If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s both elegant and full of flavor, Marry Me Salmon is the perfect choice. With a creamy, garlic-infused sauce and perfectly seared salmon, this dish is rich, indulgent, and worthy of any special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or hosting a celebration, Marry Me Salmon is sure to steal the spotlight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The salmon is perfectly seared, tender, and flaky.
- The creamy sauce is a delicious mix of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs.
- It’s a luxurious dish that’s surprisingly simple to make in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Olive oil and butter for searing
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Heavy cream and chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Lemon juice and zest for a bright, fresh finish
For a complete list of ingredients and measurements, refer to the details below.
Directions
Step 1: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Add the salmon to the pan, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan, then add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3–4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Serve the Salmon
Return the salmon fillets to the pan and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Serve the Marry Me Salmon over a bed of rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the salmon: The salmon should be tender and flaky, so avoid overcooking it.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic adds a stronger, more aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- Add a little heat: If you enjoy a spicy kick, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the salmon for other firm fish like halibut or cod.
- Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version of the sauce.
- If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, try using roasted red peppers for a different twist.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Marry Me Salmon pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or sautéed spinach. A glass of crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat and add the salmon when ready to serve.
Q2: What can I serve this with instead of rice or pasta?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad are all great alternatives.
Q3: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking for the best results.
Q4: How do I get my salmon crispy?
For a crispier crust, make sure the pan is hot when you add the salmon and avoid moving it around while it cooks.
Conclusion
Marry Me Salmon is a rich and indulgent dish that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly delicious. With its creamy sauce, tender salmon, and elegant presentation, it’s guaranteed to make a lasting impression. Try it tonight and discover why it’s called “Marry Me!”
Print
Marry Me Salmon – A Rich and Flavorful Dish for Special Occasions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Salmon is an indulgent, show-stopping dish that combines the rich, buttery flavors of salmon with a decadent cream sauce. Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared, this dish is topped with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s sure to impress any guest. Ideal for special occasions or romantic dinners.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Salmon:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, chicken broth (or wine), and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Salmon and Sauce:
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm the salmon through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use skinless salmon fillets if preferred.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes in oil, you can use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes and add a bit of olive oil to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 105mg