Marry Me Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
This creamy garlic butter salmon recipe is incredibly flavorful and comes together quickly, making it a perfect dish for a special occasion or a weeknight meal.
Equipment
- large skillet
- paper towels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds salmon fillets skin-on or off, cut into 4-ounce portions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 4-5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth or dry white wine
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill chopped, for garnish
- 1 lemon cut into wedges, for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Sear the Salmon
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the salmon fillets for 4-5 minutes skin-side down, then flip and sear for another 2-3 minutes until cooked to your desired doneness, then remove and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add broth or wine, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Finish the Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve
- Return the seared salmon to the skillet, nestle into the sauce, and simmer for 2-3 minutes, spooning sauce over salmon until fully cooked. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can marinate the salmon in a little lemon juice and garlic powder for 15 minutes before searing. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more broth or cream as needed. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted asparagus or a light green salad.