Description
Marry Me Salmon is a luscious and flavorful skillet-cooked salmon dish featuring a creamy sundried tomato and parmesan sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spicy red pepper flakes. Perfectly seared salmon fillets are simmered in a rich, velvety sauce made with chicken stock, heavy cream, and fresh basil, creating a decadent, restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 3-4 salmon fillets, skin removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup chopped sundried tomatoes
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare seasoning mix: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning mix.
- Season the salmon: Sprinkle half of the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets, rubbing it in well to ensure full coverage.
- Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets flesh side down and sear each side for about 5 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sundried tomatoes. Optionally, add a splash of sundried tomato oil for extra flavor. Turn the heat to low and sauté for 1-2 minutes to release their aromas.
- Deglaze and build sauce: Pour in the chicken stock and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, incorporating them into the sauce.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, freshly shredded parmesan cheese, and the remaining seasoning mix. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer sauce: Increase the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if necessary.
- Finish cooking salmon: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet. Spoon the thickened sauce over the salmon and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired doneness—3 minutes for medium, 5 minutes for well done.
- Serve: Plate the salmon and spoon extra sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Removing the skin from the salmon helps the sauce adhere better and prevents skin from getting soggy.
- Optionally, add some sundried tomato oil while sautéing garlic and tomatoes for enhanced richness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.