Marry Me Salmon

Introduction
Marry Me Salmon is an irresistible, luxurious dish that features perfectly cooked salmon paired with a creamy, flavorful sauce. With its rich combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, it has earned its name because it’s so delicious that you might feel moved to make a big commitment to it—whether you’re dining alone or with someone special. This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or just when you want to indulge in something decadent yet easy to make.

The History of Marry Me Salmon

The exact origins of Marry Me Salmon are difficult to pin down, but it gained traction through social media and food blogs in the early 2010s. It’s likely that the dish emerged from the desire to create a flavorful, show-stopping recipe with a balance of richness and freshness. With salmon being a favorite for its taste and health benefits, paired with a creamy sauce, this dish was created to combine comfort with elegance. It quickly became a go-to recipe for home cooks wanting to impress their guests or partners, and the name “Marry Me” reflects the sentiment that the flavor is so irresistible, it could potentially lead to a proposal!

Ingredients Breakdown

Salmon: Salmon is the star of this dish, providing a delicate, flaky texture and rich flavor. It’s also a great source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of tangy, umami flavor that complements the richness of the salmon and cream sauce.
Heavy Cream: The cream is responsible for giving the sauce its velvety, indulgent texture.
Garlic: Adds a savory, aromatic depth to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan brings a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce and helps thicken it.
Butter: Used for sautéing the garlic and creating a smooth base for the sauce.
Olive Oil: A light, flavorful oil used to cook the salmon.
Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon adds a refreshing brightness that balances the richness of the cream.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley can be added to elevate the dish with a fresh, fragrant note.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients:

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed is best)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp fresh thyme or basil (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Season the salmon: Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
Cook the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the fish is cooked through (or to your desired level of doneness). Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Add sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
Build the creamy sauce: Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and let it reduce for about 2 minutes. Then, add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and herbs, allowing the sauce to thicken for 3-4 minutes.
Finish the dish: Return the cooked salmon to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat the salmon through and let the flavors meld.
Garnish and serve: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad.

Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Salmon

Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. The fish should be tender and slightly flaky in the center.
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: These will be softer and more flavorful than dried sun-dried tomatoes. If using dried ones, soak them in warm water for 20 minutes before using.
Make it extra creamy: For an even richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone.
Adjust the acidity: If the sauce feels too rich, a little extra lemon juice will balance it out. You can also add a splash of white wine vinegar if you want more acidity.
Serve with sides: Marry Me Salmon is great served with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the salmon with tofu or tempeh. You can also serve the sauce over pasta or roasted vegetables for a delicious meat-free option.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, chopped fresh chilies, or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. You can also use a smaller amount of cheese or omit it altogether.
Seafood Version: Instead of salmon, use other seafood like shrimp or scallops. These will cook more quickly, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile. Fresh dill can be a lovely choice, especially if you’re using fish other than salmon.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Calories: A typical serving of Marry Me Salmon (1 fillet with sauce) contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the size of the fillet and the amount of sauce.
Protein: Salmon is an excellent source of protein, with approximately 22-25 grams per 6 oz fillet.
Healthy Fats: Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. However, the sauce does contain butter and cream, which increases the fat content.
Carbs: This dish is relatively low in carbs, making it suitable for low-carb diets. The carbohydrates come mainly from the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan.
Sodium: Due to the Parmesan and broth, the sodium content can be a bit high. To reduce sodium, use a low-sodium broth and adjust the cheese.
Calcium: The Parmesan adds calcium to the dish, benefiting bone health.

FAQ

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- It’s best to cook the salmon fresh, but you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce before adding the cooked salmon.
Can I use frozen salmon?
- Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry to prevent excess moisture when searing.
Can I make the sauce without cream?
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut milk, or even a non-dairy cream for a lighter or dairy-free version. Just be mindful of how the flavor changes.
How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the fish.
Can I use other types of fish?
- Yes! While salmon is ideal for this recipe, you can use other fish like trout, halibut, or cod. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type and thickness of the fish.

Enjoy your Marry Me Salmon, a dish so flavorful and indulgent, it might just steal your heart! Whether for a romantic dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Marry Me Salmon

Marry Me Salmon is an irresistible, luxurious dish that features perfectly cooked salmon paired with a creamy, flavorful sauce. With its rich combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, it has earned its name because it’s so delicious that you might feel moved to make a big commitment to it—whether you’re dining alone or with someone special. This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or just when you want to indulge in something decadent yet easy to make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings 4

Ingredients

1½ pounds salmon – or 4-5 salmon fillets
▢½ teaspoon salt
▢½ teaspoon black pepper
▢¼ teaspoon crush red pepper
▢2 tablespoon oil – see notes
▢4 tablespoon butter
▢2 cloves garlic – minced
▢1 cup baby spinach – packed
▢¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes – chopped
▢1 cup heavy cream
▢½ cup Parmesan cheese – grated plus more for serving
▢Fresh basil parsley, or lemon juice – for serving, optional

Instructions

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes.
Heat the sun-dried tomato oil (or another type of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil) in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the skillet and oil are hot, add the salmon, leaving space between each fillet.
Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side, then remove the salmon to a clean plate. Use paper towels to wipe out any extra oil in the pan. Note: If you are cooking salmon fillets with the skin on, add them to the skillet skin-side-down first.
Return the skillet to medium heat. Melt the butter and cook the garlic for approximately 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Stir in the spinach and drained sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about one minute or until the spinach is slightly wilted.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gently bring to a simmer, stirring often. If the sauce is too thick, add a little broth until the desired consistency is reached.
Remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted. Carefully nestle the cooked salmon fillets into the sauce and serve with fresh basil, parsley, lemon juice, or parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Sun-dried tomato oil: Most sun-dried tomatoes are sold packed in oil. For this recipe, we’re using this oil to cook the salmon. If you prefer, feel free to use another type of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil.
The salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork but remains moist. The internal temperature should reach 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 130°F-135°F (54°C-57°C) for medium (as measured with a digital meat thermometer).
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Freezing is not recommended.

Pin1

1 Shares