Description
This Marry Me Salmon recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets simmered in a rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an elegant yet easy meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, as preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Generously season the salmon fillets on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if using skin-on. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release their flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom to incorporate them into the sauce.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Simmer Salmon in Sauce: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Let the salmon simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the salmon immediately, spooning extra sauce over each portion.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the salmon with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- You can adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Use skin-on salmon for extra crispy texture when searing, but skinless works just as well.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
