- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin removed
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh dill, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Seafood: Season the salmon fillets and shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon, skin-side up, and sear for 4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the salmon and set aside. In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with the salmon.
- Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and capers. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the seafood. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors meld.
- Finish with Butter: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the butter and gently swirl the skillet until the butter is melted and the sauce is glossy. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
- Serve: Plate the salmon fillets and shrimp, ensuring each plate gets an equal share of the seafood. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon slices. Drizzle with the creamy sauce from the skillet.
- Enjoy: Invite your guests to the table and serve this exquisite dish with a side of steamed asparagus or a light salad and a glass of chilled white wine.
This recipe promises a symphony of flavors that blend the rich, buttery texture of salmon with the sweet, delicate taste of shrimp, all enveloped in a creamy, aromatic sauce. It’s a dish designed not just to satiate hunger but to create an ambiance of warmth and sophistication. The lemon and herbs brighten the dish, ensuring each bite is as memorable as the last, while the white wine adds a depth of flavor that elevates this meal to something truly special.
Invite your guests to linger over each bite, to relish the complex flavors and the care you’ve put into preparing this meal. It’s not just a dinner; it’s an experience—a testament to the joy of good food and company. Enjoy the conversations that flow, the glasses that clink, and the smiles that spread effortlessly. This is more than a meal; it’s a reason to stay.