The aroma of grilled salmon wafts through the air as you imagine the first bite of the perfectly seared fish paired with velvety garlic mashed potatoes. Picture this dish sizzling on your grill while friends gather around, their mouths watering in anticipation of an unforgettable meal.
You can’t help but reminisce about that summer barbecue last year when you wowed everyone at the family reunion with this showstopper. The kids cheered as you lifted the lid of the grill, revealing succulent salmon that looked like it had been kissed by fire. They had never seen their dad work magic in the kitchen before!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Grilled Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes is incredibly simple to prepare and full of flavor
- The dish looks stunning on any plate and will impress your guests effortlessly
- It’s versatile enough for a casual weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend feast
- Plus, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste!
I still remember my cousin’s eyes lighting up when she took her first bite; I think I might have earned a few extra points for my cooking skills that day.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Salmon Fillets: Look for vibrant fillets without dark spots; they should smell like the ocean!
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; they pack more flavor than pre-minced options.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness when cooking.
- Heavy Cream: Opt for heavy cream to achieve a luxuriously smooth texture for your mashed potatoes.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well due to their creamy consistency.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors in this dish.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for grilling; it adds richness to your salmon.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chop your garlic finely. Rinse and pat dry your salmon fillets so they’re ready for seasoning.
Make the Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Peel and chop your potatoes into even chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender; they should easily break apart when pierced with a fork.
Sauté the Garlic: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown—about two minutes should do it!
Mash Those Potatoes!: Drain your boiled potatoes and return them to the pot. Add sautéed garlic, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.
Season Your Salmon: Rub olive oil over both sides of each salmon fillet then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy—seasoning ensures maximum flavor!
Grill Away!: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down on the grate. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
Now you have a delightful plate of grilled salmon paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes ready to impress anyone lucky enough to share this meal with you!
You Must Know
- Grilled salmon is not just seafood; it’s an experience
- The smoky flavor, paired with buttery garlic mashed potatoes, creates a dinner that feels like a five-star restaurant
- Don’t forget to use fresh herbs for that extra zing!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the salmon while boiling potatoes for the garlic mash. Grill the fish on high heat for perfect char while mashing potatoes with garlic and butter.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes or add a squeeze of lemon juice to the salmon marinade. Experiment with spices to find your favorite flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover grilled salmon and mashed potatoes in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly grilled salmon, ensure it’s at room temperature before grilling
- Use a meat thermometer; 145°F is ideal
- Garlic mashed potatoes should be creamy, so don’t skimp on butter or cream!
Sharing this grilled salmon recipe takes me back to family gatherings where everyone fought over the last piece. The smiles and compliments were worth every moment spent cooking!
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before grilling for even cooking.
What can I serve with grilled salmon and garlic mashed potatoes?
Green vegetables like asparagus or a fresh salad pair beautifully with this dish.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
Salmon should flake easily and reach an internal temperature of 145°F for optimal doneness.
Grilled Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes is a delectable dish featuring perfectly grilled salmon paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, making it a crowd-pleasing choice for any dinner.
Ingredients
- Fresh salmon fillets
- Garlic
- Unsalted butter
- Heavy cream
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by finely chopping the garlic and rinsing the salmon fillets.
- Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Drain the potatoes, return them to the pot, then mash with sautéed garlic, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Season the salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the seasoned salmon skin-side down on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (170g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
