Marry Me Salmon: 1 Skillet, Irresistible Flavor, The Ultimate Romantic Dinner for Two

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Marry Me Salmon is the perfect date-night dinner—rich, creamy, and packed with bold, restaurant-worthy flavor, all made in one skillet in under 30 minutes. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken,” this seafood twist features perfectly seared salmon fillets nestled in a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce with garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to impress someone (or yourself) with a cozy, indulgent meal at home, this dish brings the romance without the stress. Tender, flaky salmon + velvety sauce = love at first bite.

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Ingredients Overview

Salmon Fillets – Use two 6 oz skinless fillets, preferably center-cut for even cooking. Pat dry and season well to get a beautiful golden sear.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These bring sweet, tangy richness to the sauce. Use oil-packed for the best flavor and texture, thinly sliced.

Garlic – Fresh garlic is a must for that deep, savory base. Slice or mince finely for even distribution.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally. Use freshly grated for the smoothest melt.

Heavy Cream – The base of the sauce. Full-fat cream gives the best texture and richness. You can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter option.

Chicken Broth – Balances the richness of the cream and adds savory complexity.

Butter & Olive Oil – Used to sear the salmon and sauté the aromatics. This combo gives great flavor and browning.

Fresh Basil or Thyme – Herbs bring fragrance and brightness. Basil is romantic and fresh; thyme adds warmth and depth.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – A tiny kick brings balance to the creaminess.

Salt & Black Pepper – For seasoning the fish and finishing the sauce.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Salmon – Pat dry two 6 oz salmon fillets. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Salmon – Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics – In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute to bloom the flavors.
4. Make the Sauce – Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Let simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Return Salmon to Pan – Nestle the salmon back into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the fillets and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
6. Finish & Serve – Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or thyme. Serve directly from the skillet or plate individually with extra sauce.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips:

• Pat salmon very dry before searing for a crisp, golden crust.
• Don’t overcook—salmon should flake easily but still be moist inside.
• Let the sauce simmer gently—avoid boiling to prevent separation.

Variations:

• Add Spinach: Stir in a handful of baby spinach for color and extra nutrients.
• Spicy Kick: Add a touch of cayenne or extra red pepper flakes.
• Lemon Twist: Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or zest for added brightness.

Substitutions:

• Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option (flavor will change slightly).
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a pescatarian version.
• Replace salmon with shrimp or cod for a different seafood spin.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

Perfect for:

• Date night at home
• Anniversary dinners
• Valentine’s Day
• Impressing someone special with minimal stress

Serve with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto
• Buttered angel hair pasta or orzo
• Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans
• A chilled glass of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)

This dish feels like a fancy dinner out—with no reservations required.

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Nutritional & Health Notes

Marry Me Salmon is high in protein, rich in healthy fats from the fish and olive oil, and naturally low in carbs. Serve with a light side or over greens to keep it keto-friendly or gluten-free.

Per serving (1 fillet + sauce):

• Calories: 500–550
• Protein: 35–40g
• Carbs: 6–8g
• Fat: 35–40g
• Fiber: 1g

Clean, satisfying, and elegant without being heavy.

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FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before searing. Frozen salmon works just as well if defrosted properly.

2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner. Add more Parmesan to help thicken.

3. Is this recipe spicy?
Not unless you add red pepper flakes. Keep it mild or dial up the heat to your preference.

4. Can I make this ahead?
The sauce can be made in advance, but the salmon is best cooked fresh. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.

5. What’s the best wine pairing?
A crisp white like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy, herby sauce.

6. Can I make this with skin-on salmon?
Yes, just sear skin-side down first and cook a little longer to crisp the skin. It adds texture and flavor.

7. What side dishes go best with this?
Light pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies. Anything that can soak up that luxurious sauce works beautifully.

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