Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Restaurant-Quality: Delivers gourmet flavors without the need for complex cooking techniques.
- Versatile: Pairs well with various sides like pasta, rice, or vegetables, allowing for a customized meal experience.
Ingredients
- 3–4 salmon fillets, skin removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¾ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Season the Salmon: Rub half of the spice blend onto both sides of the salmon fillets.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon, flesh side down, for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over low heat for 1–2 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining spice blend. Stir thoroughly and simmer over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine and Cook: Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the fillets. Cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, depending on desired doneness.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 3–4 people.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative and use vegan Parmesan cheese.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace salmon with firm tofu or a hearty vegetable like cauliflower steaks.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate spinach or kale into the sauce for added nutrition and color.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or stock to maintain sauce consistency.
FAQs
What is Marry Me Salmon?
Marry Me Salmon is a dish featuring salmon fillets cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, rumored to be so delicious it could prompt a marriage proposal.
Can I use skin-on salmon fillets?
Yes, but it’s recommended to remove the skin for this recipe to allow the flavors to fully infuse the salmon.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I substitute the sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes provide a unique flavor, but you can use fresh cherry tomatoes as an alternative.
What sides pair well with Marry Me Salmon?
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
How can I tell if the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) indicates it’s fully cooked.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it before adding freshly cooked salmon.
What type of cream should I use?
Heavy cream is recommended for a rich and creamy sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Ensure to simmer the sauce over low heat and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Conclusion
Marry Me Salmon is a delightful and flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions. Its creamy sun-dried tomato sauce complements the tender salmon perfectly, making it a must-try recipe for seafood lovers.
Marry Me Salmon
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings
Description
Marry Me Salmon is a flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets nestled in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This easy-to-make, gourmet recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or romantic special occasions, delivering restaurant-quality flavors in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3–4 salmon fillets, skin removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¾ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Blend: Mix dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Season the Salmon: Coat both sides of the salmon fillets with half of the spice blend.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon, flesh side down, for 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in the same skillet for 1–2 minutes over low heat.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up browned bits.
- Make the Sauce: Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining spice blend. Stir well and simmer over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine: Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over the fillets. Cook for 3–5 minutes to your desired doneness.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level.
- For added nutrition, stir in spinach or kale when making the sauce.
- Use a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
