Pan Seared Salmon and Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce
This guest-worthy dinner of salmon and gnocchi in a quick butter and sage sauce is super fast and just uses two dishes to make (one to boil the gnocchi and one to sear the salmon and make sauce). Including a fail-proof way to cook salmon that gets it crispy every time.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Main Dish
Keyword: date night recipe, easy salmon recipe, entertaining, fish dish, party and entertaining, seafood
Servings: 4
Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
Cost: $10.00
Non-Stick Skillet
Flexible Spatula
Saucepan
Colander
- 16 ounces Gnocchi (look for gluten-free if needed)
- 4 4-6 ounces Salmon Filets
- 1 Tablespoon Cooking Oil (I use grapeseed or avocado)
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 4 leaves Fresh Sage, chopped
- 2 cloves Shallots, diced
- 2 teaspoons Lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
Boil gnocchi according to package directions.
Meanwhile, pat salmon filets dry with paper towels. Season it on both sides with some salt and pepper.
Place salmon, skin-side down (or on either side if using skinless salmon), in a room temperature nonstick pan with a thin layer of cooking oil. (This is the key to crisp salmon - the salmon must be placed in a cool pan and then slowly brought up to heat.)
Place the pan over medium heat and cook the salmon, without moving it, until the skin is crisp and easily releases from the pan. (After it has cooked for ~5 minutes, gently nudge it with a spatula, until it easily slides around in the pan.)
Turn salmon with a spatula and increase heat to medium-high. Continue cooking until the side touching the pan is golden brown and crisp and the salmon is cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes more. (It should flake easily with a fork.)
Transfer salmon to a serving platter and return pan to medium-high heat.
Add butter until melted. Add gnocchi, sage, and shallots. Cook, stirring constantly, until shallots are golden brown and sage is crisp.
Pour gnocchi and butter sauce over salmon. Squeeze lemon juice over top.
Serve salmon and gnocchi with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Serving: 1g | Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 461mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 266IU | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 4mg