Description
Marry Me Salmon is a mouthwatering, quick-to-make dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets paired with a rich and creamy garlic lemon herb sauce. This elegant yet simple recipe delivers bold flavors in under 30 minutes and is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.
Ingredients
Seared Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cream Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Lay the salmon fillets flat on a plate. Drizzle olive oil over the top and evenly sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to fully coat each fillet with flavor.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat an oiled skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned salmon fillets and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior. Then reduce the heat to low and let the salmon cook thoroughly through to the center. Remove the fillets from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: In the same pan over medium heat, add butter and minced garlic. Optionally, add onions here and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice and whisk together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the softened cream cheese and grated parmesan to the pan and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Herbs and Reheat Salmon: Stir in the fresh chopped basil and parsley into the sauce. Return the salmon fillets to the pan and let them simmer in the sauce for an additional minute or two to reheat and absorb some of the creamy flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and plate the salmon with generous spoonfuls of the creamy garlic lemon herb sauce. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use skinless salmon fillets for easier searing and serving.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- For a richer sauce, add more parmesan cheese to taste.
- Fresh herbs add brightness; substitute dried herbs in a pinch but use less as they are more concentrated.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- To add onions, sauté finely chopped onions with the garlic in the sauce step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
