Description
Marry Me Salmon
This creamy, dreamy Marry Me Salmon might just earn you a marriage proposal! Inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken, this seafood twist features flaky salmon in a luscious sun-dried tomato sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or making a romantic dinner extra special, this dish is a real showstopper that takes only 40 minutes to whip up. Don’t be surprised if someone pops the question after tasting it!
3–4 salmon fillets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup chicken stock (unsalted)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil
Directions:
1. Mix all the seasonings and rub half on the salmon.
2. Sear salmon in olive oil on medium-high for 5 mins each side.
3. Sauté garlic & tomatoes, deglaze with chicken stock.
4. Add cream, Parmesan, remaining seasonings, and simmer until thick.
5. Return salmon, spoon sauce, and cook 3-5 mins.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 400
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine the dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pat the salmon fillets dry, then rub half of this seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the fillets.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side up (if they have skin). Sear for 4-5 minutes without moving, until a golden crust forms. Carefully flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Remove salmon to a plate and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and the remaining half of your seasoning mix. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Finish the Dish: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top of the salmon. Let it cook together for 3-5 minutes to warm the salmon through. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and flavorful salmon pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the delicious sauce. Serve it over a bed of:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta.
- Pasta like fettuccine or linguine.
- Steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- A simple green salad or roasted asparagus to balance the richness.
How-to Summary
Season and pan-sear salmon fillets. In the same pan, create a creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken stock, cream, Parmesan, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened, then return the salmon to the sauce to finish cooking. Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fish? Yes, firm white fish like cod or halibut work well, but adjust searing time as they may cook faster than salmon.
How can I make this dish less spicy? Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely. Make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before adding freshly seared salmon.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? For a lighter version, full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half can be used, though the sauce will be less rich.
Is the salmon skin edible? If your fillets have skin, searing it makes it crispy and delicious. You can choose to eat it or easily remove it after cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Sear salmon in batches if needed to ensure a proper crust forms instead of steaming.
- Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon is best when slightly pink and flaky in the center. It will cook further when returned to the sauce.
- Adding Cheese to High Heat: Ensure the sauce is at a gentle simmer when adding Parmesan to prevent it from separating or becoming grainy.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts much more smoothly into the sauce than the pre-grated kind, which contains anti-caking agents.
Conclusion
Marry Me Salmon is an undeniable winner, combining luxurious salmon with a deeply flavorful, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Its impressive presentation and restaurant-quality taste belie its simple 40-minute preparation. Whether for a special date night, a dinner party, or when you simply deserve a fabulous meal, this dish is guaranteed to delight. Follow the step-by-step guide, heed the common mistakes, and get ready for the compliments to roll in.