning.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes. Half-and-half will make a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich or thick.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead and gently reheat it over low heat before adding the seafood.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check packaged broth and seasonings to be sure.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli are delicious additions and cook beautifully in the creamy sauce.
💚 Final Thoughts
This Pan-Seared Salmon & Shrimp in Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is the perfect combination of elegance and comfort. Tender salmon, juicy shrimp, and a rich, creamy lemon garlic sauce come together in one skillet for a meal that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare.
When I made this for my family last weekend, it quickly became one of those dinners everyone requested I make again. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday, date night, or simply treating yourself to a special homemade meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.