Marry Me Salmon is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings people together around the dinner table. This dish is celebrated for its rich flavors and comforting textures, making it ideal for special occasions or simply an intimate dinner at home. The name itself suggests romance, and every bite of this sumptuous salmon is loaded with flavors that could make anyone fall in love. From the golden, crispy exterior of the salmon filets to the creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, this recipe has everything you need to impress your loved ones and leave them yearning for more.
Why We Love This Marry Me Salmon Recipe
There are countless reasons why Marry Me Salmon has captured the hearts of home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. First and foremost, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it accessible even if you’re not a culinary expert. In about 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
Additionally, the combination of vibrant flavors is simply irresistible. The sun-dried tomatoes add a hint of sweetness, while the Italian seasoning evokes warmth and comfort. The creamy sauce envelops the salmon, enhancing its natural richness without overpowering it. The dish’s versatility is another factor contributing to its popularity; it pairs beautifully with various sides like pasta, rice, or even a fresh salad.
This Marry Me Salmon recipe is not only pleasing to the palate but also to the eye, making it perfect for date nights or special celebrations. Each component of this dish is designed to impress, ensuring that the experience is as delightful as the final result on your plate.
Ingredients for Marry Me Salmon
To create this delicious Marry Me Salmon, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 salmon filets, skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Make Marry Me Salmon
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the preparation of this delightful dish. Follow these simple steps to create your Marry Me Salmon.
Begin by brushing olive oil on the top of each salmon filet. Sprinkle them generously with dried Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. This seasoning will enhance the salmon’s natural flavors.
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned salmon filets to the skillet. Sear the filets for about three minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are nicely crispy.
Once the salmon is beautifully browned, lower the heat to medium and allow them to cook through for an additional two to three minutes. After this, remove the filets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add three tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not burnt.
Next, sprinkle in the flour directly into the skillet, mixing it with the butter and garlic to create a paste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form, followed by the heavy cream. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken while continuously stirring to prevent sticking.
Once your sauce reaches a perfect creamy consistency, return the salmon filets to the skillet. Nestle them into the sauce and let everything simmer together for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the salmon to soak up all those rich flavors.
Finally, garnish your Marry Me Salmon with fresh basil before serving. This adds a lovely burst of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
How to Serve Marry Me Salmon
When it comes to serving your Marry Me Salmon, the options are endless. The dish is best enjoyed warm and can be served over a bed of pasta or rice, which will soak up the delicious cream sauce, adding to each bite’s delightful flavor.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, consider serving with a side of steamed vegetables or a mixed green salad for a refreshing contrast. The bright flavors of lemon zest and fresh basil make an ideal pairing, ensuring your meal is well-rounded.
For a romantic touch, set your table with candles and use your finest dinnerware. After all, this dish is perfect not just for everyday meals but also for special celebrations or date nights.
Expert Tips: Marry Me Salmon
To ensure your Marry Me Salmon turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
Choose Quality Salmon: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon filets. Wild-caught salmon tends to have a better flavor and texture compared to farm-raised varieties.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your salmon while it cooks. The ideal internal temperature for salmon is 145°F. Remove it from the skillet as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
Customize the Sauce: Feel free to modify the sauce to suit your taste. If you love a little kick, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. For added richness, consider substituting some of the chicken broth with white broth.
Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs in place of dried can elevate the dish. If you have fresh basil or parsley, chop some up to sprinkle over your finished dish for added flavor.
Pasta Cooking: If you’re serving the salmon over pasta, cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain it just before the sauce finishes simmering. This way, the pasta stays hot and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
How to Store Marry Me Salmon
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely), storing your Marry Me Salmon is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When it comes time to reheat, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce appears too thick. This will help restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Variations of Marry Me Salmon
While the classic Marry Me Salmon recipe is delightful on its own, there are several creative variations to keep things exciting.
Pesto Twist: Incorporate a few tablespoons of pesto into the cream sauce for an herby twist. This will enhance the freshness and add another layer of flavor to the dish.
Mediterranean Style: Add olives, capers, or artichoke hearts to the sauce to give it a Mediterranean flair. This combination works beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes.
Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a touch of chili paste to the sauce. This will give the dish a more intense flavor profile.
Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or spinach into the sauce for added nutrition and variety. This not only adds color but enhances the overall taste.
Cheesy Options: Swap out Parmesan for feta or goat cheese, which will lend a different texture and flavor profile, making the dish even more unique.
FAQ: Marry Me Salmon
What makes Marry Me Salmon so special?
Marry Me Salmon is special due to its rich flavors and creamy sauce, which enhances the natural taste of salmon while being easy to prepare. It creates a memorable dining experience perfect for romantic dinners.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon filets, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and prevent your salmon from becoming rubbery.
What should I serve with Marry Me Salmon?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. A fresh salad or crusty bread is also a great addition for a more complete meal.
How can I customize the sauce?
You can customize the sauce by adding your favorite herbs, incorporating a bit of heat, or even swapping out cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Keep a close eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Marry Me Salmon
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 4 filets Salmon skinless
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Cracked Black Pepper
- 3 Tbsp Butter
- 2 tsp Garlic minced
- 3 Tbsp Flour
- 1 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
- 3/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes drained
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
Instructions
- Brush olive oil on the top of each salmon filet and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to form a paste.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Simmer until thickened.
- Return the salmon to the skillet and let simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
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