Have you ever stumbled upon a dish so divine it feels like a love letter to your taste buds? Well, let me introduce you to my Marry Me Salmon recipe – a creamy, flavorful creation that’s guaranteed to win hearts.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family dinner, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress. Best of all, it only takes 40 minutes to whip up but tastes like it came straight out of a gourmet kitchen.
Why Is It Called “Marry Me Salmon”?
The name says it all. Inspired by the famous “Marry Me Chicken,” this salmon version is equally irresistible. The flaky salmon is nestled in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with just the right kick of spice. It’s the kind of dish that might just earn you a marriage proposal—or at the very least, lots of compliments!
Let’s dive into the details so you can recreate this magical meal at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves 3–4 people, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or small gathering. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salmon Fillets: 3–4 fillets, skin removed
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Seasonings:
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Chicken Stock: 1 cup (unsalted)
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/3 cup, chopped
- Garlic: 5 cloves, minced
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly shredded
- Fresh Basil: For garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Salmon
Start by combining all your seasonings in a small bowl—dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic blend will infuse the salmon with layers of flavor.
Rub half of this seasoning mix onto both sides of your salmon fillets. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed for maximum deliciousness.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the salmon fillets in the pan with the flesh side down first. Sear each side for about 5 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Using the same skillet (don’t wash it—you want to keep those flavorful bits from the salmon), add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. You can even add a splash of sun-dried tomato oil for extra richness. Sauté on low heat for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Next, pour in the chicken stock and deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These little bits are flavor gold!
Step 4: Create Creamy Perfection
Now it’s time to add the heavy cream, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, and the remaining seasoning mix. Stir everything together until well combined. Raise the heat slightly to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 10–15 minutes. As it cooks, it will thicken into a luscious, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gently place the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over each piece of salmon to coat them in all that flavor. Let them cook in the sauce for an additional 3–5 minutes. If you prefer medium salmon, go for 3 minutes; for well-done salmon, stick closer to 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Swoon
Your Marry Me Salmon is ready to be served! Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and an herby finish. Pair it with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that dreamy sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet vibe, this dish comes together in just 40 minutes.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of creamy Parmesan sauce and tangy sun-dried tomatoes is simply irresistible.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level by tweaking the red pepper flakes or try swapping salmon for chicken or shrimp.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special date night or a weeknight dinner, this recipe fits the bill.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh basil make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Keep an eye on your cooking time to ensure your salmon stays moist and flaky.
- Deglaze Thoroughly: Scraping up those browned bits adds depth to your sauce—don’t skip this step!
- Experiment with Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a recipe that’s both easy to make and impressive enough to leave everyone raving. My Marry Me Salmon checks all those boxes—and then some! Whether you’re cooking to win someone’s heart or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is sure to deliver.
So grab your skillet, gather those ingredients, and get ready to fall in love—one bite at a time! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below or share your creations on social media using #MarryMeSalmon.
Happy cooking!
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Marry Me Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
My easy Marry Me Salmon recipe is so yummy, it might just earn you a marriage proposal! This deliciously flaky salmon in a spicy, creamy sun dried tomato sauce takes just 40 minutes to get on the table, but tastes like you spent all day slaving away in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3–4 salmon fillets, skin removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Rub half of the seasoning mix evenly onto the salmon fillets.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets flesh side down and sear for about 5 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes over low heat for 1–2 minutes. (Optional: Add a splash of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes.)
Pour in the chicken stock and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and remaining seasoning mix. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Cook for another 3–5 minutes depending on desired doneness.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
For best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filet
- Calories: 462 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 528 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 106 mg
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