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Easy Keto Marry Me Salmon - Creamy, Flavor-Packed, Weeknight Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Salmon fillets (4 fillets, about 6 oz each)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Butter (salted or unsalted)
  • Garlic (3–4 cloves, minced)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Chicken broth or stock (low-sodium)
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated if possible)
  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and sliced)
  • Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme
  • Fresh spinach (a few handfuls)
  • Fresh lemon (for juice and zest)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper

Method
 

  1. Prep the salmon: Pat fillets dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper. If using skin-on salmon, keep the skin on.
  2. Sear the fish: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Place salmon skin-side down and cook 3–4 minutes until the skin is crisp. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more, just until almost cooked through. Transfer to a plate; tent loosely with foil.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Build the sauce: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 1 minute. Stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, and the sliced sun-dried tomatoes.
  5. Season and thicken: Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened and silky.
  6. Add greens: Fold in a couple handfuls of spinach. Let it wilt, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat.
  7. Finish with brightness: Add 1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice and a little zest. This balances the creamy sauce.
  8. Return the salmon: Nestle fillets back into the sauce, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer 1–2 minutes to finish cooking. Salmon should be just opaque and flaky, around 125–130°F in the thickest part for medium.
  9. Garnish and serve: Top with chopped basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, steamed asparagus, or a crisp salad.