Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Cauliflower Rice – Anti-Inflammatory Keto Recipe

This luxurious creamy garlic butter salmon served over perfectly seasoned cauliflower rice delivers restaurant-quality flavors while keeping you firmly in ketosis. The combination of omega-3 rich salmon and healthy fats creates a deeply satisfying meal that supports your low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing taste.

What makes this recipe truly special is how the rich, velvety garlic butter sauce transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The cauliflower rice provides the perfect neutral base to soak up all those incredible flavors while keeping carbs minimal and nutrition high.

Ingredients

• 680g (1.5 lbs / 4 fillets) salmon fillets, skin-on
• 500g (1 lb 2oz / 4 cups) cauliflower florets
• 120g (4oz / 8 tbsp) grass-fed butter, divided
• 60ml (2oz / 1/4 cup) heavy cream
• 45ml (1.5oz / 3 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 30ml (1oz / 2 tbsp) fresh lemon juice
• 15g (0.5oz / 2 tbsp) fresh parsley, chopped
• 5g (1 tsp) sea salt, divided
• 2g (1/2 tsp) black pepper
• 2g (1/2 tsp) paprika
• 1g (1/4 tsp) dried thyme

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with half the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice-sized granules. Alternatively, grate using a box grater.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place salmon fillets skin-side up and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving.
4. Step 4: Flip salmon fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 30g (2 tbsp) butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Add cauliflower rice to the skillet with remaining salt and thyme. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still slightly firm.
7. Step 7: Push cauliflower to one side of the pan and add remaining butter to the empty space. Once melted, stir in heavy cream and lemon juice.
8. Step 8: Gently fold the creamy mixture into the cauliflower rice and cook for 1 minute until well combined and heated through.
9. Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
10. Step 10: Return salmon fillets to the skillet briefly to warm through and coat with the garlic butter sauce.
11. Step 11: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
12. Step 12: Drizzle any remaining pan sauce over the salmon and cauliflower rice before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Chef’s Tips

• For perfectly crispy skin, ensure the salmon is completely dry before seasoning and don’t move it once it hits the hot oil. The skin will release naturally when it’s properly seared.
• Don’t overcook the cauliflower rice – it should retain a slight bite similar to al dente pasta. Overcooking will make it mushy and watery.
• Save time by preparing the cauliflower rice in advance and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the skillet when ready to serve.

Health Benefits

This anti-inflammatory powerhouse combines omega-3 fatty acids from wild salmon with the metabolism-boosting benefits of a ketogenic meal plan. The high-quality fats support brain health and hormone production, while the minimal carbohydrates help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Cauliflower provides essential vitamins C and K, plus fiber for digestive health, making this dish a nutritionally complete meal that supports weight management and overall wellness.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover salmon and cauliflower rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. For best quality, consume within 24 hours as fish is best enjoyed fresh.