RecipeCastle

Marry Me Salmon

Marry Me Salmon

Ingredients

  • 3–4 salmon fillets (skin removed - Salmon is the heart of this recipe, providing a flaky texture that pairs beautifully with the sauce.)
  • 2 tbspolive oil - Used to sear the salmon (this healthy fat enhances flavor and richness.)
  • 1 tspdried basil - Adds a sweet (aromatic quality that complements the richness of the sauce.)
  • 1 tspgarlic powder - Infuses the dish with a robust garlicky flavor.
  • 1 tsponion powder - Contributes depth and sweetness to the seasoning mix.
  • 1/2 tspdried thyme - Offers an earthy flavor that rounds out the dish.
  • 3/4 tspred pepper flakes - Provides a gentle heat that balances the creamy sauce.
  • 1/4 tspsalt - Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • 1/4 tspblack pepper - Adds a light kick to the seasoning mix.
  • 1 cupchicken stock (unsalted - Used to deglaze the pan and adds a savory depth to the sauce.)
  • 1/2 cupheavy cream - Provides richness and creaminess (making the sauce luxurious.)
  • 1/3 cupchopped sun-dried tomatoes - These sweet-tart tomatoes give color (flavor, and texture to the sauce.)
  • 5garlic cloves (minced - Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.)
  • 1/2 cupfreshly shredded parmesan cheese - Adds a nutty (salty flavor that enhances the sauce's richness.)
  • —Fresh basil for garnish - Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note when serving.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix the seasonings: In a small bowl, combine 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, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

  2. 2

    Season salmon fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season them on both sides with half of the spice mix you just prepared.

  3. 3

    Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This ensures that the salmon sears perfectly.

  4. 4

    Sear the salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the fillets are golden brown and cooked to your liking. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside.

  5. 5

    Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: In the same skillet, lower the heat to low. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.

  6. 6

    Deglaze the pan: Pour in 1 cup unsalted chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This adds tremendous flavor to the sauce.

  7. 7

    Create the sauce: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese along with the remaining spice mix. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

  8. 8

    Return the salmon: Gently place the seared salmon back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over it. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is warmed through and to your preferred doneness.

  9. 9

    Serve and garnish: Plate the salmon, spooning extra sauce on top, and garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy your culinary victory!