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Creamy Marry Me Salmon Recipe Easy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

creamy marry me salmon - featured image

Tender salmon fillets cooked in a rich, creamy garlic and sun-dried tomato sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless, fresh or thawed frozen
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, full-fat
  • ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving to get a crispy crust.
  3. Flip the salmon and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove salmon from pan and set aside on a warm plate.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan and let melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  5. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened.
  6. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Return salmon fillets to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and warm through for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before seasoning for a crispy crust. Cook garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen. Salmon is done when it flakes easily but remains moist. Can be adapted for dairy-free by using coconut cream and vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

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