This creamy herb salmon is perfect for impressing someone special! The rich garlic butter sauce adds a lovely flavor that makes each bite a delight.
Let’s be real, the sauce is just begging to be poured over everything! I love serving this dish with rice or veggies for an easy meal that feels fancy. 🐟💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. Look for wild-caught for the best flavor. You can substitute with trout or a firm white fish like cod if salmon isn’t available.
Heavy Cream: This creates the creamy sauce you crave. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream like coconut milk, but note it will alter the flavor slightly.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add richness and sweetness. If you don’t have them, roasted red peppers can be a good swap for a different yet delicious flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and spinach brighten the dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs will work too, but use less as they are more concentrated. I love using basil in the sauce for a punch of flavor!
How Can You Perfectly Sear Salmon?
Getting that crispy skin or golden crust on salmon is key to a delicious meal. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet to help achieve a nice sear. Use medium-high heat.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary. This allows the salmon to sear rather than steam.
- Let the salmon cook undisturbed on the first side for 4-5 minutes. Flip gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes until just cooked through.
Letting the salmon rest a minute before serving keeps it juicy, so don’t skip that step!
Marry Me Creamy Herb Salmon With Rich Garlic Butter Sauce
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Juice of half a lemon (plus lemon wedges for serving)
- Fresh basil or extra parsley for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious salmon dish will take about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps achieve a nice sear! Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Sear the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the salmon fillets skin-side up (if they have skin). Allow them to cook for about 4-5 minutes until they get a beautiful golden brown color. Gently flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are cooked through yet tender. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set them aside on a warm plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn—it should smell wonderful!
4. Mix in the Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Herbs:
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, parsley, and Italian herb seasoning. You’ll want to sauté for 2-3 minutes until the spinach becomes wilted and everything is fragrant.
5. Add the Cream and Lemon Juice:
Now pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine all the flavors. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, letting it thicken a bit. Finally, stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine and Serve:
Return the seared salmon to the skillet, spooning the creamy herb garlic butter sauce over the top. Warm everything through for a minute or two.
7. Plate and Garnish:
Carefully plate the salmon and drizzle any remaining sauce over each fillet. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and add lemon wedges for a nice pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve:
Enjoy your creamy, rich salmon with a side of steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that will surely impress!
Enjoy your rich, creamy, and herbaceous salmon — a truly “marry me” worthy dish!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but ensure it’s completely thawed first! Thaw in the fridge overnight or under cold running water for a quicker method. Pat it dry before cooking for best results.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream like coconut milk. Just be aware that using coconut milk will change the flavor profile slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to maintain the creamy texture. Be careful not to overcook the salmon!
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini. Just sauté them along with the sun-dried tomatoes before adding the cream for added flavor and nutrition!
