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Marry Me Salmon Garlic Butter

Marry Me Salmon Garlic Butter

Marry Me Salmon Garlic Butter is an elegant, rich, and creamy dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for special occasions or comforting weeknight dinners, delivering restaurant-quality flavor, texture, and beautiful presentation that will impress every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 4 fresh skin-on salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil or parsley), finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to ensure a flavorful crust when seared.
  2. Sear the salmon: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the room temperature butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to maintain a creamy richness.
  4. Add flavor boosters: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently, letting it thicken slightly. Then mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped fresh herbs. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until luscious and creamy.
  5. Combine and finish: Return the salmon fillets to the pan. Spoon the garlic butter sauce generously over each fillet, then sprinkle a little fresh lemon juice for brightness. Heat for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter to help the sauce come together smoothly and evenly.
  • Do not overcook the salmon; remove it from heat as soon as it flakes easily to maintain tenderness and moistness.
  • Toast garlic gently to avoid browning and bitterness, preserving the sauce’s creamy flavor.
  • Add fresh herbs just before serving to keep their vibrant color and bright flavor.
  • Choose high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the best taste and sauce balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, garlic butter sauce, creamy salmon, quick dinner, elegant salmon recipe, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, fresh herbs, easy seafood recipe, gluten free