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Home » Keto Recipes » Keto Salmon Recipes

Published: Jan 12, 2023 · by: jenniferbanz

Keto Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe

This Keto Salmon Recipe is perfectly seasoned pan seared filets smothered in an unbelievably delicious creamy lemon garlic sauce.  Feel Top Chef worthy while preparing this less than 30 minute, low carb gourmet dinner recipe in the comfort of your own kitchen.

keto salmon recipe with a creamy sauce
Contents hide
1 Is salmon good on a keto diet?
2 Ingredients needed
3 How to make this keto salmon recipe
4 Can I use frozen salmon?
5 Skin on or off for this keto salmon recipe?
6 How do I know when my salmon is done?
7 Keto Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe
7.1 Ingredients
7.2 Equipment
7.3 Instructions
7.4 Jennifer's tips
7.5 Nutrition per serving

I'm all about keeping things simple! So when I came up with this delicious Keto Salmon Recipe, I just had to share it!  Perfectly seared salmon filets smothered with a creamy lemon garlic sauce...use frozen salmon filets for an even more economical approach.

Is salmon good on a keto diet?

For starters, salmon is full of healthy fats.

A 3 ounce portion is 177 calories, 11g fat, and zero carbs.  So that would be very keto friendly.

Combine the salmon with our delicious cream sauce that is purely cream, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley.  That is definitely a great keto salmon recipe.

Ingredients needed

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this keto salmon recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For the printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

  • 16 ounces of salmon filets (1.25 kg), cut into 4 portions - I like to look for frozen salmon filets that are at least 1 inch thick.  You can choose skin on or skinless salmon for this recipe and I will give instructions for both.
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (30 mL) - We need a good coating of avocado oil in our skillet so the salmon skin doesn't stick to the pan.
  • 1 ¼ cup heavy cream (300 mL) - This is essential for making our creamy sauce.  For a dairy free option, you could use coconut cream with great results.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 mL)
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

How to make this keto salmon recipe

This section explains how to make this creamy salmon recipe step by step. For a full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Step 1 (Cooking salmon with the skin on) - Season the flesh side of the salmon filets with salt and pepper.

salmon seasoned with salt and pepper

Step 2 - Heat the avocado oil in a skillet until it is shimmering, then add the salmon to the pan, skin side up.  When the salmon develops a crust and releases from the pan, it is ready to flip.  Continue cooking the salmon, skin side down, until the salmon skin is nice and crispy.  Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside to rest while we make the sauce.

If you buy skinless salmon, you could still cook it as above, but you can also season with salt and pepper and then bake it in the oven at 400F for about 12 minutes.

💡Tip: Resist the urge to flip the salmon too early.  If it is sticking to the pan, it is not ready to flip.

salmon cooking in a skillet

Step 3 - Make the creamy lemon garlic sauce.  With the pan over medium heat, whisk together the heavy cream, lemon juice, and garlic.  Let simmer until thickened and then season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with chopped parsley.

creamy lemon garlic sauce in a skillet

Step 4 - Serve the creamy sauce over the salmon to complete this keto salmon recipe. If you want to keep your crispy skin, serve the salmon with the sauce on the side so your salmon skin doesn't go soft in the sauce.

sauce being spooned over keto salmon

Can I use frozen salmon?

I love to use frozen salmon anytime I want to make a keto salmon recipe.  Frozen salmon is economical and it is frozen as soon as it is caught, so most times, it is better than fresh!  In fact, all salmon is immediately frozen after it is caught for food safety reasons.

Defrosting salmon is super easy and can be done in less than an hour.

If your frozen salmon come wrapped in plastic, simply fill a bowl or the sink with cold water and submerge the salmon.  Check it after 30 minutes and see how it is progressing.  Once they are thawed, remove them from the plastic and pat dry with towels.

Skin on or off for this keto salmon recipe?

I can never find skinless salmon in the grocery store...probably because it is a pain to remove the skin while the salmon is raw.

