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Marry me salmon on a white plate, topped with creamy sauce and fresh basil leaves

Marry Me Salmon: Creamy, Dreamy, and Unforgettable

This marry me salmon recipe is what dinner dreams are made of—pan-seared salmon with crispy edges, bathed in a velvety cream sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of spice.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 salmon fillets preferably skin-on (10 ounces total)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes plus 2 tablespoons oil from the jar
  • ½ medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano plus more to taste
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 8-ounce bottle clam juice (1 cup)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Fresh basil leaves for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Pat the salmon fillets dry and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon skin-side down until the skin is browned and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. The flesh should be mostly opaque, working its way up the sides. Remove the salmon to a plate skin-side up.
  • Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Season lightly with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil to the pan, followed by the oregano and crushed red pepper. Stir for a few seconds to release their aromas.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly darker in color—about 3 minutes.
  • Pour in the clam juice and bring the heat to medium-high. Let the sauce reduce by half, roughly 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes, and stir constantly for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more oregano and red pepper flakes if desired.
  • Gently return the salmon fillets to the skillet, placing them flesh-side down in the sauce. Simmer over low heat for 1 minute, then remove from heat. The fish will finish cooking as it rests.
  • Serve with fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of brightness, if desired. Enjoy immediately!