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Marry Me Salmon Recipe

4.5 from 129 reviews

Marry Me Salmon is a quick and romantic dinner featuring tender salmon fillets seared to perfection and smothered in a creamy garlic sun-dried tomato sauce. This luscious dish combines the rich flavors of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil, making it an irresistible meal ideal for date nights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon

  • 2 fillets Salmon (skinless for even cooking)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for searing)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black Pepper (to taste)
  • Dash of Paprika (optional, for seasoning)

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 4 cloves Garlic (freshly minced)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (vegetable broth as substitute)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (coconut cream for dairy-free option)
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (for garnishing)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Salmon: Gently pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and a dash of paprika for extra flavor. Allow the fillets to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Sear the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil shimmers, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet. Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown and easily releases from the pan. Flip and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes until cooked through and flaky. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add freshly minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Gradually sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. With a spoon, baste salmon with sauce and simmer together for 5-7 minutes until salmon is heated through and tender.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove skillet from heat and scatter freshly chopped basil over the salmon. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and herbs for enhanced flavor.
  • You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before combining with salmon.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze salmon wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
  • If sauce is too thick, thin with extra chicken broth or cream as needed.
  • For dairy-free versions, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when searing salmon for best crust development.

Keywords: Salmon, Creamy Sauce, Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Parmesan, Italian Seasoning, Skillet, Romantic Dinner, Quick Meal