“Marry Me” Salmon: A Foodie Love Story
Discover the Rich, Creamy Delight of “Marry Me” Salmon
The “Marry Me” Salmon, inspired by the popular “Marry Me Chicken,” features a rich blend of butter, lemon, and dill, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and restaurant-quality taste that’s sure to impress.
Buttery "Marry Me" Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce – Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
DifficultyEasy
Servings4
Prep time10 minutes
Cook time20 minutes
Total time30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 6 ounces salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Lemon Dill Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, (optional for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh lemon slices
- Additional fresh dill
Instructions:
- 1
Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- 2
Sear the Salmon:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets flesh-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- 3
Make the Lemon Dill Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 4
Add Dill and Season:
- Stir in the fresh dill and red pepper flakes (if using). Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5
Combine and Finish:
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- 6
Serve:
- Plate the salmon, drizzle generously with the lemon dill sauce, and garnish with fresh lemon slices and extra dill. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes and Variations:
- Substitutions:
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or Greek yogurt for the heavy cream.
- Swap fresh dill for dried dill if needed (use 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon of fresh).
- Add capers for a briny twist to the sauce.
- Pro Tips:
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear.
- For an extra rich sauce, finish with a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer a baked version, place the salmon in a baking dish, pour the sauce over it, and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Storage & Reheating Instructions:
- Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
- Avoid microwaving the salmon for best texture.
Nutrition
| Calories | 520 |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 140mg |
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 20g |
History, Evolution, and Inspiration
The “Marry Me” series of recipes became wildly popular thanks to their rich, creamy sauces that combine bold flavors with comfort food appeal. The original “Marry Me Chicken” inspired this buttery “Marry Me” Salmon — a perfect blend of rich butter, zesty lemon, and fresh dill. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and restaurant-quality taste, this recipe is sure to impress.
The Art of Cooking the Recipe
The key to perfecting this recipe is achieving a flawless sear on the salmon. Starting with a hot pan ensures a golden, crispy crust while locking in the fish’s moisture. The creamy lemon dill sauce comes together quickly and beautifully balances the salmon’s richness.
Interesting Things About the Recipe
What makes this salmon dish special is its ability to shine as both a weeknight dinner and a romantic date-night entrée. The sauce feels indulgent yet fresh, giving it a balanced flavor profile that appeals to a variety of palates.
Overview of the Parts of the Recipe
This dish combines three key elements:
- Perfectly seasoned salmon with a crispy sear
- A rich and creamy lemon dill sauce bursting with fresh flavors
- A simple garnish that enhances presentation and taste
What Occasions It’s Good For
This recipe is perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or even a cozy family dinner. The short cooking time makes it ideal for busy evenings, yet the elegant presentation makes it feel extra special.
Why It’s the Perfect Recipe
With its buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and tangy, herby sauce, this salmon dish offers a restaurant-quality experience in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or looking to impress someone special, this “Marry Me” Salmon is sure to win hearts.
