This Marry Me Salmon is sure to impress! Tender salmon fillets are cooked in a rich and creamy tomato herb sauce that adds a burst of flavor. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Honestly, I love how easy this dish is to whip up, and it looks fancy enough for a date night. Serve it with pasta or veggies, and you’ll be the star chef of the evening! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Use fresh or thawed salmon fillets. If you’re a fan of different fish, try trout or even chicken breast for a variation. Make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and juiciness. If they’re out of season, canned diced tomatoes work well. You could also swap them for sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce or use a non-dairy cream for a dairy-free version.
Fresh Herbs: I adore fresh rosemary and basil in this recipe. If you don’t have them, dried herbs can work (use approximately one-third of the amount), or experiment with fresh thyme or parsley instead.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon to perfection can be tricky, but here’s a simple method. Start with skin-side down if you’re using skin. This adds flavor and prevents sticking. Here’s how:
- Preheat the skillet with olive oil until hot.
- Cook the salmon without moving it for about 4-5 minutes, letting it crisp up.
- Carefully flip it over and cook for another 2 minutes until just cooked through and flaky.
Remember: Salmon continues to cook a bit after being removed from the heat, so don’t overdo it! This makes for a delightful meal every time.
How to Make Marry Me Salmon with Creamy Tomato Herb Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (6-8 oz each), skin on or off as preferred
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky touch)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be looking at about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Start by seasoning the salmon fillets generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. This adds a nice flavor base for your fish.
2. Sear the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if the skin is on). Cook them for about 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to get nice and crispy and the salmon to cook almost all the way through.
3. Flip the Salmon:
Gently flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Once done, remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it burn!
5. Cook the Tomatoes:
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and blister. They should release some juice and add flavor to your dish.
6. Add Tomato Paste and Herbs:
Stir in the tomato paste and dried oregano, cooking for another minute. This will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
7. Add Liquid:
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce by half, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
8. Make it Creamy:
Now, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is slightly thickened.
9. Flavor the Sauce:
Add the red pepper flakes (if using), fresh rosemary, and fresh basil, stirring everything together.
10. Combine Salmon with Sauce:
Return the salmon to the pan, spooning the creamy tomato herb sauce over the top. Let it simmer gently for an additional 1-2 minutes until the salmon is heated through and fully cooked.
11. Adjust Seasoning:
Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
12. Serve and Garnish:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprig of rosemary. Serve it immediately with your choice of side, like pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
This dreamy Marry Me Salmon combines creamy, tangy tomato sauce with fresh herbs and perfectly cooked salmon, making it a dish you’ll love. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking! To thaw, place the salmon in the refrigerator overnight or seal it in a bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Pat it dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. If using these alternatives, the sauce may be a bit less creamy, but still delicious.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to help maintain the sauce’s consistency.
What Should I Serve with Marry Me Salmon?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it over a bed of spinach or alongside a fresh salad for a light and wholesome meal.
