Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon Recipe

Save this recipe on:

Golden, pan-seared salmon meets a dreamy, creamy garlic sauce in this restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe brings all the richness and elegance of a gourmet dinner with minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknights and special occasions alike. With its velvety sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish lives up to its romantic name—it’s the kind of flavor that could spark a proposal!

The salmon is seared to perfection, creating a crisp, flavorful crust that contrasts beautifully with the luscious sauce. Served with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty piece of bread to soak up the creamy goodness, it’s a dinner that always impresses. And the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients for this Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon Recipe

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for serving (optional)

---

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step helps achieve a golden crust and ensures the fillets stay juicy during cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden and just cooked through. Remove the salmon and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Cream Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and chopped shallots. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add in the sun-dried tomatoes, thyme or Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for another minute.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Let the sauce bubble gently until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Return the Salmon and Finish the Sauce

Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the fillets and let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes. Finish with lemon juice and freshly chopped parsley.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the salmon over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread on the side. Spoon plenty of sauce over the top and garnish with extra parsley. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when salmon is cooked through?

Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. An internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) is ideal for moist, tender salmon.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Excess moisture can prevent a good sear.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter and cream with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream, but the flavor will change slightly.

What can I serve with this salmon?

Mashed potatoes, garlic rice, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread are all excellent pairings that complement the creamy sauce.

Can I substitute the salmon with another fish?

Absolutely! This sauce also works well with cod, halibut, or even shrimp.

Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by using more or omitting them entirely.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: