Marry Me Salmon Garlic Butter Perfection
Marry Me Salmon Garlic Butter Perfection is a rich and elegant seafood dish featuring tender salmon fillets cooked to flaky perfection and smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce with heavy cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Quick and easy to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions, this recipe combines buttery, savory, and fresh herbal flavors for a mouthwatering meal.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 fresh salmon fillets, skin-on (6 oz each)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor penetration.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat a large non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes without moving them so the skin crisps up beautifully.
- Flip and Cook Through: Carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook the other side for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is just cooked through but remains moist and tender inside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining butter, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon juice, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and serve immediately to enjoy the full depth of flavors.
Notes
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet for even searing and to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; give salmon fillets space to ensure a crispy skin and even cooking.
- Fresh garlic and herbs significantly enhance flavor compared to dried alternatives.
- Maintain medium to medium-high heat to avoid burning the garlic while melting the butter.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture and juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: salmon, garlic butter sauce, seafood, dinner, quick recipe, gluten free, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes