Marry Me Salmon

Rich, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful, Marry Me Salmon is a swoon-worthy dish that pairs tender salmon fillets with a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Made in under 30 minutes, this easy yet elegant recipe is perfect for a special date night, dinner party, or a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Salmon
• For the Cream Sauce
• For Garnish
• How to Make Marry Me Salmon
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Season the Salmon
• Step 3: Make the Sauce
• Step 4: Bake the Salmon
• Step 5: Garnish and Serve
• How to Serve Marry Me Salmon
• With Fresh Greens
• With Starches
• Wine Pairings
• How to Perfect Marry Me Salmon
• Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Salmon
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Marry Me Salmon
• Reheating Marry Me Salmon
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes Marry Me Salmon special?
• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
• What sides pair well with Marry Me Salmon?
• Can I customize the sun-dried tomato cream sauce?
• Is Marry Me Salmon suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total cooking time of just 25 minutes, you can impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy Parmesan creates a rich taste that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or an impressive meal for guests.
• Healthy Ingredients: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.
• Easy Cleanup: One skillet and one baking dish mean less time spent cleaning up after you enjoy your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Baking dish
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Essential for sautéing the garlic and creating the creamy sauce.
• Baking dish: Perfect for baking the seasoned salmon while keeping it moist.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

For the Cream Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Marry Me Salmon

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and achieves a beautiful finish.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Drizzle them with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle thyme and basil over each fillet to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
– Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
– Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
– Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Let it simmer for approximately 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
– Finally, add Parmesan cheese along with thyme and basil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

Place the seasoned salmon in a baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over each fillet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven. Top with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot. This dish pairs beautifully with sides like rice, pasta, or roasted veggies.

Enjoy your delightful Marry Me Salmon, an unforgettable meal that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Marry Me Salmon

Marry Me Salmon is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides and garnishes to elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to complement this creamy salmon recipe.

With Fresh Greens

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes dressed in lemon vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic enhance the flavors of the salmon.

With Starches

• Lemon Herb Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with lemon zest and herbs provides a zesty balance to the rich cream sauce.
• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: These mashed potatoes are smooth and buttery, perfect for soaking up the luxurious sauce.

Wine Pairings

• Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay complements the richness of the salmon and cream sauce beautifully.
• Pinot Noir: This light red wine offers a fruity contrast that pairs well with the savory elements of the dish.

How to Perfect Marry Me Salmon

To achieve the best results when making Marry Me Salmon, keep these helpful tips in mind.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t hesitate to season your salmon generously. This enhances flavor throughout the cooking process.
• Fresh ingredients: Use fresh herbs and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for a more vibrant taste in your sauce.
• Watch cooking time: Overcooking can dry out the salmon. Aim for 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness.
• Use skin-on fillets: Cooking with skin helps retain moisture and adds extra flavor during baking.

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Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Salmon

Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Salmon can truly enhance your meal. Here’s a curated list of delicious accompaniments that will take your dinner to the next level.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover cream sauce.
2. Roasted Baby Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes add texture to your plate.
3. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach seasoned with lemon offers a healthy and flavorful side.
4. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with veggies provides a nutritious option alongside your salmon.
5. Grilled Zucchini Skewers: These skewers bring a smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully.
6. Cauliflower Rice Pilaf: A low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice pilaf flavored with herbs makes for a great pairing.

Enjoy crafting this delightful meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Salmon, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the salmon properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season with salt, pepper, and herbs before cooking.
• Overcooking the salmon: Overcooked salmon becomes dry. Keep an eye on your fillets while baking; they should be flaky but moist.
• Using low-quality ingredients: The sauce’s richness relies on high-quality cream and Parmesan. Choose fresh or premium products for the best taste.
• Not letting the sauce simmer: Rushing through sauce preparation can result in a watery texture. Allow it to simmer until it thickens nicely.
• Ignoring garnishes: Garnishes add visual appeal and freshness. Don’t skip adding parsley or other herbs before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the salmon and sauce together for maximum flavor retention.

Freezing Marry Me Salmon

• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap followed by foil for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Marry Me Salmon

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in short bursts (1-2 minutes), checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to maintain moisture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Marry Me Salmon special?

Marry Me Salmon is special due to its rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce that elevates simple salmon into an elegant dish perfect for any occasion.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just ensure it is fully thawed before seasoning and cooking for even results.

What sides pair well with Marry Me Salmon?

This dish pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, lemony greens, or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Can I customize the sun-dried tomato cream sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different herbs or vegetables like spinach or artichokes to personalize your sauce.

Is Marry Me Salmon suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it great for meal prep throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Salmon is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. Its creamy texture paired with flavorful herbs makes it a delightful choice for dinner. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients or sides. Give it a try—you’ll love how quickly it comes together!

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