Irresistible Marry Me Salmon

Featured in: Fresh Seafood Recipes from Coast to Coast

This Marry Me Salmon dish features salmon fillets cooked to golden perfection and coated in a delicious sundried tomato sauce. It comes together with garlic, parmesan, and cream for a rich yet easy dish. Chicken broth adds depth, and fresh basil gives it a pop of color and flavor. Cooked in just 40 minutes, it’s an ideal pick for romantic dinners or an impressive—but simple—weeknight meal. Perfectly seasoned and well-balanced, this recipe turns a simple piece of salmon into a restaurant-quality treat.
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Updated on Thu, 27 Feb 2025 20:17:01 GMT
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Plated creamy Marry Me Salmon dish | yummygusto.com

Transform your kitchen into a fine dining experience with this elegant pan-seared salmon bathed in a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, this restaurant-quality dish combines perfectly cooked fish with a rich, aromatic sauce that's sure to impress.

Inspired by Seattle's vibrant seafood scene, this recipe captures the essence of Pacific Northwest cooking while adding a Mediterranean twist with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce.

Key Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets: Select center-cut pieces with bright color and firm texture
  • Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: Choose plump, deep red tomatoes for optimal flavor
  • Heavy cream: Essential for creating the signature velvety sauce

Cooking Method

Season:
Combine herbs and spices, then coat salmon evenly.
Prepare:
Pat salmon dry and season generously on all sides.
Sear:
Cook in a hot pan until golden crust forms.
Sauce:
Build the cream sauce gradually, incorporating ingredients one by one.
Finish:
Return salmon to pan and baste with sauce until heated through.
Tasty Marry Me Salmon Pin it
Tasty Marry Me Salmon | yummygusto.com

The sun-dried tomatoes add intense bursts of flavor throughout the creamy sauce, creating an irresistible combination that appeals to even selective eaters.

Serving Suggestions

This salmon shines when served over creamy risotto or alongside roasted vegetables. The sauce pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or pasta. Fresh asparagus or green beans provide a delightful color contrast and balance to the rich sauce.

Recipe Variations

Experiment with roasted red peppers for a smoky alternative to sun-dried tomatoes. Consider using coconut cream for a dairy-free version, or add Mediterranean ingredients like artichokes and capers for additional depth.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers. Reheat sauce gently on low heat, adding salmon just until warmed through to maintain its texture.

Technical Tips

Look for salmon that's slightly translucent in the center when done cooking. Adjust timing based on fillet thickness, and incorporate fresh herbs at the final moment for maximum flavor impact.

Close-up Marry Me Salmon Recipe Pin it
Close-up Marry Me Salmon Recipe | yummygusto.com

This signature salmon dish consistently delivers restaurant-quality results at home. The combination of perfectly cooked fish and rich sauce creates an elegant meal worthy of any special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this dish be prepped in advance?
It’s best served fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead of time and gently reheat it before adding freshly prepared salmon.
→ What are good side dishes for this meal?
It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roasted veggies, green salads, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
→ Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before cooking.
→ How do I know the salmon is done cooking?
When it flakes easily with a fork and is just a little pink inside, you're good to go! This usually takes about 3-5 minutes in the sauce.
→ Is there a non-dairy version of this recipe?
You can swap out heavy cream for coconut cream and skip the parmesan, though the final flavors will be different.

Creamy Sundried Tomato Salmon

Tender salmon fillets in a velvety sundried tomato sauce that’s full of flavor—this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser at your next meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Sandra

Category: Ocean Flavors

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Salmon

01 3–4 salmon fillets, skinless and fresh
02 2 tbsp of olive oil

→ Seasoning Mix

03 1 tsp of garlic powder
04 1 tsp of dried basil
05 1 tsp of onion powder
06 1/4 tsp of ground black pepper
07 1/4 tsp of salt
08 1/2 tsp of dried thyme
09 3/4 tsp red chili flakes

→ For the Creamy Sauce

10 1 cup chicken broth, unsalted
11 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 5 garlic cloves, chopped finely
13 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped into small bits
14 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
15 A few fresh basil leaves for topping

Instructions

Step 01

In a small mixing bowl, stir together the onion powder, salt, thyme, basil, chili flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly blended.

Step 02

Use half the seasoning blend to coat both sides of the salmon fillets evenly.

Step 03

On medium-high heat, warm up olive oil in a large frying pan. Lay the salmon fillets in the pan with the flesh side down and let it cook around 5 minutes per side so both sides turn golden and crispy. Remove and set the fish aside.

Step 04

Turn the heat low on the same skillet and toss in your minced garlic and the bits of sun-dried tomato. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes until you can smell their aroma. To make it extra flavorful, pour in a little oil from the sun-dried tomato jar if you have it.

Step 05

Pour the chicken broth into the pan and use your wooden spoon to gently scrape up the bits stuck to the pan. Stir in the cream, parmesan, and the other half of your seasoning mixture until the sauce comes together smoothly.

Step 06

Turn the heat to medium-low and let the sauce bubble gently, allowing it to thicken up over 10–15 minutes. Taste it and adjust with more salt or black pepper if you think it needs it.

Step 07

Nestle the salmon back into the creamy sauce, making sure you spoon some sauce over the top of the fish. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes more — shorter for medium, longer if you prefer well-done. Decorate the plate with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

  1. This flavorful salmon recipe gives you a perfect fancy dinner for a date night or any big celebration!
  2. Want to save time? Make the sauce in advance and reheat it gently just before adding the salmon.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large skillet or frying pan
  • A small bowl for mixing
  • A wooden spoon or a spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This dish contains dairy (parmesan cheese, cream)
  • This recipe includes fish (salmon)