This easy carnivore salmon recipe might just become your new favorite meal. It’s a simple dish that tastes amazing.
If you’re following a carnivore diet, or just looking for a high-protein, low-carb meal, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
The star of this dish is the salmon fillet. Salmon is not only tasty but also full of nutrients that are good for your body. When you cook it in a hot pan with a bit of butter, it gets a nice crispy outside while staying tender and juicy inside.
The cream cheese sauce that goes with it is smooth and rich, making every bite of salmon even more delicious.
It’s perfect for a quiet dinner for one or two, but you can also double or triple the recipe if you’re cooking for a family or having friends over. The flavors are crowd-pleasing, so it’s likely to be a hit with everyone at the table.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nutrient-Dense: Salmon is packed with important nutrients. It’s full of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins like B12 and D. These nutrients are really good for your body.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a few ingredients for this recipe. Most of them are things you probably already have in your kitchen if you’re on a carnivore diet.
Good for Beginners: If you’re new to cooking or to the carnivore diet, this is a great recipe to start with. Simply and tasty!
Satisfying Meal: The combination of fatty fish and creamy sauce makes this dish very satisfying. You’ll feel full and satisfied after eating it. This can help prevent cravings and keep you on track with your carnivore diet.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- Salmon Fillets
- 4oz Cream Cheese (full fat)
- 1/2 cup Chicken Stock (I recommend using this chicken stock– amazon link)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy and tasty carnivore salmon recipe:
Step 1
Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry.
Step 2
Add butter to a cast-iron pan. Once melted and the pan is hot, cook the fillets for about one minute on each side (or 2 minutes if the fillets are thick).
Step 3
To make the sauce, add all the remaining ingredients to a small pot and whisk at medium heat. Once the sauce is combined and creamy, it’s ready.
Step 4
Add the sauce to your salmon fillets and serve. Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes before eating. Enjoy this delicious carnivore diet salmon recipe!
💡Tips
1. Room Temperature Salmon
Take your salmon fillets out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before you plan to cook them. This allows the fish to come to room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly.
Cold fish straight from the fridge can end up overcooked on the outside and undercooked in the middle. While the salmon is warming up, you can prep your other ingredients. This is also a good time to pat the fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Get your pan hot
For a perfectly cooked salmon with a slightly crispy exterior, you need a hot pan. Heat your cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat for a few minutes before adding the butter.
To test if the pan is hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water on it – if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, you’re good to go. Once you add the butter, it should melt and start to bubble almost immediately.
3. Don’t overcook
Salmon can quickly go from perfectly cooked to dry and tough. To avoid this, keep a close eye on your fillets as they cook. They only need about 1-2 minutes per side in a hot pan.
Look for a change in color – the salmon will turn from translucent pink to opaque as it cooks. Once it’s opaque about halfway up the sides, flip it over. The center should still be slightly translucent when you remove it from the pan.
Variations
1. Parmesan Salmon- Add 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce ingredients. Stir frequently so the cheese melts evenly into the sauce.
2. Smoked Paprika Salmon– Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika into your cream cheese mixture. The chicken stock, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt stay as your base.
As you whisk your sauce over the heat, the smoked paprika will impart a deep, smoky flavor and a vibrant color.
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If you liked my carnivore salmon recipe, make sure to check out these amazing carnivore recipes too:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the color has changed from translucent pink to opaque pink. For this recipe, you’re only cooking it for about 1-2 minutes per side in a hot pan.
The center should still be slightly translucent when you take it off the heat, as it will continue cooking a bit.
2. What kind of pan should I use?
A cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan works best for this recipe. These types of pans hold heat well and distribute it evenly, which helps you get a nice sear on the salmon. Non-stick pans can work too, but you might not get as good a crust on the fish.
3. What if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, there are a few things you can do. First, try simmering it for a few more minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate. Stir it constantly to prevent burning.
If that doesn’t work, you can add a little more cream cheese. Cut it into small cubes and whisk them in one at a time until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
Carnivore Salmon
Print RecipeIngredients
- 2 Salmon Fillets
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (full fat)
- 1/2 cup Chicken Stock (I recommend using this chicken stock- amazon link)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry.
- Add butter to a cast-iron pan. Once melted and the pan is hot, cook the fillets for about one minute on each side. (or 2 minutes if the fillets are thick).
- To make the sauce, add all the remaining ingredients to a small pot and whisk at medium heat. Once the sauce is combined and creamy, it’s ready.
- Add the sauce to your salmon fillets and serve. Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes before eating. Enjoy this delicious carnivore diet salmon recipe!