Few dishes have a name as intriguing as Marry Me Salmon. This captivating recipe is inspired by the viral sensation Marry Me Chicken, offering tender, golden-seared salmon fillets swaddled in a creamy Parmesan sauce that boasts garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a bouquet of Italian herbs. With its rich and robust flavors, this dish transcends ordinary meals, making it an ideal choice for everything from romantic date nights to cozy family gatherings.
The lore surrounding this dish suggests that its extraordinary taste could indeed inspire a marriage proposal, and with just one bite of flaky salmon graced by the tangy and savory cream sauce, you’ll understand why! It’s not merely a meal; it’s an experience that encapsulates love, warmth, and the joy of great food. Plus, the best part is that this delightful recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, offering the perfect balance of quickness and gourmet flair.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Salmon
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it manageable even on busy weekdays.
- Restaurant-Quality: Enjoy a creamy, rich, and flavorful dish right in your own kitchen.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies, allowing for endless meal combinations.
- Special Yet Simple: Elegant enough for hosting gatherings, yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into preparing this sumptuous Marry Me Salmon, it’s essential to ensure your kitchen workspace is organized. Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools, which will streamline the cooking process and make it more enjoyable. You’ll need a good-quality skillet—preferably non-stick or cast-iron—for searing the salmon. A whisk is essential for mixing the sauce smoothly, along with measuring spoons and cups for accuracy. Don’t forget to have a spatula on hand to turn the salmon gently, preserving its flaky texture. It’s also wise to prepare your serving dishes ahead of time, allowing the sauce and salmon to shine when they reach the table.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, which is key for achieving a beautiful sear. Brush both sides of the salmon with one tablespoon of olive oil, then generously season with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. This not only enhances the flavor but also forms a delicious crust when cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet. Let them sear for about three minutes on one side without moving them to attain that golden crust. Then, flip the salmon and cook for an additional three minutes, just until the fish is cooked through but still moist inside. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add three tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt gently. Once melted, introduce the minced garlic, sautéing it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Quickly stir in the flour to form a paste, ensuring there are no lumps. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth mixture. Then, incorporate the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes velvety and thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add Flavor Components
Next, mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, an additional teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and the bright lemon zest. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens further, creating a rich base for your salmon.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet with the creamy sauce, carefully spooning the sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. To finish, garnish the dish with fresh basil and another sprinkle of Parmesan before serving. This dish shines when paired warm with your choice of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Variations
- Protein: If salmon isn’t your preference, consider using chicken breasts or shrimp for a similar creamy experience.
- Vegetables: Stir in some spinach or unleash seasonal vegetables like zucchini for added nutrition.
- Spices: Enhance flavor with red pepper flakes for a kick or a splash of white wine for complexity.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the salmon to achieve a perfect sear.
- If the creamy sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to reach desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic butter pasta or creamy risotto for a comforting meal.
- Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or a crisp Caesar salad provide a refreshing contrast.
Tips
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor; pre-grated variations lack richness.
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in Italian seasoning and olive oil for about 30 minutes prior to cooking.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 650
- Protein: 40 grams
- Sodium: 950 mg
FAQs
How can I store leftovers?
Leftover Marry Me Salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking the salmon.
Can I freeze the Marry Me Salmon?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the salmon with the sauce for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you need a lighter option, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Why is my sauce too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer on low heat a little longer to thicken. You can also whisk in a cornstarch slurry for quicker results.
Conclusion
To sum up, Marry Me Salmon is not only a quick and easy dish but also a stunning culinary experience that can make an ordinary dinner feel extraordinary. This recipe is sure to impress your loved ones and might even spark a romantic moment of its own. You’re encouraged to try your hand at this delightful dish, explore various ingredient substitutions, or even share your version with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to comment below or share your experiences with Marry Me Salmon!
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Marry Me Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Salmon is a delicious dish that can be prepared quickly, making it ideal for romantic dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, which is key for achieving a beautiful sear. Brush both sides of the salmon with one tablespoon of olive oil, then generously season with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet. Let them sear for about three minutes on one side without moving them. Then, flip the salmon and cook for an additional three minutes.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add three tablespoons of butter. Once melted, introduce the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir in the flour to form a paste, then gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously. Incorporate the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, an additional teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Allow the sauce to simmer gently.
- Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet with the creamy sauce, carefully spooning the sauce over each piece. Simmer together for about 5-7 minutes before serving with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon; if the sauce becomes too thick, add more broth or cream to reach desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Protein: 40 g