Creamy Boursin Salmon Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a dinner that’s both elegant and straightforward, you’re going to love this Creamy Boursin Salmon Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for company but comes together pretty quickly, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Trust me, the rich, herby Boursin cheese paired with tender, flaky salmon creates a flavor combo you’ll want on repeat. Keep reading — I’ll walk you through every step to nail this recipe perfectly.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple, High-Impact Flavors: The blend of Boursin’s garlic and herbs elevates the salmon without overpowering it.
- Quick Cooking Process: You can whip this up in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy afternoons.
- Moist & Tender Salmon Every Time: The searing plus gentle simmer in the creamy sauce ensures the salmon stays perfectly juicy.
- Versatile & Adaptable: This recipe is easy to tweak for your taste or what you have in the pantry.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Creamy Boursin Salmon Recipe comes from pairing fresh salmon with a rich, herb-infused cheese sauce. Each ingredient plays a key role, and I always recommend fresh, quality salmon for the best result. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why.
- Fresh salmon: The star protein; fresh, firm cuts with about 1-inch thickness work best for even cooking.
- Garlic powder: Gives a gentle, savory kick that complements the Boursin but won’t overwhelm.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the salmon’s natural flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds a hint of fruitiness and helps sear the fish beautifully.
- Butter: For that golden, rich crust on the salmon and flavor depth in the sauce.
- Onion: Softens and sweetens while cooking down, adding flavor layers to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Creates the base of the sauce; I use low sodium so I can control seasoning.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness, balancing the dish.
- Boursin Fine Herbs & Garlic cheese: The creamy, herbaceous star that makes this recipe stand out.
- Chopped parsley: Adds fresh color and a little herbal pop at the end.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I really enjoy about my Creamy Boursin Salmon Recipe is how easy it is to adjust based on what you love or what’s in your fridge. Sometimes I swap the parsley for dill if I’m in an herbal mood, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat – whatever you prefer.
- Variation: If you like a lighter sauce, try adding a splash of white wine instead of some chicken broth – it adds a subtle tang and depth I adore.
- Dietary changes: Want to make it dairy-free? Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative instead of Boursin and check your broth for allergens.
- Seasonal touches: Grated lemon zest on top before serving adds a fresh zing in spring and summer.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Boursin Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prep Salmon & Season
One trick that’s helped me get perfect salmon every time is taking the fillets out of the fridge about 15-30 minutes before cooking. It helps the salmon cook more evenly. When you’re ready, cut your salmon into 4 pieces (if not pre-cut). Pat each piece dry with paper towels — moisture on the surface can cause splatter and less crispy edges — then season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Sear Salmon Until Golden
Heat your olive oil and butter together in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot and shimmering, add the salmon pieces skin-side down (if there’s skin) or just one side if skinless. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until each is lightly browned. Don’t cook fully yet — you want some translucency inside so it stays juicy through the next steps. Once seared, transfer the salmon to a clean plate.
Step 3: Sauté Onions & Build Sauce
In the same skillet (no need to clean), add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and just starting to turn golden. The butter left behind adds fantastic flavor here. Then pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Now, stir in the Boursin cheese until it melts into the liquid, making a creamy, herby sauce. Let this bubble gently for 4-5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Finish Cooking Salmon in Sauce
Return your salmon pieces to the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce. Turn the heat down to medium-low and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the sauce is thicker but still silky. In this step, the salmon finishes cooking through while soaking up all that creamy goodness. Don’t rush it — low and slow wins here. Sprinkle your chopped parsley over the top, then do a quick taste test for salt and pepper.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Boursin Salmon Recipe
- Room Temperature Salmon: Letting your salmon rest at room temp before cooking helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
- Don’t Skip Patting Dry: Making sure the salmon is dry before seasoning and searing helps form that delicious crust.
- Use a Good-Quality Skillet: A heavy-bottomed pan like cast iron gives the best sear without sticking.
- Control Your Heat: Searing on medium-high but finishing on medium-low keeps the salmon flaky without drying out.
How to Serve Creamy Boursin Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
I love to finish this salmon simply with extra chopped parsley because it adds a fresh herbal note and makes the dish look vibrant. Sometimes I add a few thin slices of lemon on the side for brightness and a touch of elegance — plus it’s great for guests to squeeze over as they like.
Side Dishes
For sides, I usually reach for something that soaks up that luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic noodles are my go-to comfort combos. On the lighter side, steamed asparagus or green beans with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt works beautifully. And don’t underestimate a simple wild rice pilaf for added texture!
Creative Ways to Present
One fun way to serve this at a dinner party is plating the salmon on a bed of lemon-scented risotto with the creamy Boursin sauce drizzled on top. I’ve also spooned the sauce over crispy roasted fingerling potatoes alongside the salmon for a rustic feel. It looks gorgeous garnished with microgreens and edible flowers if you’re feeling fancy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover Creamy Boursin Salmon Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce keeps well and the salmon still tastes great reheated the next day. Just be sure to eat it within 2 days for the best freshness and texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked salmon in sauce, I’ve found the texture can get a little softer after thawing, so I prefer to freeze just the salmon if needed and make the sauce fresh. If you do freeze the full dish, wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftover salmon gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if you can; this method keeps the salmon flaky and the sauce creamy without drying out.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of fish for the Creamy Boursin Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon works wonderfully here because of its rich flavor and texture, you can experiment with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or trout. Just keep an eye on cooking times as these fish may cook faster or slower.
-
Do I have to use Boursin cheese, or are there alternatives?
Boursin is key for the signature creamy-herby flavor, but if you can’t find it, a cream cheese mixed with finely minced garlic and fresh herbs like chives and parsley makes a decent substitute. Just adjust seasoning to taste.
-
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the salmon and sauce separately a few hours ahead and combine them just before serving. However, for the best texture and flavor, I recommend cooking and serving fresh whenever possible.
-
How do I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork, but still feels moist and tender. The internal temperature should reach about 125-130°F for medium doneness if you use a kitchen thermometer.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Boursin Salmon Recipe is one of those meals I’m always excited to make because it feels indulgent without hours of work. The creamy, garlicky sauce pairs like a dream with perfectly cooked salmon, and I promise, it’s a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family or a special guest. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite go-to that makes you feel like a seasoned chef in your own kitchen.
Print
Creamy Boursin Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Boursin Salmon is a delicious skillet-cooked salmon recipe featuring tender salmon pieces cooked in a creamy, flavorful Boursin cheese sauce infused with garlic, herbs, onion, and lemon juice. This dish is perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner that combines rich textures and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 pound fresh salmon cut into 4 pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 3/4 cup chicken broth (use low sodium if sensitive to salt)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 (5.2 oz/150g) package Boursin Fine Herbs & Garlic cheese softened
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Take the salmon out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before cooking if possible. Cut it into 4 pieces, pat each dry, and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the salmon: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add salmon pieces and cook for 4 minutes per side until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove salmon to a plate.
- Sauté the onions: Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, then add softened Boursin cheese. Stir continuously until smooth. Let the sauce simmer and bubble for 4-5 minutes, then stir in chopped parsley.
- Finish cooking the salmon: Return salmon to the skillet with the sauce. Lower heat and cook for another 3-5 minutes until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, while the sauce thickens.
- Season and serve: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- The recipe assumes salmon pieces around 1 inch thick; adjust searing time longer for thicker or shorter for thinner fillets.
- If your salmon has skin and you prefer not to eat it, remove the skin after searing.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a little extra chicken broth to loosen it up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg