Marry Me Salmon Creamy Tomato Herb Sauce

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star of this dish. If you can’t get fresh, feel free to use frozen salmon—just thaw it first. For a change, you might try other fish like trout or even chicken if you prefer.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a great burst of flavor! If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, try using fresh cherry tomatoes; just sauté them until they blister for a similar taste. You could also use roasted red peppers for a different twist.

Herbs: Fresh herbs are ideal, but dried ones work well too. If you have fresh basil or thyme on hand, use those. When using dried, remember that they are more concentrated, so reduce the amount by half.

Heavy Cream: The cream makes this sauce beautifully rich, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. For dairy-free, try cashew cream or coconut milk.

How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Salmon?

Cooking salmon can be tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Here are steps for the best results:

• Pat Dry: Always pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear.
• Hot Pan: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon. This helps lock in moisture.
• Cook Time: Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side depending on thickness. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Rest Time: Let the salmon rest for a minute before serving; this keeps it moist.

By following these tips, you will enjoy a delicious Marry Me Salmon that’s sure to impress anyone at your table!

Marry Me Salmon with Creamy Tomato Herb Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6-8 oz each), skin removed
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 3-4 sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 small shallot, thinly sliced or finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful salmon dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time, totaling about 30 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough to impress guests on special occasions!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salmon:

Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This will help them get a nice sear. Then, season both sides of the salmon with salt and black pepper, ensuring they’re well coated.

2. Sear the Salmon:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the salmon fillets. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and just cooked through. When done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Cook Aromatics:

Using the same skillet, add the sliced shallot and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes. You want them to be fragrant and just starting to soften—be careful not to let the garlic burn!

4. Add Herbs & Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

Now, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute to let all those lovely flavors mingle.

5. Deglaze the Pan:

Pour in chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This will add lots of flavor! Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce a bit.

6. Make the Creamy Sauce:

Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep simmering gently until the sauce thickens slightly—about 3-5 minutes. You’ll see it becoming lovely and creamy!

7. Return Salmon to Skillet:

Nestle the salmon back into the skillet, spooning some of that delicious sauce over the top to coat the fillets fully.

8. Finish and Garnish:

Let everything warm together for just a minute or two. To brighten up the dish, sprinkle fresh parsley over the salmon and sauce before serving.

9. Serve:

Serve your Marry Me Salmon with the creamy tomato herb sauce generously drizzled over it. This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked pasta, rice, or some crusty bread to soak up all that scrumptious sauce!

Enjoy the luscious, flavorful “Marry Me Salmon” — a dish sure to impress anyone at your dinner table!

Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the frozen salmon before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quick thaw. Pat it dry before seasoning.

What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead. For a dairy-free alternative, try using cashew cream or coconut milk to maintain the creaminess of the sauce.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if necessary to revive the sauce’s consistency.

Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the shallots and garlic. Just sauté them until tender before adding the rest of the ingredients for the sauce.