There’s something about a meal that’s so good, it makes someone want to marry you. Enter Marry Me Salmon, the seafood twist on the viral Marry Me Chicken. This dish features perfectly seared salmon in a creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato sauce that tastes like pure magic.
If you’re looking for new salmon recipes, this is the one that will impress your dinner guests, wow your significant other, or simply make you feel like a five-star chef. Whether you’re planning a salmon dinner for two or hosting friends, this recipe delivers on both taste and ease.
Why You’ll Love Marry Me Salmon
This dish isn’t just another salmon plate dinner—it’s an experience. The combination of flaky salmon, rich cream sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a flavor explosion. Plus, it takes just 40 minutes to make, making it ideal for weeknights or romantic salmon dinner for two.
Unlike restaurant seafood that costs a fortune, this homemade version is just as indulgent but way more budget-friendly. Plus, since it’s easy to customize, you can tweak the spice level, swap ingredients, or even make it dairy-free if needed.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon Fillets
Fresh, wild-caught salmon is ideal, but frozen works too. If using frozen, thaw it completely before cooking. Skin-on or skinless? That’s up to you. If you love crispy skin, sear it to perfection; if not, remove it beforehand.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Choose oil-packed for the best texture and flavor. The oil adds richness, making it perfect for other salmon sun-dried tomato recipes. Dry-packed works, but you’ll need to rehydrate them in hot water first.
Heavy Cream
For the silky, rich sauce, heavy cream is best. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works, though it won’t be as thick. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated is key—pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. No Parmesan? Pecorino Romano works beautifully.
Chicken Broth
A high-quality broth enhances the sauce. If you prefer a pescatarian-friendly version, swap it for vegetable broth.
Seasonings
Garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper combine for the perfect spice mix. Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Spice Blend
Mix dried basil, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This blend will add deep, herby flavor to your salmon and sauce.
2. Season and Sear the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry, then coat it with half the spice blend. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a spoonful of the sun-dried tomato oil for even more flavor.
4. Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step adds depth to the sauce.
5. Make the Cream Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and the remaining spice mix. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Return the Salmon to the Pan
Nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil and serve immediately. Pair it with steamed rice or try it with this salmon rice bowl for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Pairings
Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements this dish beautifully.
Low-Carb Options
For a keto-friendly meal, pair it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. You can also try this baked salmon recipe for another healthy option.
Dinner Party Ideas
Turn it into a full feast with a side of roasted asparagus, a fresh salad, and this honey garlic salmon for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the sauce separately and add the salmon at the last minute to prevent overcooking. This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce.
FAQs
What is Marry Me Salmon?
It’s a creamy, flavorful salmon dish inspired by the famous Marry Me Chicken. The sauce is made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and heavy cream.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat to your liking.
Can I use another type of fish?
Absolutely! This sauce works great with trout, cod, or even shrimp.
What’s a good sun-dried tomato substitute?
Try roasted red peppers or oven-roasted cherry tomatoes for a similar flavor.
Marry Me Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets fresh or frozen, skin removed if preferred
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for pescatarian
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the spice mix: Combine dried basil, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Season the salmon: Pat fillets dry and rub half the spice mix onto both sides of each fillet.
- Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Make the sauce: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and remaining spice mix. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return the salmon to the skillet: Nestle the fillets into the sauce, spooning sauce over the top. Let cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh basil on top and serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Make it Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Reduce or increase red pepper flakes based on preference.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat sauce separately to avoid overcooking the salmon.
- Serving Suggestion: Pairs well with pasta, rice, or low-carb alternatives like zucchini noodles.
Whether you’re planning a salmon dinner for two or looking for new salmon recipes to add to your collection, this Marry Me Salmon is a must-try. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with the deep flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, makes it irresistible.
Want more easy salmon plates dinners? Check out this canned salmon patties recipe for another delicious way to enjoy seafood at home.
