Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again. This Marry Me Salmon recipe features perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets swimming in a luxurious, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s shockingly easy to make in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or even just a busy weeknight when you deserve a treat.
The magic is in the sauce—a rich and savory blend of garlic, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. It’s so good, it just might inspire a proposal! Paired with flaky, tender salmon, this is one recipe that will be on repeat in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Marry Me Salmon Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, this is it. This dish is designed to impress anyone, from a significant other to your toughest dinner critic.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is packed with savory, tangy, and rich flavors that perfectly complement the salmon.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this entire meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight cooking.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your spectacular meal.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking or serve it with a variety of sides.
What is Marry Me Salmon?
Marry Me Salmon is a viral recipe that gets its name from being so delicious, it could supposedly make someone propose marriage. It’s the seafood-centric cousin of the equally famous Marry Me Chicken. The dish features pan-seared salmon fillets in a decadent cream sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese. It’s essentially a Tuscan-inspired salmon dish, known for its rich flavors and impressive presentation.
The Key Ingredients for Marry Me Salmon
This recipe uses simple, yet powerful ingredients to create its signature sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Salmon
- Salmon Fillets: Look for four skin-on or skinless salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each. Wild-caught or sustainably farmed both work well.
- Olive Oil: For searing the salmon and sautéing the aromatics.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season the fish and bring out its natural flavor.
For the Creamy Sauce
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the aromatic base for the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the kind packed in oil for the best flavor and texture. Don’t discard the oil!
- Chicken Broth: To deglaze the pan and add a layer of savory depth.
- Heavy Cream: This creates the luxurious, creamy consistency the sauce is famous for.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt best and provide a nutty, salty flavor.
- Dried Herbs: A combination of dried oregano and thyme adds an Italian-inspired touch.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle hint of warmth. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh Basil: Stirred in at the end for a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor.
How to Make Marry Me Salmon (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a meal that will leave everyone speechless. This is one of the easiest salmon recipes you’ll ever make.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for getting a perfect, crispy sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side up if they have skin. Sear for 4-6 minutes, until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until cooked to your liking. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.
- Start the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more oil (or use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar). Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Flavors: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Finish: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top of each fillet. Let it simmer gently for 1-2 minutes for the flavors to come together. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Pan-Seared Salmon
Achieving that perfect golden crust on your salmon is easy with a few simple tricks.
- Use a Hot Pan: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the salmon. This ensures a non-stick surface and a great sear.
- Don’t Move the Fish: Once you place the salmon in the pan, resist the urge to move it around. Let it sit undisturbed to form a beautiful crust.
- Check for Doneness: Salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 135-145°F (57-63°C), depending on your preference.
What to Serve with Marry Me Salmon
This creamy Marry Me Salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that can soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting meal, serve it over a bed of creamy orzo or mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, pair it with sautéed vegetables like asparagus or spinach, or a simple side salad. Fresh, crusty butter swim biscuits are also a fantastic choice for dipping into the sauce.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon and sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid using a microwave, as it can overcook the salmon and make it rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Fresh spinach is a fantastic addition. Stir in a few large handfuls after the sauce has come together and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes before returning the salmon to the pan.
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. However, it’s crucial to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it very dry with paper towels to ensure you get a good sear on the fish.
Salmon is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches 135-145°F (57-63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check for doneness by seeing if it flakes easily with a fork at its thickest point.
For a similar creamy texture, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. Coconut cream can also be used for a dairy-free alternative, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Marry Me sauce is a rich cream-based sauce. Its signature flavor comes from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, and fresh basil.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes to Try
If you loved this recipe, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other favorites! Try our Spicy Cajun Salmon for a different take on seafood, or our comforting Creamy Salmon and Spinach Pasta for another easy weeknight win.
We hope you love this incredible Marry Me Salmon! It’s a dish that proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. If you try it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! For more recipe inspiration, follow us on Pinterest.
Marry Me Salmon Recipe
Marry Me Salmon: A Ridiculously Delicious 30-Minute Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon in the pan and sear for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the seared salmon to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the fillets. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Fresh Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Don't Overcook: Keep a close eye on the salmon to prevent it from overcooking. It should be tender and flake easily.
