Marry Me Salmon

If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also has the potential to impress, my Marry Me Salmon recipe is just what you need! This recipe combines flaky salmon with a creamy, spicy sun-dried tomato sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet fancy, or maybe for a special dinner date at home. Trust me, this dish has a way of making an ordinary night feel extraordinary!

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients and 40 minutes from start to finish, you’ll create a meal that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen. Plus, I can almost guarantee you’ll get some heartfelt compliments!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: In just 40 minutes, dinner is ready! Perfect for those evenings when time is short.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and spices creates a rich flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to everyone – kids and adults alike will love the creamy sauce over tender salmon.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve it up with fresh basil on top and watch your family and friends rave about your cooking skills!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make the sauce ahead of time and just add the salmon before serving for an even quicker meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Marry Me Salmon recipe, you’ll be using simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Get ready to whip up something delightful!

For the Salmon

• 3-4 salmon fillets, skin removed
• 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

For the Sauce

• 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 shredded parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily swap out ingredients or add your own twist.

• Swap the protein: If you’re not in the mood for salmon, try this with chicken breasts or even tofu for a plant-based option!
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale while making the sauce for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Swap out parmesan for feta cheese to give it a different flavor profile.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños to the sauce.

How to Make Marry Me Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine all your seasonings: dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these together first ensures that every bite of your salmon is packed with flavor!

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Take half of your seasoning mix and rub it into both sides of each salmon fillet. This step is crucial as it infuses each piece with aromatic goodness right from the start.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the seasoned salmon fillets in the pan flesh side down. Searing them creates a beautiful golden crust while locking in moisture. Cook each side for about 5 minutes until they’re perfectly browned.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. In that same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes (and optional tomato oil if you’d like!). Cook on low heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step builds layers of flavor that make your sauce irresistible.

Step 5: Deglaze with Chicken Stock

Pour in chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck on the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor! Stir well to combine everything.

Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese

Next, stir in heavy cream, freshly shredded parmesan cheese, and your remaining seasoning mix. This rich mixture will create a velvety sauce that coats your salmon beautifully.

Step 7: Simmer Until Thickened

Increase heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally and taste; adjust salt or pepper if needed for extra flavor.

Step 8: Finish Cooking the Salmon

Gently place your seared salmon back into the skillet. Spoon that luscious sauce over each fillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes based on how well done you prefer your fish – three minutes will leave it medium while five will cook it through completely.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked to your liking, plate up your Marry Me Salmon with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. Serve it warm with rice or pasta alongside veggies – whatever makes you happy! Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve made something truly special!

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Salmon

Making Marry Me Salmon can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate this dish to perfection!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh salmon and high-quality sundried tomatoes make a significant difference in flavor. They ensure that every bite is bursting with the best taste possible.

• Don’t rush the searing: Taking your time to sear the salmon properly not only enhances its flavor but also gives it a beautiful golden crust. This step locks in moisture and creates a delicious texture.

• Adjust the spice levels: If you prefer less heat, feel free to reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. This dish should be tailored to your taste—it’s all about making it your own!

• Let it rest: After cooking, allow the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring every bite remains moist and tender.

• Experiment with herbs: While fresh basil is recommended, feel free to explore other herbs like parsley or oregano for added flavor variations that suit your palate.

How to Serve Marry Me Salmon

Serving Marry Me Salmon is just as important as preparing it! A beautiful presentation can impress your guests and enhance your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few sprigs of fresh basil on top not only look gorgeous but also add an aromatic freshness that complements the dish beautifully.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges alongside can offer a zesty contrast to the creamy sauce, brightening up each bite.

Side Dishes

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce of the salmon.

• Steamed asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a vibrant color and crisp texture, balancing out the richness of the fish while providing healthy nutrients.

• Quinoa salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a nutritious side that complements the flavors without overpowering them.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Marry Me Salmon will not only taste divine but also look stunning on your table! Enjoy crafting this love-worthy meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Salmon recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• To maintain the best flavor, consume within this time frame.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze the salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• This will help prevent freezer burn and keep it fresh for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken stock or water to keep it moist.
• Cover with a lid to steam gently until heated through; avoid overcooking.
• Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Marry Me Salmon recipe:

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun dried tomatoes for Marry Me Salmon?

While sun dried tomatoes add a distinct flavor, you can substitute them with fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to sauté them longer until they break down into a sauce.

How spicy is Marry Me Salmon?

The level of spice in Marry Me Salmon can be adjusted by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat, and add more according to your taste!

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes! While salmon is recommended for its rich flavor and texture, you can try this recipe with other flaky fish like cod or tilapia. Adjust cooking times according to the thickness of the fish.

Is there a dairy-free option for Marry Me Salmon?

Absolutely! You can replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just ensure that it’s unsweetened to maintain the savory flavor profile.

What side dishes pair well with Marry Me Salmon?

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a simple green salad. The creamy sauce also complements pasta beautifully!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Marry Me Salmon recipe as much as I do! It’s a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and ease of preparation—perfect for impressing someone special or simply treating yourself. Remember, cooking should be fun and fulfilling! So roll up your sleeves, savor every moment in the kitchen, and let me know how yours turns out. Happy cooking!