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A perfectly pan-seared salmon fillet with crispy skin, resting in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.

Marry Me Salmon: The Ultimate Recipe for a Perfect Dish

This Marry Me Salmon features perfectly seared salmon in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. A restaurant-quality dish ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect easy recipe for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 6-ounce salmon fillets skin on or off
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper or to taste
  • 1 tbsp Butter
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth low sodium
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
  • 1/3 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes drained and chopped
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil chopped
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Spatula

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is crucial for achieving a crispy skin and a perfect sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Sear the Salmon: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the salmon fillets, skin-side up, in the hot pan. Sear for 4-6 minutes, 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.
  3. Start the 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.
  4. Build the Flavor: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and drained sun-dried tomatoes.
  5. Simmer and Combine: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and red pepper flakes.
  6. Finish the Dish: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let them simmer gently in the sauce for a minute or two to meld the flavors. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil.

Notes

Perfect Sear Tip: Ensure your pan is hot before adding the salmon and avoid moving the fillets while they are searing to get the best crust.
Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce. If it's too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to reach the desired consistency.