Marry Me Salmon Garlic Butter Perfection
Marry Me Salmon Garlic Butter Perfection is a quick and elegant dish featuring tender, flaky salmon smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce enriched with cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes and is packed with heart-healthy omega-3s and protein.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salmon
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6 oz each), fresh
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for searing
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides to ensure a flavorful crust and tender flesh.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes to release their tangy flavor.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes silky smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of fresh lemon juice to balance the richness.
- Combine and Finish: Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the luscious garlic butter sauce over them. Let everything meld together for 1-2 minutes, then sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh, never frozen salmon for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid overcooking salmon; aim for slightly translucent in the center for tenderness.
- Use high-quality butter to enhance richness and mouthfeel.
- Sauté garlic just until fragrant to prevent bitterness in the sauce.
- Let salmon rest off the heat briefly after cooking to keep it juicy.
- For a spicy variation, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Try swapping basil or parsley with thyme or dill for different herb notes.
- Use coconut cream and plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Serve with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: salmon, garlic butter sauce, quick dinner, healthy seafood, creamy sauce, special occasion recipe, omega-3 rich, easy salmon recipe