This Marry Me Salmon is a treat for your taste buds! The salmon is cooked to perfection and topped with a creamy tomato herb sauce that makes each bite super delicious.
If you’re planning a cozy dinner, this dish will impress anyone at the table. Trust me, this meal is so good you’ll want to get married… to your dinner plate! 😂
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just cook the salmon, stir the sauce, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time. Perfect for a weeknight treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star of this dish. If salmon isn’t available, try using trout or even chicken breasts as a substitute. Both will work well with the creamy sauce.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, chopped fresh tomatoes can be used, but be mindful that the flavor will be less concentrated. Alternatively, roasted red peppers can add a different twist!
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream makes the sauce rich, you can swap it with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you’re watching calories or avoiding dairy. Just keep in mind the sauce might be a bit thinner.
White Wine: If you don’t cook with alcohol, chicken broth is a perfect swap. It’ll still give great flavor without the wine. If you’re okay with a non-alcoholic option, you can use white grape juice mixed with a little vinegar.
How Do I Get the Salmon Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky, but here are some tips to nail it every time!
- Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the oil and salmon. This helps in achieving a nice sear.
- Cook the salmon skin-side down (if you still have the skin) first. This helps retain moisture.
- Watch the color change as it cooks; it goes from a deep pink to a lighter, opaque color. Flip when the bottom is golden brown and cook for a few more minutes until it’s just cooked through.
- Fish continues to cook even after being removed from the heat, so take it off when it’s just shy of fully done!
Following these steps will ensure your salmon is flavorful and moist, perfectly complementing that creamy sauce! Enjoy your cooking!
Marry Me Salmon with Creamy Tomato Herb Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or oregano, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 25 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by seasoning the salmon fillets generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides. This will add great flavor and a lovely color to the fish!
2. Sear the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and almost cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base:
In the same skillet, add the chopped shallot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to bring out its flavor.
4. Add Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cherry tomatoes have softened and released their juices.
5. Deglaze:
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck at the bottom. Let it simmer and reduce by half for about 3-4 minutes.
6. Create the Creamy Herb Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
7. Add Herbs and Seasonings:
Now it’s time to add those fresh flavors! Stir in the thyme leaves, chopped parsley, and any other herbs like basil or oregano if desired. If you enjoy a little spice, toss in the red pepper flakes. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Return Salmon to the Sauce:
Nestle the seared salmon back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the fillets and allow everything to cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the sauce flavors meld beautifully together.
9. Serve:
Garnish your dish with fresh thyme sprigs and chopped parsley for a lovely presentation. Serve your Marry Me Salmon with the creamy tomato herb sauce right away, and don’t forget the lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish!
Enjoy this luscious dish alongside your favorite sides like garlic mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or crusty bread! You may find yourself falling in love with this meal!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight, or you can place the sealed salmon in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking for the best results!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half, milk with a tablespoon of flour (to thicken), or a non-dairy cream substitute like coconut cream. Keep in mind that using milk might make the sauce less creamy and rich.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the salmon cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, do so gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently and cook the salmon fresh to keep it flaky and delicious!