– **Title**: Marry Me Salmon
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. After 4 minutes, carefully flip the salmon fillets over so that the flesh side is down.
6. Pour the honey sauce mixture over the salmon fillets, making sure they are well coated.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
8. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley.
9. Serve with lemon wedges on the side and enjoy your Marry Me Salmon!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon for the best flavor. If you can’t find salmon, trout or sea bass can be great alternatives.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavor, but you could use avocado oil or melted butter instead if you prefer a different taste. Both will work well for searing.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you find sun-dried tomatoes challenging to locate, try using roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile. They’ll be softer but still tasty.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma, but if you’re out, dried basil can be used. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried in place of 1 tablespoon of fresh.
How Can I Make Sure the Salmon is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking salmon just right can be tricky! Here are the steps to help you nail it:
- Preheat your oven to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Cook skin-side down first to get it crispy. This takes about 3-4 minutes.
- After flipping, add the topping quickly to keep the heat in.
- Bake until it flakes easily with a fork—about 8-10 minutes depending on thickness.
- Remember, salmon continues to cook a bit after removing it from the oven, so avoid overcooking!
How to Make Marry Me Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for a special occasion or a lovely dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the salmon.
2. Prepare the Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix these ingredients together until well combined. This will be the tasty topping for the salmon.
3. Sear the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, season the salmon fillets with a bit of salt and pepper. Place the fillets skin-side down in the skillet and let them sear for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. This step adds great flavor!
4. Add the Topping:
Gently flip the salmon fillets over, and use a spoon to spread the sun-dried tomato mixture evenly over the top of each piece. Make sure to cover them nicely for maximum flavor!
5. Bake the Salmon:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the salmon for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook!
6. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. When you’re ready, serve the salmon with lemon wedges on the side. If you like, you can also garnish it with a little extra fresh basil. Enjoy this delicious and flavorful dish!
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 1 cup diced. Just sauté them in the skillet for a few minutes with the garlic before adding the salmon, as they will need more time to soften compared to sun-dried tomatoes.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make Marry Me Salmon dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also be a great option for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving is also an option, but it may make the salmon less crispy.
Can I Substitute Another Fish for Salmon?
Definitely! This topping works beautifully with other fish like cod or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may cook faster than salmon, ensuring you keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
