This Marry Me Salmon is a tasty dish that’s sure to impress! With creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, it brings a burst of flavor to your table.
Honestly, I think this salmon could win a cooking competition all on its own! I love serving it with a side of rice or pasta—easy, yummy, and perfect for special nights! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh, frozen salmon works too. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best quality.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream if you want a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a lovely tangy flavor. If you can’t find them, roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes can be great alternatives. Just chop them up for a similar effect.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is a must-have for a cheesy finish. If you’re looking for a substitute, pecorino romano works well, or you can go for nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky, but following these steps can help. The key is to monitor the cooking time and don’t rush it. Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper well.
- Add salmon skin-side down first, if applicable, and cook for about 4-5 minutes, depending on thickness. Don’t move it around.
- Flip it carefully with a spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until it’s flaky and golden brown.
Remember, salmon continues to cook off the heat, so don’t worry if it looks slightly underdone when you remove it. It will finish cooking in the sauce!
How to Make Marry Me Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and an additional 15 minutes to cook, for a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weekday dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Begin by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the fish when cooked.
2. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the salmon fillets to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked to your liking. When done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits—this adds great flavor!
4. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine and Heat Through:
Place the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top. Allow them to warm through for 1-2 minutes. This makes sure the salmon is nice and hot!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the salmon with your choice of sides, like fluffy rice or steamed vegetables.
Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Salmon! It’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. It’s best to do this overnight in the fridge or seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream or a blended mixture of cashews and water. Just note that the consistency and flavor will differ slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Marry Me Salmon?
To store leftovers, let the salmon cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 3 days. For reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat to prevent drying out.
What Sides Pair Best with Marry Me Salmon?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. Garlic bread also complements the dish if you want to soak up the creamy sauce!
