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Marry Me Salmon Garlic Butter

Marry Me Salmon Garlic Butter

Marry Me Salmon Garlic Butter is a rich and creamy dish featuring tender, flaky salmon cooked in a velvety garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and a touch of heavy cream. Perfectly balancing savory and bright flavors, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for special dinners or quick weeknight meals that impress with gourmet flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

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

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon Fillets: Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then generously season both sides with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor and helps create a delicious crust when cooked.
  2. Sear the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the same pan, then add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, whisking to combine everything into a creamy sauce.
  4. Finish the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add fresh herbs for aroma and brightness.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the salmon fillets to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them to coat completely. Let warm through for 1 minute, then plate and serve immediately for maximum flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Freshness Matters: Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor intensity.
  • Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly; watch carefully to avoid drying out while ensuring tender meat.
  • Butter Temperature: Melt butter gently to prevent burning and bitterness in the sauce.
  • Skin-On Salmon: Cooking with skin keeps the fish moist and adds a crispy texture.
  • Use High-Quality Cream: Rich cream enhances the sauce’s silkiness; choose the best quality you can find.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, garlic butter salmon, creamy salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy dinner, easy salmon recipe