This Salmon Florentine is a tasty blend of juicy salmon, fresh spinach, and soft mushrooms. It’s colorful, healthy, and perfect for a quick dinner!
I love how easy it is to whip up. Just pan-sear the salmon and toss in the veggies. It’s like a party on your plate, and you won’t have to clean up much afterward! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is the star here, but you can swap it for trout or even chicken if you’re not a fish fan. If using frozen salmon, just ensure to thaw it well before cooking.
Mushrooms: I like cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor, but white button mushrooms work too. If you’re looking to switch it up, try using shiitake or portobello mushrooms.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe, but you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it and drain excess water before adding to the dish.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, consider half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Keep in mind that consistency may vary.
Parmesan Cheese: While I recommend Parmesan for its sharp flavor, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
How Can I Make Sure My Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your salmon just right is key to this dish. Here’s how to ensure it’s perfectly cooked:
- Start with room temperature salmon, letting it sit out for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Use medium-high heat in your skillet. Listen for a nice sizzle when you place the salmon in the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side without moving it. Then, flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it’s golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remember, salmon can continue cooking even after you remove it from the heat, so play it safe and don’t overcook!
These tips and ingredients should help you make a delicious Salmon Florentine! Enjoy your cooking!
Salmon Florentine With Spinach & Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
For The Veggies:
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For The Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
To Serve:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or your choice of side
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Salmon Florentine takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes for cooking. Total time is about 25 minutes, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Start by generously seasoning both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and enhances the taste of the fish.
2. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the salmon fillets. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Gently remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and brown. The leftover oil or butter will add great flavor to the mushrooms!
4. Add Garlic and Spinach:
Next, throw in the minced garlic and cook while stirring for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts down, which should take a minute or two.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
6. Finish the Dish:
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and taste the sauce, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Return the cooked salmon fillets to the pan, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let everything heat together for a minute.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salmon over your choice of cooked rice or a side you love. Spoon extra creamy spinach and mushroom sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. It’s time to enjoy your delightful Salmon Florentine!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about an hour.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want to make this dish dairy-free, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I Use Different Greens Instead of Spinach?
Absolutely! While spinach gives a nice flavor and texture, you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard. Just note that these greens may need a bit more cooking time to soften up.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth.
