Marry Me Salmon is a delightful dish that brings together tender salmon fillets baked in a creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. The sauce is rich and flavorful, perfectly complementing the flaky salmon, making it a true showstopper for any meal.
I love making this recipe when I want to impress someone or just treat myself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce is surprisingly easy to whip up, and it always feels like a fancy dinner, even on a busy weeknight. The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes really brings the dish to life.
My favorite way to enjoy Marry Me Salmon is to serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some roasted vegetables. It’s also great with a simple green salad to balance out all the creamy goodness. Every time I make this, it sparks compliments and happy faces around the table, proving it’s a recipe worth holding on to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets with skin removed make this dish tender and flaky. If salmon isn’t your favorite, you can use trout or cod, but cooking times may vary.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add tangy sweetness and depth. If packed in oil, they bring extra richness. If unavailable, chopped roasted red peppers can be a good substitute.
Heavy Cream: This creates a rich sauce. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or coconut cream, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick and creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: It melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty flavor. Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano work well as alternatives.
Garlic & Herbs: Fresh garlic, parsley, and thyme brighten the sauce. Feel free to swap thyme for rosemary or basil to tweak the flavor to your liking.
How Can You Get a Perfectly Cooked Salmon Every Time?
Salmon can quickly turn dry if overcooked, so watch these steps closely:
- Pat the fillets dry before seasoning to get a nice sear.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the oil, so the fish doesn’t stick.
- Cook salmon skin side down if skin is on, or just on one side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip carefully and cook the other side just until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove it from heat as it’ll continue cooking slightly in the sauce or resting on the plate.
These tips keep your salmon moist and tender with a beautiful crust. It’s the base for the creamy sauce that makes this dish special!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large nonstick skillet – perfect for searing salmon without sticking, and easy cleanup.
- Wooden spoon – great for stirring the sauce gently without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep your ingredient amounts just right for the creamy sauce.
- Sharp knife – essential for chopping garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs finely.
- Spatula – helpful for flipping salmon carefully without breaking it apart.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for chicken breasts if you want a protein twist that soaks up the sauce well.
- Add fresh spinach or kale in the sauce for a boost of green and extra nutrients.
- Stir in crumbled goat cheese or feta for a tangy, creamy change to the sauce.
- Use smoked paprika instead of red pepper flakes for a smoky flavor without heat.
How to Make Marry Me Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil), chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Cooked rice or your choice of side (e.g., asparagus or green vegetables)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it a speedy yet elegant meal. From seasoning the salmon to simmering the creamy sauce, you can have dinner ready in roughly 25 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Salmon:
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry, then sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place the salmon in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the surface turns golden and the fish flakes easily. Remove the salmon and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. If using mushrooms, add them now and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Pour in chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes (if using), and red pepper flakes. Let this simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Finish the Dish and Serve:
Turn heat to low, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add fresh parsley and thyme, reserving some parsley to garnish. Place salmon back in the skillet, spoon sauce over fish, and warm everything together for about 2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges alongside cooked rice or your favorite veggies for a delicious meal.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat the fillets dry to get the best sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! For a lighter option, use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. Keep in mind the sauce may be a bit thinner and less rich, but still delicious.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
What Side Dishes Pair Best with Marry Me Salmon?
This salmon is wonderful served over rice, with steamed asparagus, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to balance the creamy sauce.
