This Salmon Florentine is a tasty dish that combines juicy salmon with fresh spinach and mushrooms. It’s bright, colorful, and perfect for a healthy meal!
Cooking this is a breeze. I love how the flavors blend together, and it makes the kitchen smell amazing. Plus, who can resist that lovely green color? 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are key for this dish. If you’re on a budget, you can use frozen salmon, just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking. Alternatively, trout can be a tasty substitute!
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms are perfect here for their flavor. If you’re looking for a different taste, shiitake mushrooms are a great option. Even canned mushrooms can work in a pinch!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal for its bright green color and nutrients. You can use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available; just remember to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind the flavor will change a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enriches the sauce, but you could swap in Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor. Nutritional yeast is a great non-dairy substitute if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking the salmon to perfection is crucial for this dish. Here are my tips to ensure it comes out just right:
- Start with room temperature fillets. Let them sit out for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly.
- Heat your pan properly before adding the salmon. A hot skillet will give you a nice crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each fillet enough space to get a good sear without steaming.
- Check for doneness. Salmon is best when it flakes easily but still has a bit of translucence in the center. It will continue cooking even after you take it off the heat.
These tips should help you create a delicious Salmon Florentine that’s both visually appealing and packed with flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
Salmon Florentine With Spinach & Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms work well)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and seasoning the salmon, and then about 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This step ensures that the salmon gets that lovely sear. Next, season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, gently add the salmon fillets. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re cooked through and have a nice golden crust. Once done, carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once it’s melted, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re browned and tender. Stirring occasionally will help them cook evenly!
4. Add Garlic and Spinach:
Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell its delicious aroma. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble slightly. Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until the sauce thickens and gets nice and creamy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Taste the sauce, and add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice as desired.
6. Combine and Serve:
Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning some of that creamy sauce, spinach, and mushrooms over the top. Let everything warm through for a couple of minutes, then it’s time to dig in! Serve the salmon while it’s hot, and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if you like.
Now enjoy your flavorful and comforting Salmon Florentine with Spinach & Mushrooms! It’s an easy dish that’s loaded with great flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw frozen salmon overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker method.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Alternatively, coconut milk works well for a dairy-free version, although it will add a subtle coconut flavor!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What Else Can I Add to the Dish?
You can customize this dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also enhance the flavor profile beautifully!
