Boursin Salmon Skillet Recipe
If you’re craving an elegant yet effortless dinner, this Boursin Salmon Skillet Recipe is going to blow your mind. It’s creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor, featuring tender salmon bathed in a luscious garlic and herb Boursin cheese sauce. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again — plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes. Let’s dive in and I’ll walk you through why this dish is such a keeper!
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy Boursin Magic: The fine herb and garlic cheese melts into a silky sauce that perfectly complements the salmon.
- Simple, but Flavor-Packed: Minimal ingredients combine to create a restaurant-worthy dish you can make on a weeknight.
- Quick Cooking: The skillet method sears salmon for a crispy edge while keeping it moist and juicy inside.
- Adaptable and Easy: This recipe works well with a variety of side dishes, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Boursin Salmon Skillet Recipe are thoughtfully simple, each bringing something special to the table. The creamy cheese adds richness, while the lemon and broth balance the sauce with brightness. You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find items — just good quality basics and fresh salmon.
- Fresh salmon: Look for fillets about an inch thick for even cooking and portion control.
- Garlic powder: It gives just enough garlic flavor without overpowering the delicate fish.
- Salt & pepper: Seasoning is key! I like to salt right before cooking for the best crust.
- Olive oil & butter: The combo creates a lovely sear and adds depth to the sauce.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and texture to the sauce as it softens and caramelizes.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce savory and helps it come together without heaviness.
- Lemon juice: A splash brightens everything up, cutting through the richness.
- Boursin cheese (Fine Herbs & Garlic): This is the star—herby, garlicky, creamy, and melting right into the sauce for ultimate flavor.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best things about the Boursin Salmon Skillet Recipe is how versatile it is. I often switch things up depending on what’s in my kitchen or my mood, so feel free to make this recipe your own!
- Variation: Sometimes I swap the onion for shallots—they melt into the sauce beautifully and add a gentler flavor.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the onions.
- Herb swap: Can’t find Boursin? Cream cheese with fresh chopped garlic and herbs works as a decent stand-in!
- Make it dairy-free: Try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and coconut oil instead of butter for a similar creamy effect.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Boursin Salmon Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon
First, take your salmon out of the fridge 15 to 30 minutes ahead of time if you can. This helps it cook more evenly. Cut it into four pieces, then pat each piece dry — this is key for a great sear. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly on both sides. I’ve found that dry seasoning makes a world of difference in flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the salmon and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. The goal here is a beautiful light brown crust without overcooking. The salmon should NOT be fully done yet—trust me on this, it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Once seared, transfer the salmon to a clean plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onions. They soak up all the leftover flavors and start turning golden after about 5 minutes of stirring. Don’t rush this—you want them softened and a little sweet, not burnt.
Step 4: Make the Boursin Sauce
Add chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and your softened Boursin cheese right to the skillet with the onions. Stir it all together until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it bubble gently for 4 to 5 minutes while you stir occasionally. That’s when the magic happens—the sauce thickens, and the flavors meld. Stir in chopped parsley for freshness.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Salmon
Nestle the salmon back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over the pieces. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the sauce has thickened just right. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately for best results.
Pro Tips for Making Boursin Salmon Skillet Recipe
- Pat Salmon Dry: Removing moisture helps you get that gorgeous golden crust without steaming the fish.
- Don’t Overcook the Fish Early: Searing is just the start; finishing it in the sauce keeps it moist and tender.
- Low and Slow Finishing: After adding the sauce, reduce heat to avoid curdling the cheese or drying out the salmon.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce gets too thick, simply add a splash more chicken broth to loosen it up.
How to Serve Boursin Salmon Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling extra fresh parsley on top for a vibrant pop of green and fresh flavor. Sometimes I add a few thin lemon slices or a light drizzle of good olive oil to finish it elegantly. It elevates the plate without much fuss.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic roasted asparagus, a fluffy cauliflower mash, or even buttery green beans. If you want to keep it classic, steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like plating the salmon over a bed of wilted spinach or arugula tossed lightly with lemon. It adds color and a peppery bite that contrasts great with the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top also gives a nice crunchy texture that guests always ask about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Boursin Salmon Skillet Recipe store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually let it cool completely before sealing, to preserve the sauce’s texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this dish because the creamy cheese sauce can separate and lose that silky texture when thawed. If you must freeze, remove the salmon from the sauce and freeze components separately, but fresh is always best here!
Reheating
To gently reheat leftovers, I use low heat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too but in short bursts to avoid overheating—stir in between. The key is warming slowly so the salmon stays tender and the sauce doesn’t break.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for the Boursin Salmon Skillet Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. Frozen salmon can release extra moisture which might make it harder to get a good sear, so drying well is essential.
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What can I substitute for Boursin cheese if I can’t find it?
You can use cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs and garlic as an alternative. Adding a little dried herb mix or fresh parsley helps mimic the Boursin’s flavor profile, though the texture may be slightly less creamy.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
It works well if you plan to eat within a couple of days, but keep in mind the sauce is best fresh. Storing the salmon and sauce separately might help maintain texture, especially if reheating.
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How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should flake easily when you gently press it with a fork, but not be dry. It’s better to undercook slightly during searing and allow the sauce stage to finish the cooking gently.
Final Thoughts
This Boursin Salmon Skillet Recipe truly feels like a special night in without the fuss. I keep coming back to it because it hits all the right notes—comfort, elegance, and ease. If you want a recipe that impresses but won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, trust me, this one’s a winner. Give it a try next time you want something deliciously different with salmon. You’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Boursin Salmon Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
Boursin Salmon is a flavorful and creamy dish featuring tender seared salmon cooked in a savory Boursin cheese and herb sauce with garlic, onions, and fresh parsley. This recipe delivers a simple yet elegant meal perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh salmon cut into 4 pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 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 prior to starting the recipe to bring to room temperature. Cut the salmon into 4 pieces and pat each piece dry. Season each piece with garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon pieces. Cook for 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Avoid overcooking. Transfer the salmon to a plate temporarily.
- Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes or until they become softened and lightly golden.
- Make the Sauce: Add the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and softened Boursin cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until you achieve a smooth sauce. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 4-5 minutes. Then stir in the chopped parsley evenly.
- Finish Cooking the Salmon: Return the salmon pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low-medium and cook for another 5 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through, flakes easily with a fork, and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the salmon immediately with the creamy Boursin sauce.
Notes
- This recipe is designed for salmon pieces approximately 1 inch thick. Adjust searing time slightly longer for thicker fillets or shorter for thinner pieces.
- If your salmon has skin and you prefer not to eat it, peel off the skin after the searing step while the fish is still warm.
- If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a small splash of chicken broth to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 4 ounces)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
