Keto Garlic Butter Salmon with Cauliflower Mash – Anti-Inflammatory Recipe

This luxurious keto garlic butter salmon with cauliflower mash delivers restaurant-quality flavors while supporting your low-carb lifestyle. The omega-3 rich salmon paired with creamy, buttery cauliflower creates a satisfying meal that’s both indulgent and nutritious.

Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this gluten-free dish takes just 30 minutes to prepare and provides powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. The combination of healthy fats from salmon and butter, along with fiber-rich cauliflower, makes this an ideal ketogenic meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.

Ingredients

• 680g (1.5 lbs / 4 fillets) salmon fillets, skin-on
• 600g (1.3 lbs / 4 cups) cauliflower florets
• 115g (4oz / 8 tbsp) unsalted butter, divided
• 60ml (2 fl oz / 1/4 cup) heavy cream
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 30ml (1 fl oz / 2 tbsp) olive oil
• 15ml (0.5 fl oz / 1 tbsp) fresh lemon juice
• 15g (0.5oz / 2 tbsp) fresh parsley, chopped
• 5g (1 tsp) sea salt, divided
• 2g (1/2 tsp) black pepper, freshly ground
• 2g (1/2 tsp) paprika
• 1g (1/4 tsp) garlic powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove salmon from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 2g (1/2 tsp) salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for 12-15 minutes until very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
3. Step 3: While cauliflower cooks, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place salmon fillets skin-side up in the pan.
4. Step 4: Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes without moving, until golden crust forms. Flip fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature 145°F/63°C).
5. Step 5: Remove salmon to a plate and tent with foil to rest. Reduce heat to medium and add 57g (2oz / 4 tbsp) butter to the same skillet.
6. Step 6: Add minced garlic to melted butter and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and half the parsley.
7. Step 7: Drain cauliflower thoroughly and transfer to a food processor. Add remaining 57g (2oz / 4 tbsp) butter, heavy cream, and remaining 3g (3/4 tsp) salt.
8. Step 8: Process cauliflower mixture for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
9. Step 9: Divide cauliflower mash between four plates, creating a well in the center of each portion.
10. Step 10: Place salmon fillets on top of cauliflower mash and drizzle generously with the garlic butter sauce from the pan.
11. Step 11: Garnish with remaining fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Chef’s Tips

• For perfectly crispy skin, ensure salmon is completely dry before seasoning and don’t move it once it hits the hot pan – let it develop that golden crust naturally.
• Pass the cauliflower mash through a fine-mesh sieve after processing for an ultra-smooth, restaurant-quality texture that rivals traditional mashed potatoes.
• Check salmon doneness by gently pressing the center – it should feel firm but still have a slight give, and the flesh should flake easily when tested with a fork.

Health Benefits

This nutrient-dense meal provides exceptional anti-inflammatory benefits from salmon’s omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function. The high-quality protein helps maintain muscle mass while following a ketogenic diet, and the healthy fats promote satiety and stable blood sugar levels. Cauliflower delivers vitamin C, folate, and fiber while keeping carbs minimal, making this dish perfect for weight management and metabolic health.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover salmon and cauliflower mash separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals. The garlic butter sauce can be stored for up to 5 days and gently rewarmed before serving.