Pin it
Your kitchen will be filled with the mouthwatering scent of beautifully seared salmon wrapped in a smooth sun dried tomato sauce. This impressive dish turns basic ingredients into something truly special in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for when you want to whip up something extraordinary without spending hours cooking.
I first learned to make this at a cooking workshop in Seattle, and now it's what I'm known for at dinner gatherings. The first time I made it for friends, everyone kept asking me how to make it, and now lots of them cook it regularly too.
Key Ingredients You'll Need
- Fresh salmon fillets: They taste best, though frozen works too. Try to find bright pink pieces with firm texture
- Sun dried tomatoes packed in oil: These add rich flavor and smooth texture. Pick soft, deep red ones
- Heavy cream: This forms the base of our rich sauce. Don't substitute with lower fat options as they won't thicken right
Cooking Steps Made Simple
- Spice Mix:
- Combine your dried seasonings in a little bowl so they'll spread evenly on the fish.
- Fish Prep:
- Sprinkle each piece generously with your spice blend, patting it onto the surface.
- Getting That Crust:
- Make sure your pan is really hot before adding the fish so you'll get that gorgeous golden outside.
- Making The Sauce:
- Build your creamy mixture step by step, giving flavors time to blend together.
- Bringing It Together:
- Put the salmon back in the pan and let it swim in that creamy sauce while you drizzle some over the top.
Pin it
The sun dried tomatoes are the family favorite in this dish. Even my daughter, who usually pushes tomatoes aside, grabs these first and calls them 'sweet little flavor bombs' in the sauce.
Great Side Dish Ideas
This sauce works with so many sides. Creamy risotto soaks up all that goodness while adding a luxurious feel. Some roasted asparagus or thin green beans give a nice fresh contrast to the rich main dish. When we're just having a regular weeknight dinner, we love tearing off chunks of crusty sourdough to mop up every bit of sauce.
Make It Your Own
You can easily switch things up to create your own version. Try using roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a smoky taste. Want something lighter? Coconut cream works instead of heavy cream and adds a hint of tropical flavor. If you love Mediterranean food, throw in some artichoke hearts and capers for a tangy twist that goes great with salmon.
Storing Leftovers Right
Keep your leftovers tasting amazing with proper storage. Cool everything down, then put it in a sealed glass container. If you can, keep the sauce apart from the fish. When you want to eat it again, warm the sauce on low heat and stir it now and then to keep it smooth. Add the salmon just for the last minute or two so it stays tender and flaky.
Tricks For Perfect Results
Getting salmon just right takes this dish from good to amazing. The middle should still look a bit see-through when done, which keeps it juicy and tender. Fresh herbs brighten everything up, but only add them at the very end. Remember that thicker pieces of fish might need an extra minute or two of cooking time.
Pin it
I've tweaked this recipe for years and found it's not just about what goes in it or how you cook it—it's about the happiness it brings. Whether I'm serving it at a big dinner or just for family, this salmon always gets smiles and people asking for more. There's something about the combo of tender fish and that creamy sauce that makes dinner feel extra special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
- It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce beforehand and warm it up before adding newly cooked salmon.
- → What kind of sides pair well with it?
- Serve it with pasta, fluffy rice, roasted veggies, or even a crisp green salad.
- → Can frozen salmon be used here?
- Of course! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and dried with a paper towel before prepping.
- → How do I check if the salmon is ready?
- The flesh should flake apart with a fork and have a faint pink hue inside, which usually takes 3-5 minutes after simmering in the sauce.
- → Can I skip the dairy ingredients?
- Sure, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and skip the parmesan, though the flavors will shift slightly.