Amazing Marry Me Salmon Recipe
This Amazing Marry Me Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato and clam juice sauce, seasoned with oregano and crushed red pepper for a delightful balance of flavors. The salmon is seared to achieve a crispy skin, then simmered gently in the luscious sauce, making it a quick yet impressive meal perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets, preferably skin-on (10 ounces total)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, plus more to taste
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice (1 cup)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for serving (optional)
- Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and lightly sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper over both sides of the fish, preparing it for searing.
- Heat the skillet: Place a medium nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to the pan, warming it until ready for the salmon.
- Sear the salmon skin-side down: Place the salmon in the skillet skin side down and cook until the skin is browned and crisp and the flesh is opaque about three-quarters of the way up, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. If the skin begins to burn, reduce the heat. Transfer the salmon to a plate skin side up; it will finish cooking in the sauce later.
- Cook the onions: Lower the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add seasonings and tomato paste: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Stir in the dried oregano and crushed red pepper, cooking briefly to bloom their flavors. Add the tomato paste and stir frequently until it darkens slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Reduce clam juice and add cream: Pour in the clam juice and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook while stirring occasionally until the liquid is reduced by half, around 4 to 5 minutes. Then, reduce heat to medium-low, add the heavy cream and the sun-dried tomatoes, and stir constantly until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper as desired.
- Simmer the salmon in sauce: Return the salmon to the skillet by placing it flesh side down into the sauce carefully, avoiding getting sauce on the crispy skin. Lower the heat to low and simmer gently until the salmon is cooked through, about 1 minute. The salmon will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the heat.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the salmon topped with fresh basil leaves if desired for an aromatic and fresh finishing touch.
Notes
- Use skin-on salmon fillets to achieve the best crispy texture during searing.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper, or reduce for a milder version.
- Be careful not to burn the sun-dried tomato oil while cooking; reduce heat as necessary.
- The clam juice adds an umami depth mimicking a seafood broth; if unavailable, a seafood stock can be substituted.
- The salmon will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat; avoid overcooking during simmering.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Keywords: salmon, sun-dried tomato, cream sauce, seafood, dinner, quick recipe, seared salmon