Description
This creamy, flavorful salmon dish is so good, it might just earn you a proposal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon filets, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry. Brush each filet with a total of 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon filets and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes on each side. Lower the heat to allow the salmon to cook through to the center. Remove the filets from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Sauce Base: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and melt the butter. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create a Roux: Add the flour to the skillet and stir constantly for about 1 minute to make a paste (this is your roux).
- Incorporate Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, the remaining 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Return and Finish: Gently add the salmon filets back to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Final Simmer: Turn the heat down to medium-low and continue to simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the salmon to finish cooking in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil and extra lemon zest, if desired. Serve warm over pasta, rice, or your favorite side.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the Italian seasoning to your preference.
- Tomato Substitute: Chopped fresh tomatoes can be used in place of sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella.
- Make-Ahead: The sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce gently before adding the salmon and completing the cooking process.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with pasta (linguine or fettuccine), rice, or even mashed potatoes. A side salad or roasted vegetables would also complement it nicely.
Keywords: salmon, marry me salmon, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, romantic dinner