Description
Marry Me Skillet Salmon is a flavorful, creamy salmon dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs cooked in a creamy Parmesan sauce. This one-pan recipe is quickly seared on the stovetop then finished under the broiler for perfectly cooked, tender salmon with a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or an impressive family meal.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 (6-oz.) salmon fillets
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sun-dried Tomato and Sauce
- 1/2 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato oil from sun-dried tomato jar, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup low-sodium fish or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Torn fresh basil leaves, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Sear Salmon: Arrange a rack in the top third of the oven and preheat the broiler. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of tomato oil over medium-high heat. Generously season the salmon fillets on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the salmon in the skillet and cook undisturbed until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the flesh starts to brown. Transfer the salmon to a plate.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of tomato oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, fresh thyme leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/2 cup of the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir frequently and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the fish or vegetable broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Return the salmon along with any juices back to the skillet.
- Broil to Finish Cooking: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and broil the salmon until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 135°F, about 4 to 6 minutes. This ensures the salmon is perfectly cooked yet tender.
- Serve: Arrange the salmon fillets on a serving platter. Spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the salmon. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, using about 1 teaspoon dried.
- Keep an eye on the broiler as cooking times may vary depending on your oven’s intensity.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Using fresh basil at the end adds a bright, herbal finish to the dish.
