Description
Marry Me Salmon: Succulent salmon fillets roasted with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that will impress any crowd!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz/170g each), skin-on, preferably center-cut
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges and fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Remove your salmon fillets from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This ensures even cooking throughout. Pat the fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden crust! Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground pepper, pressing gently so the seasonings adhere to the fish.
- Step 2: Heat Your Pan Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. This creates the perfect environment for searing your Marry Me Salmon to golden perfection without sticking.
- Step 3: Sear the Salmon Carefully place your salmon fillets in the hot pan, skin-side down. Press each fillet gently with a spatula for about 10 seconds to prevent curling and ensure the skin makes full contact with the pan. Allow the salmon to cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and golden.
- Step 4: Butter Basting Magic Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, sliced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan. As the butter melts, it will begin to foam slightly and become infused with the garlic and herbs. Tilt the pan slightly to pool the butter mixture on one side, then use a spoon to continuously baste the salmon with this aromatic butter for about 2-3 minutes. This is where your Marry Me Salmon develops its signature rich flavor.
- Step 5: Add Brightness Add the lemon juice and honey to the butter mixture, swirling the pan to combine. Continue basting the salmon for another minute, allowing the acid from the lemon to cut through the richness and the honey to create a subtle caramelization.
- Step 6: Final Touches Sprinkle red pepper flakes (if using) over the salmon for a gentle heat that complements the rich flavors. Carefully flip the salmon and cook for just 30 seconds to 1 minute more. The salmon should flake easily with a fork but still maintain a slightly translucent center for maximum moisture.
- Step 7: Rest and Serve Transfer your Marry Me Salmon to warm plates and spoon some of the pan sauce over each fillet. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and additional herbs for a restaurant-quality presentation that might just lead to a proposal!
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 229mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg