This Marry Me Creamy Herb Salmon is a real treat! It features tender salmon coated in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, perfect for any dinner that needs a little magic.
You might want to keep this recipe secret; it’s so good, you might just get a proposal! 😄 I love pairing it with some fluffy rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is the star here. If you prefer a different fish, trout or tilapia can work too, although the sauce might need adjusting for taste and thickness.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a nice tang. If you can’t find them, roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes will be good substitutes, but the flavor will change a bit.
Heavy Cream: I love using heavy cream for its richness, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Chicken Broth/White Wine: If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, vegetable broth is a solid choice. It will still give you a lovely flavor in the sauce.
Fresh Herbs: Use whatever you have on hand! Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh herbs bring a brightness that’s hard to beat.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but with these steps, you’re set for success! The goal is a nice golden brown outside with a tender inside.
- Start with a dry fillet; this helps get a nice crust.
- Use a skillet that can hold heat well, like cast iron or stainless steel.
- Cook on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side to achieve that beautiful sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each fillet some space to cook evenly!
Once cooked, let it rest for a minute before serving. This keeps it juicy and flaky.
Marry Me Creamy Herb Salmon With Rich Garlic Butter Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Mixed greens or steamed vegetables, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salmon dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick yet impressive meal. With only about 30 minutes in total from start to finish, you can serve up this amazing dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt before adding the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté these for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Carefully pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan as the liquid simmers.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and keep cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring the mixture until it thickens slightly. You want it to be creamy and luscious!
6. Add Fresh Herbs:
Stir in the fresh parsley, chives, basil, and dried Italian herbs (if using). Mix well to combine all the flavors. Then, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine Salmon with Sauce:
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy herb garlic butter sauce generously over the top. Let the salmon simmer gently in the sauce for about a minute to soak in all the wonderful flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salmon topped with the rich garlic butter sauce, alongside lemon wedges and your choice of mixed greens or steamed vegetables. Enjoy this luscious, creamy herb salmon that’s sure to impress anyone at your table!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking! The best way to thaw salmon is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also seal the salmon in a bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can substitute heavy cream. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream, but keep in mind that the flavors of the sauce may vary slightly with these substitutes.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to the sauce to restore its rich texture.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Simply reheat it gently on the stove before adding the cooked salmon to warm it through. Just remember to add some fresh herbs before serving for that burst of flavor!