Seasoned salmon fillets in a baking dish Recipe

If you’re looking to impress someone special or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Marry Me Salmon recipe is an absolute showstopper. The key to unlocking its full potential is to Place the seasoned salmon fillets in a baking dish carefully, allowing them to soak up the rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that makes this dish unforgettable. Each bite bursts with a perfect balance of savory herbs, tangy tomatoes, and luscious creaminess, all while the salmon stays tender and flaky. This recipe feels fancy without fussing—trust me, it’s destined to become one of your new favorites!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is simpler than you’d think, but every single one plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture in this dish. They come together like old friends to create something truly special on your plate.

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality salmon fillets are the star of this dish, offering rich flavor and buttery texture.
• Olive Oil: Just a splash to give the salmon a beautiful sear and help the seasonings stick.
• Butter: Adds a silky richness to the sauce and helps mellow the garlic.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and depth.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring an intense, slightly sweet and tangy punch that brightens the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the velvety texture that makes the sauce utterly indulgent and perfect for coating the salmon.
• Chicken Broth: Adds subtle savory notes and balances the richness of the cream.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan delivers a salty, nutty complexity that elevates the whole dish.
• Dried Thyme: Lends herbal earthiness that complements the fish beautifully.
• Dried Basil: Brightens with its sweet, peppery flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: A final vibrant sprinkle that adds freshness and color at serving.

How to Make Seasoned salmon fillets in a baking dish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) because timing matters when you want perfectly cooked salmon. Pat each fillet dry to ensure the seasoning sticks well—a crucial step. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon for a hint of richness, then sprinkle salt, pepper, thyme, and basil evenly. Your salmon is ready for the spotlight.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and gently cook the minced garlic just until it becomes fragrant; don’t let it brown because you want that mellow garlic flavor to shine, not bitterness. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for a few minutes to release their oils and deepen their flavor. This step builds the foundation of your luscious sauce.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently so it thickens slightly—this is where the sauce starts to transform its texture. Next, stir in freshly grated Parmesan, thyme, and basil for rich, harmonious flavors. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed; this delicate balance will tie the entire dish together.

Step 4: Place the seasoned salmon fillets in a baking dish and Pour Sauce

Now it’s time to Place the seasoned salmon fillets in a baking dish carefully, arranging them in a single layer. Pour the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce evenly over the top, making sure each fillet is luxuriously covered. This step ensures the salmon absorbs all those incredible flavors while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon to Perfect Tenderness

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the salmon—it should be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork when done. You’ll notice the sauce bubbling gently, further infusing the fish with its rich flavors during this final cooking step.

How to Serve Seasoned salmon fillets in a baking dish Recipe

Garnishes

Once the salmon is out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and a fresh herbaceous note that balances the creamy sauce. A zing of lemon juice or thin lemon slices can also brighten the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines best alongside simple sides that soak up the sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic rice, or a crisp green salad. Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach add a lovely textural contrast and help round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, serve each fillet atop a bed of herb-infused quinoa or pearl couscous. Drizzle some of the sauce artistically on the plate and garnish with a sprig of thyme or basil leaves for that wow factor when entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, so reheated leftovers are surprisingly delicious.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked salmon fillets in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce separately if possible to maintain the best texture when thawed.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to prevent drying out the salmon. Cover the dish with foil if baking, and add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick upon reheating.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on salmon fillets for this recipe?

Absolutely! Skin-on fillets work wonderfully and help keep the salmon moist during baking. Just place the fillets skin side down in the baking dish for best results.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

The sun-dried tomatoes add a unique tangy depth, but if you can’t find them, roasted red peppers can provide a flavorful substitute, though the taste will differ slightly.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute to make it dairy-free. The texture and flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.

Is it necessary to preheat the oven to 400°F?

Preheating to 400°F ensures the salmon cooks evenly and develops a lovely tender texture. A lower temperature may require a longer bake time.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork. Use a cooking thermometer for precision—145°F internal temperature means it’s done perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about this dish that turns a simple weeknight dinner into a delightful celebration. When you Place the seasoned salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour that heavenly sun-dried tomato cream sauce over them, you’re setting the stage for a meal that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. Give this Marry Me Salmon a try—you might just find yourself cooking it again before the week is out.

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