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Marry Me Salmon Garlic Butter Perfection

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: salmon, garlic butter sauce, quick dinner, healthy seafood, creamy sauce, special occasion recipe, omega-3 rich, easy salmon recipe