This salmon dish topped with a tasty roasted red pepper sauce is sure to impress! It’s colorful, healthy, and bursting with flavor.
I love how quick it is to make—perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels fancy. Pair it with some rice or veggies, and you’ve got a meal that will make you smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: I always choose fresh salmon fillets, but you can use frozen if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before cooking for the best texture.
Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred roasted red peppers are super convenient, but homemade ones add a lovely depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, you could also use fresh bell peppers and roast them quickly in the oven.
Heavy Cream: I love using heavy cream for a rich sauce, but coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative. Just know it will change the flavor a tiny bit, which can be nice!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a punchy taste, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Just cut back to about 1/4 teaspoon if using powder.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice smoky flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can work, or simply leave it out!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon to perfection can be tricky, but here’s a simple guideline. You want it to be moist and flaky, so keep these tips in mind:
- Always start with a properly heated pan; this helps get that beautiful sear. Use medium-high heat and ensure the oil is shimmering.
- Cook the salmon skin-side down if it’s still on, for 4-5 minutes, then flip carefully. If skinless, just flip it gently to avoid breaking.
- Check for doneness by gently pressing the flesh; it should flake easily. If it’s still too raw in the center, let it cook for a minute or two longer.
With these tips, your salmon will be deliciously tender and just right every time!
Salmon With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade), drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a lighter option
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan or a similar hard cheese, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Asparagus spears or other green vegetable, steamed or roasted (optional side)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This entire recipe should take about 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, about 10 minutes cooking the salmon, and a few minutes blending and warming the delicious roasted red pepper sauce. Quick and delightful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the fillet as generously as you like. This will season your salmon beautifully!
2. Cook the Salmon:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the salmon fillet in the pan. Sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want it to be golden brown and cooked through—check that it flakes easily with a fork. When done, remove the salmon from the heat and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, add the roasted red peppers, minced garlic, heavy cream (or coconut cream if you prefer), lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for your liking.
4. Warm the Sauce:
Pour the blended sauce into a small saucepan. Heat it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Make sure it doesn’t boil; we just want to warm it through.
5. Plate the Dish:
Now it’s time to make it look good! Spoon a generous amount of the roasted red pepper sauce onto a serving platter or individual plates. This sauce is bright and colorful—it’ll look amazing!
6. Add Salmon:
Carefully place the cooked salmon fillet right on top of that beautiful sauce. It should look vibrant and inviting!
7. Garnish:
To finish it off, add some fresh basil leaves and dill sprigs on top of the salmon. If you want a little extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over everything. It adds a lovely salty flavor!
8. Serve:
Finally, serve with lemon wedges on the side for some zesty freshness. You can also include some steamed or roasted asparagus spears or other green veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce!
This dish is not only tasty but also looks stunning on the plate. Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the salmon is thawed completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is overnight in the refrigerator, but if you’re short on time, you can place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can use coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option, or even plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind that yogurt should not be boiled, so add it to the sauce off the heat to prevent curdling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the salmon.
What Other Vegetables Can I Use with This Dish?
While asparagus pairs wonderfully, you can also use steamed or roasted broccoli, green beans, or zucchini. Any vibrant green vegetable will complement the flavors beautifully!