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### Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp
#### Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Start by making the garlic butter sauce, as it takes just a few minutes and can be set aside to pour over the seafood later.
1. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the chicken broth to the pan, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley and thyme, if using. Set the garlic butter sauce aside.
#### Step 2: Cook the Salmon
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Once the skillet is hot, place the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if using skin-on), into the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, allowing the skin to become crispy and golden brown.
3. Flip the salmon fillets gently using a spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the salmon is cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C).
4. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You may want to cover it with foil to keep it warm.
#### Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
1. In the same skillet, add the shrimp to the pan, cooking them in the remaining juices from the salmon. If needed, add a little more olive oil to ensure the shrimp cook properly.
2. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
3. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the salmon.
#### Step 4: Combine the Salmon, Shrimp, and Garlic Butter Sauce
1. Return the cooked salmon and shrimp to the skillet.
2. Pour the prepared garlic butter sauce over the salmon and shrimp, ensuring everything is well-coated with the rich, garlicky sauce.
3. Let the seafood sit in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to soak up the flavors.
#### Step 5: Serve
Once the salmon and shrimp are well-coated in the garlic butter sauce, transfer them to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, and serve with a side of rice, vegetables, or a crisp salad.
### Side Dishes to Serve with Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp
This garlic butter salmon and shrimp dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement the rich and buttery flavors of the seafood. Here are some suggestions for side dishes:
#### 1. **Garlic Mashed Potatoes**
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic and herbs are a classic side that pairs perfectly with seafood. The buttery potatoes provide a contrast to the rich, garlicky sauce and help balance the meal.
#### 2. **Steamed Asparagus**
Lightly steamed asparagus, drizzled with olive oil, lemon, and a touch of salt, adds a fresh, crisp element to the meal that complements the seafood beautifully.
#### 3. **Sautéed Spinach**
Spinach cooked with garlic and olive oil is a simple, healthy side that enhances the flavors of the salmon and shrimp. The slight bitterness of the spinach balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
#### 4. **Rice Pilaf**
A simple rice pilaf flavored with garlic, onions, and herbs makes an excellent base for the garlic butter sauce, allowing you to soak up all the flavorful goodness from the seafood.
#### 5. **Roasted Vegetables**
Roasted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers bring color and flavor to the meal, providing a satisfying, healthy accompaniment to the rich seafood dish.
### Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp
1. **Don’t Overcook the Seafood**: Both salmon and shrimp cook quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. Overcooking will result in dry, tough seafood. Salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), while shrimp should turn pink and opaque.
2. **Use Fresh Garlic**: Fresh garlic has a stronger, more aromatic flavor than pre-minced garlic, making it ideal for the garlic butter sauce. Avoid using garlic powder for this recipe as it won’t give the same depth of flavor.
3. **Adjust the Heat**: If you like spice, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for a little extra kick.
4. **Cook the Seafood Separately**: Cooking the salmon and shrimp separately ensures that both proteins are cooked perfectly. The shrimp cooks much faster than the salmon, so cooking them separately gives you more control over the timing.
5. **Don’t Skip the Lemon**: Lemon juice and zest are key to balancing the richness of the butter and the seafood. Don’t skimp on the lemon; it adds brightness to the dish that lifts all the flavors.
### Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp
This dish is packed with lean protein from the salmon and shrimp, making it a healthy option for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving (assuming 4 servings total):
– **Calories**: 350-400
– **Protein**: 35-40g
– **Fat**: 22-25g (mostly healthy fats from salmon and olive oil)
– **Carbohydrates**: 2-5g (
low carb, especially if served with low-carb sides like vegetables)
– **Sodium**: 600-700mg (depending on the amount of salt and butter used)
– **Fiber**: 1-2g (depending on the side dishes)
### Conclusion
The **Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp** recipe is a quick, delicious, and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner for your family or entertaining guests, this seafood dish will undoubtedly wow your taste buds and leave you craving more. The combination of tender salmon, succulent shrimp, and rich garlic butter sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors that’s hard to beat. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it both a flavorful and convenient choice for busy days.
By following the tips, customizing the recipe to suit your taste, and serving it with complementary side dishes, you can create a memorable, restaurant-quality meal right at home. Happy cooking!
