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Creamy Marry Me Salmon

Creamy Marry Me Salmon
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Creamy Marry Me Salmon is a quick and elegant dish featuring tender, flaky salmon fillets smothered in a rich, velvety sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Finished with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon juice, this recipe balances indulgent flavors with wholesome nutrition, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 4 fresh salmon fillets (firm, skin-on, about 6 oz each)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for searing)

Sauce

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Optional Garnishes and Variations

  • Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne (for spicy twist)
  • Coconut cream and nutritional yeast (for dairy-free version)
  • Fresh dill or tarragon (herb swap)
  • Spinach or asparagus (vegetable addition)
  • White wine (for deglazing)
  • Toasted pine nuts or lemon zest (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan and sear until the skin is crisp and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip the fillets carefully and cook the other side until just done, about 2-3 minutes more. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a warm plate.
  2. Building the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly to combine flavors. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
  3. Finishing Touches: Add fresh lemon juice and chopped basil or parsley to the sauce, stirring well to incorporate the flavors. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Warm together for 2 minutes to meld the flavors without overcooking the fish.
  4. Serving: Transfer the salmon to serving plates, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, toasted pine nuts, or lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and silky.

Notes

  • Use room temperature salmon for even cooking and to prevent raw centers.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing; cook in batches if necessary to get a nice crust.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to retain their brightness and prevent bitterness.
  • Simmer the cream sauce gently on low heat to avoid curdling and maintain smooth texture.
  • Reserve salmon juices by deglazing the pan with lemon juice or white wine before making the sauce for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Salmon, Marry Me Salmon, Easy Salmon Recipe, Cream Sauce Salmon, Healthy Dinner, Quick Elegant Meals, Gluten Free Salmon

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/creamy-marry-me-salmon/