Marry Me Salmon

Looking for an irresistible salmon recipe that could win hearts? Try my Easy Marry Me Salmon! This flavorful, flaky salmon is cooked in a creamy, spicy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s so delicious, it might just earn you a proposal. Ready in just 40 minutes, it delivers gourmet taste without hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon Recipe

• Perfect for Dinner Parties: This creamy, spicy, and herby salmon dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! If you’re a fan of my marry me chicken pasta recipe, you’ll swoon over this seafood twist.
• Ideal for Date Night: Want to set the mood for a romantic evening? This decadent recipe is the perfect choice. Who knows—you might even score that special surprise in a little blue box! 💍
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Rich, flavorful, and utterly luxurious, this salmon dish tastes like a $30+ meal from a high-end restaurant. The best part? It’s budget-friendly and so simple to make, even beginners can pull it off!

What You’ll Need for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon

Here’s your simple shopping list to create this decadent dish:

• Salmon Fillets: I prefer buying a side of salmon for easy skin removal and portioning. Pre-portioned fillets work just as well!
• Dried Basil & Thyme: These herbs add rich, earthy flavors. Italian seasoning is a great alternative, or use 3x the amount of fresh herbs if available.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples add sweet, savory depth. No powders? Use 3x the amount of flakes and grind or crush them to mimic the texture.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Add a touch of heat. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
• Chicken Broth or Stock: Unsalted varieties are best for controlling seasoning. Vegetable broth is a good substitute.
• Heavy Cream: For a silky sauce. Whipping cream works if needed!
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed ones are softer and more flavorful (plus, the oil is perfect for dipping bread). Dry-packed tomatoes work too; rehydrate if necessary.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves are ideal, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch!
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: A wedge is best for flavor and meltability. Skip pre-grated cheese or the green bottle — freshly grated parm makes all the difference.
• Fresh Basil: Adds vibrant color and a burst of freshness. Tip: Roll the leaves into a “cigar” and slice thinly for perfect ribbons.
• Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, & Black Pepper: The essentials for seasoning and cooking.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 cup chicken stock, unsalted
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup chopped sundried tomatoes
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil

Equipment 

• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board 
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Large Skillet
• Fish Spatula 
• Cooking Spoon

How to Make Marry Me Salmon in 9 Easy Steps

This creamy sun-dried tomato salmon is ready in just 40 minutes! Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Create the Spice Blend

In a small bowl, mix dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Rub half of the spice blend onto the salmon fillets, ensuring all sides are thoroughly coated.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets flesh-side down and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over low heat for 1-2 minutes. For added flavor, include a splash of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the chicken stock and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to build flavor.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce

Add heavy cream, freshly grated parmesan, and the remaining spice blend. Stir well to combine.

Step 7: Simmer and Thicken

Increase the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 8: Simmer the Salmon

Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the fillets and cook for 3-5 minutes. For medium doneness, cook for 3 minutes; for well-done salmon, cook for 5 minutes.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy

Transfer a salmon fillet to a plate or pasta bowl, generously spoon the creamy Marry Me sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh basil.

Your Marry Me Salmon is now ready to impress! 🐟✨

Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations for Marry Me Salmon

This versatile recipe is easy to customize! Here are some tweaks to fit your dietary preferences or spice tolerance:

Dairy-Free Option

For a creamy dish without dairy, use vegan whipping cream and a plant-based parmesan cheese alternative. Perfect for those who love creamy flavors but can’t handle dairy!

Pescatarian-Friendly

If you avoid meat but eat fish, swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth. Also, make sure your parmesan is vegetarian (many traditional parmesans contain animal rennet).

Adjust the Spice Level

• For More Heat: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
• For Less Heat: Use just ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, making it milder and kid-friendly.
• Customize to Taste: Start small and add as needed to suit your preferences!

Expert Tips for Perfect Marry Me Salmon

• Dollars & Sense: Save money by opting for frozen salmon—it’s often fresher than “fresh” fish since it’s frozen shortly after being caught.
• Skinning Made Simple: Use the hot water hack to easily remove the salmon skin without a knife.
• Check for Pin Bones: Run your fingers over the fillets to detect any stray pin bones. Remove them gently with kitchen tweezers or sanitized pliers by pulling in the bone’s direction.
• Perfect Sear: Resist the urge to move the salmon while it’s searing. Let it cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden crust.
• Sauce Patience: Allow the sauce to simmer for the full 10-15 minutes. This step is key to achieving a perfectly creamy consistency that clings to the salmon.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish is perfect year-round! Pair it with these ideas:

• Weeknight Wonder: Serve over steamed rice or with a simple veggie side for an easy, elegant meal.
• Date Night Delight: Pair with garlic bread, a fresh salad, and a bottle of crisp white wine for a romantic evening.
• Dinner Party Showstopper: Wow your guests by serving this salmon over pasta, alongside goat cheese tartlets as an appetizer, and ending with fudgy brownies and berries for dessert.
• Mix & Match Sides: Try roasted potatoes, a fresh chopped salad, or crescent roll garlic knots to soak up every drop of the creamy sauce.
• Low-Carb Options: Keep it keto-friendly by serving with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Storage & Reheating Tips

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers like this:

• Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: To avoid drying out the salmon, heat the sauce separately. Add the salmon during the last few minutes of warming to gently take off the chill.

With these tips, your Marry Me Salmon will always be a stunning success! 🐟✨

FAQs About Marry Me Salmon