I like to cook the salmon with the skin on and then the skin just peels right off like magic!  This is what I do in my recipe for Lemon pepper salmon, Salmon in foil and Salmon and avocado salsa.

 

How do I know when my salmon is done?

💡Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon.  The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145F.

You know when your salmon is done by seeing if it flakes easily with a fork.

If the salmon is starting to ooze white liquid on top (this is the proteins boiling out), it is overcooking and you remove it from the pan.

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salmon with a creamy sauce in a skillet

Keto Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe

This Keto Salmon Recipe is perfectly seasoned pan seared filets smothered in an unbelievably delicious creamy lemon garlic sauce.  Feel Top Chef worthy while preparing this less than 30 minute, low carb gourmet dinner recipe in the comfort of your own kitchen.
4.80 from 39 votes
PRINT RECIPE SAVE TO FAVORITESSaved! PIN RECIPE
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 521kcal
Author: Jennifer Banz

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Salmon filets (skin on or skinless), cut into 4 portions
  • kosher salt and pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons avocado oil (Click here for my favorite brand on Amazon)
  • 1 ¼ Cup Heavy cream
  • 2 Tablespoons Lemon juice
  • 3 Cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

Equipment

  • Meat Thermometer (Click here for the one I like best on Amazon
  • Cast Iron Skillet

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add in the salmon filets skin side up. Cook until the salmon is browned and the fish easily releases from the pan. Try not to flip early or the salmon will stick.
  • Flip to the other side (skin side if your salmon has skin) and cook until the salmon skin is crispy and releases from the pan.
  • Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
  • Turn the heat of the skillet down to medium and whisk together the heavy cream, garlic, parsley and lemon juice. Let simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve the salmon with cream sauce and chopped parsley. If you want your salmon skin to stay crispy, serve the sauce on the side.

Jennifer's tips

  • Defrost frozen salmon:  If your frozen salmon come wrapped in plastic, simply fill a bowl or the sink with cold water and submerge the salmon.  Check it after 30 minutes and see how it is progressing. Once they are thawed, remove them from the plastic and pat dry with towels.
  • When is the salmon done?: check with a meat thermometer probe.  130F is my desired internal temperature for salmon that isn't dried out and over cooked.  White juices oozing out of the salmon means it is overcooked.
  • Skin on or skinless: I buy skin on salmon because it is easier to find.  When the salmon is cooked, the salmon skin peels off very easily.  You can also eat the crispy skin!
  • Salmon Baking Instructions: If you buy skinless salmon, you could still cook it as above, but you can also season with salt and pepper and then cook it in the oven at 400F for about 12 minutes.  This would remove the need for the avocado oil.
Servings: 4

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 521kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 18g

Nutrition is provided as a courtesy only. Please re-calculate on your own with the ingredients and amounts you used for the most accurate data.

Keyword :cast iron salmon, easy salmon recipe, gluten free, keto salmon recipe, recipe for keto lemon garlic salmon

More Keto Salmon Recipes

  • The Best Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
  • Lemon Dill Salmon - Easy 20 minute meal
  • Keto Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe
  • Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets

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    Recipe Reviews




  1. Ray says

    January 23, 2023 at 11:33 am

    I'm making this tonight, but based on the macros, I'll be using Half n Half instead of Heavy Whipping Cream. Not sure how the macros were calculated here, but 1.25 cups of HWC is approx 1020 calories and about 8 carbs.

    Reply
    • jenniferbanz says

      January 23, 2023 at 5:18 pm

      Yes, 1020 divided by 4 is 255. A 4 ounce salmon filet is 230 calories. That brings us to 485. The oil would bring it up to 521 which is what I have listed. Half and half could work but your sauce might break. Half and half has more carbs.

      Reply
  2. Julie says

    December 06, 2022 at 4:38 pm

    To let you know, that white stuff coming out is not the proteins coming out of it, it is the preservative that is in most fish. Do your research and find a salmon that doesn't have it because it isn't good for you.

