This Marry Me Salmon is a treat! With a creamy tomato herb sauce, it’s both rich and flavorful. This dish is perfect for date nights or special occasions!
You might want to keep this recipe a secret—it’s that good! I wow my friends with it every time, and they can’t resist asking for the recipe. 😊
I love serving it with pasta or a nice salad. It’s simple to whip up and always makes me feel like a chef in my kitchen! Give it a try; you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider using tilapia or cod. Just adjust cooking times as these fish cook faster than salmon!
Cherry Tomatoes: They’re sweet and juicy! If you can’t find them, try using canned diced tomatoes instead—just drain most of the juice. You can also use Roma tomatoes, chopped, for a similar effect.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute like coconut cream. The flavors will change a bit but can be delicious in their own right!
Parmesan Cheese: If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative. Nutritional yeast can work too for a dairy-free twist!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for flavor, but you can substitute with avocado oil or butter if preferred.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon can be tricky but following a few tips helps to ensure it’s flaky and juicy! Start by seasoning well; it enhances the flavor a lot. Here’s how to achieve the best texture:
- Preheat your skillet; the right temperature is key! Olive oil should shimmer when hot.
- Sear the salmon skin-side down (if it has skin) first. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving to get a nice crust.
- Flip carefully with a spatula and cook another 3-4 minutes. Avoid overcooking—salmon is best when it’s just cooked through!
If you’re unsure, use a fork to check the thickest part; it should flake easily, indicating it’s done. Enjoy your perfectly cooked salmon!
Marry Me Salmon with Creamy Tomato Herb Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Fresh thyme or dill sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare—10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for guests. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and ease of this elegant meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season The Salmon:
Start by seasoning the salmon fillets on both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This adds a savory flavor and a lovely color as it cooks!
2. Sear The Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Gently place the salmon fillets in the hot oil, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and nearly cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Prepare The Garlic & Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to soften and release some juices.
4. Create The Sauce:
Add the tomato paste and dried Italian herbs to the tomatoes, cooking for another minute. Then, pour in the chicken broth or white wine, scraping any yummy bits off the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavors.
5. Make It Creamy:
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes deliciously creamy!
6. Combine Salmon And Sauce:
Gently return the salmon fillets and any juices back into the sauce. Spoon the sauce and tomatoes over the salmon, letting it simmer together for a few minutes so the salmon finishes cooking and absorbs all those fantastic flavors.
7. Final Touches:
Give the sauce a taste and add more salt and pepper if you wish. It’s all about balancing those flavors to suit your palate!
8. Garnish And Serve:
Plate your salmon and sauce, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and optional herb sprigs. Serve immediately with your choice of sides like pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Salmon bathed in a luscious creamy tomato herb sauce! It’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it is fully thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw it is by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative available in stores.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess without overcooking the salmon.
Can I Use Fresh Herbs Instead of Dried?
Definitely! Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor even more. Use 2-3 times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried, and add them toward the end of cooking to maximize their flavor. Fresh basil or oregano would be particularly delicious!
