Marry Me Salmon

If you’re looking for a dish that will make your dinner guests fall head over heels in love with your cooking, look no further than this Marry Me Salmon recipe. Bursting with creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, this dish is as irresistible as its name suggests. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this salmon recipe is easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough to wow any audience.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon filets (skinless)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• ¾ 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)

Directions

1. Prepare the Salmon

Begin by brushing each salmon filet with olive oil. Season generously with Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.

2. Cook the Salmon

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon filets and cook them for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Lower the heat and let the salmon cook through to the center. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the butter and melt it over medium-high heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Add in the flour and stir to create a paste.

4. Add the Liquid Ingredients

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until combined. Continue to stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

5. Simmer the Sauce

Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken up and become more flavorful.

6. Combine Salmon and Sauce

Return the salmon filets to the skillet, layering them on top of the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow everything to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring the salmon is heated through and coated with the creamy sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil leaves and additional lemon zest for extra freshness. Serve the Marry Me Salmon over pasta or rice for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a simple mixed greens salad for a balanced and elegant meal. For a heartier option, serve over pasta or rice to soak up the luscious sauce.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the salmon.
• Freezing: This dish is not recommended for freezing as the cream sauce may separate when thawed. For the best results, enjoy it fresh or store it in the refrigerator.

Variations

While the classic recipe for Marry Me Salmon is already a hit, there are several ways to tweak and personalize the dish to suit your tastes. Here are some delicious variations to consider:

1. Add Vegetables to the Sauce: For a more wholesome meal, consider adding vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce. These ingredients will not only enhance the flavor but also add a vibrant touch to the dish.

2. Swap Salmon for Another Fish: If you prefer a different fish, try using trout or halibut instead of salmon. These fish will also hold up well in the creamy sauce and provide a unique twist on the original recipe.

3. Spice It Up: For those who like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can adjust the level of spice based on your preference, adding more for a kick or less for a milder flavor.

4. Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you prefer fresh over dried, substitute the sun-dried tomatoes with cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped into halves or quarters. This will bring a burst of freshness to the dish and give it a lighter feel.

5. Lemon and Herb Variation: Enhance the lemon flavor by adding more lemon juice to the sauce or even marinating the salmon in lemon juice and fresh herbs before cooking. You can also include a variety of fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary for a more aromatic and fragrant dish.

6. Make It Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk and use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheese. This variation will still deliver a creamy and flavorful sauce without the dairy.

7. Add Bacon or Prosciutto: For an added layer of flavor, consider topping the salmon with crispy bacon or prosciutto before serving. The salty, crispy texture will contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce, adding both flavor and texture.

8. Make It Low-Carb: To keep it low-carb, skip the pasta or rice and serve the Marry Me Salmon over cauliflower rice or alongside sautéed vegetables. This variation maintains all the flavors while reducing the carbs for a lighter meal.

9. Swap Olive Oil for Garlic Butter: For an extra rich and indulgent flavor, use garlic butter instead of olive oil to sear the salmon. This will infuse the fish with a rich, buttery taste right from the start.

10. Add a Touch of White Wine: If you love cooking with wine, add a splash of white wine to the sauce while it’s simmering. The wine will add depth to the sauce and a slight tang that balances out the richness of the cream and Parmesan.

These variations can help you customize Marry Me Salmon to your liking, whether you’re looking for more veggies, a different protein, or a unique twist on the classic. Enjoy experimenting with these options and find the version that you love the most!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Frozen salmon may need a slightly longer cooking time to ensure it is cooked through.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop and add the salmon back in to simmer.

3. What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a similar flavor. For a more intense flavor, try tomato paste or olives.

4. How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The salmon should be opaque and no longer translucent in the center.

5. Can I serve Marry Me Salmon with something other than pasta or rice?
Yes! Marry Me Salmon pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or even a fresh salad for a lighter option.

6. How can I make the dish spicier?
To add spice, incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce or sprinkle some on top before serving. You can also add a touch of hot sauce to the sauce or drizzle it over the salmon.

7. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream, almond milk, or cashew cream for a lighter or dairy-free option. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the sauce may slightly change.

8. Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano, grana padano, or even asiago for a different flavor profile. Make sure to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the sauce.

9. How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce or a tablespoon of mustard for tanginess. Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil will also add aromatic depth.

10. Can I make Marry Me Salmon ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can make Marry Me Salmon ahead of time by cooking the salmon and sauce separately and reheating them together. Store the components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

These FAQs provide helpful tips and answers to common questions when making Marry Me Salmon. Whether you’re adjusting ingredients, looking for substitutions, or wondering how to store leftovers, this guide ensures your dish turns out perfect every time!

Conclusion

This Marry Me Salmon recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave everyone at the table swooning. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen. Try it tonight and let the compliments pour in

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