    Reply
    • jenniferbanz says

      December 07, 2022 at 1:05 pm

      I have done research. It is albumin, a protein made by the liver.

      Reply
  3. Nancy says

    May 20, 2022 at 6:05 pm

    5 stars
    OMG - this recipe was so easy and so delicious!

    Reply
  4. Jenny says

    April 09, 2022 at 9:05 pm

    5 stars
    I just made this recipe - Amazing! Great instructions, great recipe. Thank you!

    Reply
  5. Emiliya says

    February 10, 2022 at 7:28 pm

    5 stars
    OMG, so delicious! It was also easy and fast to make.

    Reply
  6. Robin says

    February 10, 2022 at 6:36 pm

    5 stars
    This was delicious, easy and quick to make. Yum...

    Reply
  7. Home Chef says

    January 06, 2022 at 4:50 pm

    5 stars
    Very good!

    Reply
  8. Karen says

    December 05, 2021 at 8:25 pm

    5 stars
    Hands down one of the most fantastic recipes I have ever made and my husband agrees. Standing ovation from WA state. Thanks for sharing! And I LOVE that it is keto!

    Reply
  9. Leah says

    October 18, 2021 at 8:50 pm

    5 stars
    SO GOOD!!!!! I slightly tweaked it for my own liking but absolutely delicious loved the idea

    Reply
  10. Carol says

    August 18, 2021 at 6:14 pm

    5 stars
    Omg! This is delicious!!!! I didn’t have any parsley but I can’t imagine it being any better than it was.

    Reply
  11. Barb says

    April 14, 2021 at 7:39 pm

    5 stars
    Made this tonight and the cream sauce makes this complete! Served with broccoli and put sauce on the broccoli, as well!!!

    Reply
  12. Angela says

    March 10, 2021 at 7:15 am

    First of all, your recipes look absolutely delicious! I’m new to this whole keto thing and it’s been overwhelming trying to figure out where to begin but I am so glad I found your page. Where I live the only place I can find salmon is Walmart. I was wondering if you have ever bought fish from Walmart and if it’s safe to eat?

    Reply
    • Kari says

      November 28, 2021 at 7:07 pm

      5 stars
      i buy salmon all the time from Walmart - their meat and produce have always been awesome in our opinion 🙂

      Reply
  13. Linda says

    March 06, 2021 at 8:04 am

    5 stars
    I made this yesterday. It was very good. The one thing I would do differently next time is to drain the oil before adding in the heavy cream because it separated.

    Reply
  14. J says

    March 02, 2021 at 8:27 pm

    5 stars
    This was great! I seared the salmon and then broiled it because I tend to burn things on the stove 😛 The sauce literally took seconds to make, and my non-keto kids gobbled it up, too. What a winner!

    Reply
  15. Marina says

    February 28, 2021 at 10:47 pm

    5 stars
    It was delicious, my husband loved it. I used Salmon and Cod.

    Reply
  16. Kari says

    February 28, 2021 at 4:07 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious! I added a little red pepper flakes and topped with a little Parmesan. Served with broccoli topped with the remaining sauce. Going to do asparagus next time. Thanks for fantastic recipe!

    Reply
  17. Dawn Marie says

    February 22, 2021 at 7:17 pm

    5 stars
    Excellent! Made for dinner tonight and even though I’m not a huge salmon lover.....the flavors from the cream sauce made my mouth sing! My husband and mom enjoyed it also. Will definitely make it again.
    Can you use the sauce recipe with other protein?

    Reply
  18. Marie Anne says

    February 17, 2021 at 7:21 pm

    5 stars
    I usually don’t care for salmon. But this recipe is awesome. Loved it. I will be making it again

    Reply
  19. VaFarmer says

    February 11, 2021 at 4:55 pm

    5 stars
    Awsome recipe, didn’t even notice it was keto while I was eating it!! Made this several times already.

