Here’s a **concise, reliable recipe** for *Pan-Seared Salmon with Mushroom & Spinach Sauce* that gives you restaurant-level flavor with minimal fuss.
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## 🐟 Pan-Seared Salmon with Mushroom & Spinach Sauce
**Serves:** 2 • **Time:** 25–30 minutes
### **Ingredients**
**For the salmon:**
* 2 salmon fillets (skin-on preferred)
* Salt & black pepper
* 1–2 tbsp olive oil
**For the sauce:**
* 1 tbsp butter
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or mixed)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 small shallot (or ¼ onion), finely chopped
* 2 cups fresh spinach
* ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
* ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth (optional but adds depth)
* 1–2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional but great)
* Salt & pepper
* Lemon juice (a squeeze)
* Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), optional
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## 🔥 Instructions
### **1. Sear the Salmon**
1. Pat salmon dry and season both sides with salt & pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over **medium-high** until shimmering.
3. Place salmon **skin-side down**. Press lightly for 10 seconds to prevent curling.
4. Cook ~4–5 minutes until skin is crisp and the sides turn opaque ¾ of the way up.
5. Flip and cook 1–2 minutes more.
6. Transfer salmon to a plate and keep warm.
### **2. Make the Mushroom & Spinach Sauce**
1. In the same pan, reduce heat to **medium**, add butter + a splash of oil.
2. Add mushrooms; cook 4–5 minutes until browned and their moisture evaporates.
3. Stir in shallot and garlic; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add broth (if using) and let it reduce by half.
5. Add cream and Parmesan; simmer gently 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
### **3. Combine**
* Nestle salmon back into the pan or serve with sauce spooned generously on top.
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## 🍋 Tips for Best Results
* **Crispy skin:** Start with a very hot pan and *don’t move* the salmon.
* **Brown your mushrooms well:** This adds deep savory flavor.
* **Lemon at the end:** Brightens the rich cream sauce.
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If you want, I can provide:
✅ A lighter (non-cream) version
✅ A dairy-free version
✅ A wine-pairing suggestion
✅ A one-pan meal with potatoes or pasta
Would you like any variations?
