Marry Me Salmon Recipe

The Enchanting “Marry Me Salmon” Recipe That Seals The Deal

Salmon takes center stage in this irresistible marry me chicken salmon fusion that promises to steal hearts with every bite.

This culinary creation blends creamy, tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender salmon fillets nestle into a rich, velvety sauce that whispers romance with each forkful.

Packed with bold seasonings and unexpected depth, this dish turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable experience.

The combination of herbs, parmesan, and a touch of decadence elevates this recipe from simple to spectacular.

Fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation make this meal a champion for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

You’ll fall head over heels for this show-stopping salmon that’s sure to become a new favorite.

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Ingredients for Marry Me Salmon

Main Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish that serves as the star of this creamy, flavorful dish.
Seasoning Group:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that enhances the salmon's natural flavor and adds depth to the dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking base for searing the salmon.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, velvety foundation for the sauce.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds a sharp, aromatic flavor to the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers a luxurious and smooth texture to the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and liquid volume to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Additional Flavor Ingredients:
  • Chili Flakes: Optional spice that brings a hint of heat to the dish.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor.
  • Dried Basil: Offers an herbal note to complement the creamy sauce.
  • Fresh Spinach: Adds a nutritious green element and wilts beautifully in the sauce.
Garnish (Optional):
  • Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Cook Marry Me Salmon

Step 1: Prep Salmon Sensation

Gently pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle seasonings evenly across the fish:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place salmon fillets into the hot pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer salmon to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter until it starts to bubble.

Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese

Whisk continuously until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Boost Flavor Explosion

Stir into the sauce:
  • Chili flakes
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Dried basil

Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted.

Return salmon fillets to the pan, gently spooning creamy sauce over the fish. Allow everything to simmer for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Plate alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Helpful Tips for Marry Me Salmon

  • Remove excess moisture from salmon fillets with paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden-brown sear and better seasoning absorption.
  • Choose wild-caught or high-quality salmon with bright color and firm texture for the best flavor and cooking results.
  • Simmer sauce slowly and stir continuously to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy texture without burning.
  • Replace rice or pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make the dish keto-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or thyme instead of dried basil to elevate the sauce's aromatic profile and add brightness.

Variations for Marry Me Salmon

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
  • Mediterranean Makeover: Swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers and add kalamata olives. Use oregano instead of basil for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Seafood Swap: Substitute salmon with white fish like cod or halibut. Increase chili flakes and add a dash of cayenne for extra heat. Replace chicken broth with seafood stock for deeper flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip rice or pasta and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use almond flour to thicken the sauce if needed and reduce overall carbohydrate content.

Pairing Ideas for Marry Me Salmon

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the rich, creamy sauce and cut through the salmon's fatty texture.
  • Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the dish to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast.
  • Create Zesty Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy salmon and provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint.
  • Choose Herbed Quinoa: Cook quinoa with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme to provide a nutritious, light grain base that enhances the salmon's flavors.

Storing Marry Me Salmon Safely

  • Transfer leftover salmon and sauce to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salmon separate from the sauce to maintain its texture.
  • Wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze sauce in a separate container.
  • Gently warm salmon and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir sauce occasionally and heat until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and reheat in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the sauce creamy and rich?

The sauce combines heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious and velvety texture that coats the salmon perfectly.

  • Can I use different types of fish for this recipe?

While the recipe is designed for salmon, you can substitute with other firm fish like halibut or cod that will hold up well in the creamy sauce.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

This dish offers a good balance of protein from salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and nutrients from spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, making it a nutritious meal option.

  • How spicy is the dish with chili flakes?

The chili flakes add a subtle heat that can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount, allowing you to control the spice level to your preference.

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Marry Me Salmon Recipe

Marry Me Salmon Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Marry Me Salmon promises instant culinary romance with its perfectly glazed exterior and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Irresistible flavors and simple preparation guarantee a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each, skinless or with skin)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredient:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly dry salmon fillets and generously coat with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and gently sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden exterior and desired internal temperature, then transfer fillets to a separate plate.
  3. Using the same skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 60 seconds.
  4. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, then gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a smooth, slightly thickened consistency.
  5. Enhance the sauce with chili flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried basil, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Introduce fresh spinach to the skillet, gently stirring until leaves wilt and integrate into the creamy sauce.
  7. Carefully return salmon fillets to the skillet, delicately coating them with the rich sauce and allowing everything to harmonize for an additional 2 minutes.
  8. Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to complete this elegant dish.

Notes

  • Select high-quality, fresh salmon with firm flesh and minimal odor for the best taste and texture.
  • Choose skin-on or skinless fillets based on personal preference, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Pat salmon completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
  • Adjust cooking time slightly for thicker or thinner fillets, using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature.
  • Use unsalted butter to control salt levels in the final sauce, preventing over-seasoning.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter or dairy-free alternatives.
  • Add extra protein by incorporating cooked shrimp or chicken into the creamy sauce.
  • Reduce sauce’s richness by using low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 343 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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