    Reply
  20. Heather says

    February 07, 2021 at 9:57 pm

    5 stars
    Made it. Loved it and will make it again! The sauce was to die for and was such a great compliment to the salmon. Thank you for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
  21. Sunny says

    January 27, 2021 at 10:59 pm

    5 stars
    Great tasting salmon. I will be sure to make again!!! Thank you for the recipe.

    Reply
  22. Lynn says

    January 24, 2021 at 6:17 pm

    5 stars
    Enjoyed this recipe! Will make again!!

    Reply
  23. Joman says

    January 14, 2021 at 8:07 pm

    5 stars
    Amazing, I added cream cheese and peruvian yellow pepper paste for a spicy kick. Came out so good. I paired it with an avocado, onions and lettuce salad.
    Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  24. Laura says

    December 16, 2020 at 7:32 pm

    5 stars
    This is one of the best dishes I've ever made...maybe even one of the best things I've ever tasted. I sautéed green peppers and red onion and then poured the cream sauce over everything and sprinkled the dish with some chopped almonds. Thank you for sharing. Standing ovation over here.

    Reply
  25. Luz says

    July 15, 2020 at 6:58 pm

    Looks delicious! Are the nutrition facts for the 4 servings?

    Reply
    • jenniferbanz says

      July 20, 2020 at 10:10 am

      Nutrition is for 1 serving

      Reply
  26. Sabe says

    May 19, 2020 at 3:06 pm

    5 stars
    This was absolutely delicious. Thank you. Loved the tip about the white juices, I learnt something there.

    Reply
  27. Bron says

    May 18, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    5 stars
    Loved this recipe ! Simple and easy ,and so tasty ! Definitely one I’ll cook again , thanks Jennifer ?

    Reply
  28. Amber says

    January 07, 2020 at 8:46 am

    5 stars
    Yum. I am always looking for quick salmon recipes. We have been trying to eat fish once a week and need to switch things up a little. Love that this recipe only calls for a few basic ingredients also!

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      January 05, 2022 at 8:03 pm

      5 stars
      Aww, man! Currently doing keto and didn’t want to make the same old boring seared salmon. Found this recipe and it was super easy and fast! I did add a little cream cheese because I needed to get my macros in. The family loved it, too!

      Reply
  29. georgie says

    January 06, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my gosh this looks absolutely amazing. Definitely adding this to my recipe collection I am always on the lookout for keto recipes to try.

    Reply
  30. Michelle says

    December 20, 2019 at 3:12 am

    5 stars
    Loved that sauce! It's just the right combination of lemon and garlic and perfectly creamy. Definitely a keeper, thanks for sharing x

    Reply
    • jenniferbanz says

      December 20, 2019 at 7:55 am

      So happy to hear that!

      Reply
    • Hope Wilson says

      May 20, 2020 at 4:30 am

      Hi!
      Where does the 6 g of carbs come from? Lemon juice? What oil can I substitute for avocado oil!

      Reply
      • jenniferbanz says

        May 20, 2020 at 9:50 am

        Yes...lemon juice and the cream. You could use any oil you want. I like to use avocado oil because it has a high smoke point. Some other oils with a high smoke point are ghee, coconut oil, or duck fat.

  31. Veena Azmanov says

    December 20, 2019 at 1:47 am

    5 stars
    Delicious, creamy and Salmon is one of my favorite. This is surely a happy meal for me and family. They loved it all.

    Reply

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Welcome!

Jennifer

Hey there, I'm Jennifer! I’m the creator behind Low Carb with Jennifer and author of the cookbook Live Life Keto. 

I've been cooking low carb/keto for the past 10 years and it has helped me shed over 70 pounds!

My keto recipes reflect my philosophy on cooking...everything needs to be easy, fast, exceptionally delicious, and use common ingredients.

Read More Here

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