Get ready to fall in love with this incredible Marry Me Salmon recipe. A dish so decadent, so flavorful, and so surprisingly easy to make, it’s rumored to inspire marriage proposals. Featuring perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets swimming in a luxurious, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and spinach, this is the ultimate romantic dinner or impressive weeknight meal.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe is your answer. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes, proving that gourmet flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.
What is Marry Me Salmon?
Marry Me Salmon is a viral recipe sensation, and for good reason. It’s the seafood-focused sibling of the famous Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. The dish features flaky, pan-seared salmon fillets as the star, bathed in a rich and savory cream sauce.
The sauce is the heart of the recipe, typically made with heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and the key ingredient: sun-dried tomatoes. These little gems pack a concentrated punch of sweet and tangy flavor that elevates the entire dish. Often, spinach or fresh basil is wilted into the sauce for a touch of freshness and color.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Marry Me Salmon Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of savory salmon, a rich garlic cream sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes is simply irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: This entire dish comes together in one skillet in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and friends with a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
- Versatile: It’s elegant enough for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day or an anniversary, yet simple enough for a regular dinner.
The Key Ingredients for Marry Me Salmon
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
For the Salmon:
- Salmon Fillets: Look for four salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each, with the skin on or off. Skin-on helps the salmon hold together beautifully.
- Olive Oil: For searing the salmon to get that perfect crispy exterior.
- Salt & Pepper: To season the fillets and enhance their natural flavor.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Butter: The rich base for our decadent sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- Chicken Broth: To deglaze the pan and add a layer of savory depth.
- Heavy Cream: This creates the luxuriously creamy texture the dish is famous for.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt best and provide a nutty, salty flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the oil-packed variety, drained and chopped. They are the star flavor!
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Fresh Spinach: A few handfuls wilted into the sauce adds color and nutrients.
- Fresh Basil: For a final touch of aromatic freshness.
How to Make the Perfect Marry Me Salmon
Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. It all happens in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is the most important step for achieving a crispy sear. A dry surface allows the fish to fry, not steam. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot pan, skin-side up if you’re using skin-on fillets. Sear for 4-6 minutes, without moving them, until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Stir the fresh spinach into the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until it has wilted. Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another minute to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the salmon fillets plenty of space in the skillet. If you overcrowd them, they will steam instead of sear. Cook in two batches if necessary.
- Use Full-Fat Cream: For the richest, creamiest sauce that won’t curdle, use full-fat heavy cream.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor.
- Adjust Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.
What to Serve with Marry Me Salmon
This creamy salmon dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that can soak up the delicious sauce. Consider serving it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. For a lighter, low-carb option, serve it alongside roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad. It’s a versatile main course that complements many flavors, much like a lemon dill baked salmon would.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid using a microwave, as it can overcook the salmon and make it rubbery. For another take on salmon, consider a simple poached salmon (coming soon).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version. Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut cream, the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. This method prevents the salmon from becoming dry and rubbery.
This dish is fantastic served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lower-carb option, pair it with zucchini noodles, steamed asparagus, or a fresh green salad.
You can use any type of salmon fillet you prefer. King salmon is rich and fatty, Coho is milder, and Sockeye has a stronger flavor. For best results, choose fillets that are about 1-inch thick to ensure even cooking.
The name comes from the idea that the dish is so incredibly delicious, anyone you serve it to will want to marry you on the spot! It’s the seafood version of the equally famous ‘Marry Me Chicken’.
More Delicious Dinner Ideas
If you loved this recipe, you’re sure to enjoy our creamy salmon and spinach pasta, which shares a similar, delicious flavor profile. Every bite is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals.
We hope you adore this Marry Me Salmon recipe! If you make it, we’d love for you to leave a comment and rating below. Share your stunning creations with us on Pinterest!
Marry Me Salmon Recipe
Marry Me Salmon: The Only Recipe You'll Ever Need
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon in the hot skillet and sear for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the seared salmon to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the fillets. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
