I first made Marry Me Salmon on a whim one evening when I was looking for a quick, yet impressive meal. I had some salmon in the fridge and wanted to do something different, so I turned to a simple recipe I had seen online. After just one bite, my family was hooked—and the name “Marry Me Salmon” started to make sense. It’s that good. Since then, it’s become a staple in our dinner rotation. The combination of rich, buttery salmon with the tangy cream sauce is irresistible. I now call it “the recipe that will make you fall in love.”
This recipe is perfect for date nights, special occasions, or whenever you just want something that feels a little fancy without the fuss. It’s simple enough to prepare on a weekday, yet delicious enough to feel like you’re dining in a restaurant. The creamy, garlicky sauce takes the salmon to another level, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
| Servings | Total |
| 4 | 30mins |
Where Did You Learn This Recipe?
I stumbled upon the Marry Me Salmon recipe online while searching for something new to make with salmon. It was the name that caught my attention, and after seeing a few rave reviews, I decided to give it a try. After making a few adjustments to suit my taste, it quickly became one of my favorite recipes. I love how easy it is to make, but it feels so elegant at the same time. My family loves it, and it’s always a hit when we have guests over.
Why Marry Me Salmon
What makes Marry Me Salmon so special is the combination of flavors. The salmon itself is rich and flaky, but the creamy garlic sauce is what truly makes it stand out. The hint of sun-dried tomatoes and the touch of red pepper flakes add a subtle depth to the dish. It’s a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and a little bit of spice. You’ll find yourself going back for seconds, and it’s easy to see why people claim it’s the kind of dish that could make someone propose.
What is Marry Me Salmon Made of?
This dish is simple yet full of flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into making this incredible salmon:
- Salmon – Fresh, flaky salmon is the star of the dish. It’s naturally rich in omega-3s and makes the perfect base for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream – Provides the rich, velvety texture of the sauce.
- Garlic – Adds depth of flavor with a nice, fragrant kick.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Give a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the creaminess.
- Red pepper flakes – Adds a slight heat without overpowering the dish.
- Parmesan cheese – For extra creaminess and savory flavor.
- Olive oil – For cooking the salmon.
- Lemon juice – A touch of citrus to brighten the dish and balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning the salmon and sauce.
What to Have with Marry Me Salmon
Marry Me Salmon is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with many sides:
- Rice – A side of jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Roasted vegetables – Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are great choices.
- Mashed potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes make a hearty side that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.
- Salad – A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
- Garlic bread – To dip into the leftover sauce, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
Is Marry Me Salmon Healthy?
Marry Me Salmon is a healthy dish, especially since salmon is a great source of protein and healthy fats. The creamy sauce does add some calories, but you can adjust the ingredients to make it lighter. Using a lower-fat cream, like half-and-half, can cut down on the richness without sacrificing too much flavor. The sun-dried tomatoes and garlic bring additional nutrients, making this a balanced and flavorful meal. It’s a perfect choice when you want something indulgent yet packed with nutrition.
Kitchen Equipment
You’ll need:
- Large skillet or frying pan for cooking the salmon
- Knife and cutting board for chopping the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes
- Stirring spoon for the sauce
- Measuring spoons for the seasonings
- Plate for serving
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How To Make Marry Me Salmon
Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon
Start by patting the 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if they have skin.
Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the salmon is golden brown and nearly cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Stir in the 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, allowing them to soften and release their flavor into the pan.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let it come to a gentle simmer.
Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed with a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
Step 4: Return the Salmon to the Pan
Place the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of each fillet.
Cover and let everything simmer together for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Marry Me Salmon hot, spooning extra sauce over the top. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or sautéed greens. Garnish with fresh parsley or a few extra flakes of red pepper if you like a touch more heat.
Tips
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lower-fat option.
- Add more vegetables – If you want to bulk up the dish, try adding spinach, kale, or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Use fresh salmon – Fresh salmon tends to cook better and has a firmer texture than frozen.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best texture.
2. Can I make this in advance?
While the salmon is best when freshly cooked, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce and cook the salmon just before serving.
3. Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, you can use other firm fish like cod or halibut instead of salmon. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Conclusion
Marry Me Salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special meal without the fuss. The creamy garlic sauce combined with the rich, flaky salmon makes it a standout dish. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a date night at home, this recipe will impress. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy!
MORE RECIPES
Marry Me Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan for cooking the salmon
- Knife and cutting board for chopping the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes
- Stirring spoon for the sauce
- Measuring spoons for the seasonings
- Plate for serving
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Start by patting the 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if they have skin.Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the salmon is golden brown and nearly cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.Stir in the 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, allowing them to soften and release their flavor into the pan.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let it come to a gentle simmer.Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed with a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
- Place the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of each fillet.Cover and let everything simmer together for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve your Marry Me Salmon hot, spooning extra sauce over the top. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or sautéed greens. Garnish with fresh parsley or a few extra flakes of red pepper if you like a touch more heat.