Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary salmon into a culinary masterpiece, with a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that will make your taste buds dance. This Salmon Skillet recipe is your ticket to an Italian-inspired gourmet meal that looks and tastes like it was crafted by a professional chef, but can be prepared in less time than it takes to order takeout. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of chopped sun dried tomatoes, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil for garnish.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin.
- Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, or until it is golden brown and releases easily from the skillet. Avoid moving the fillets too much to allow a crust to form.
- Flip the salmon fillets gently using a spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covering it loosely with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring to combine with the garlic.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the sun dried tomatoes and garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Season the cream sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning some of the sun dried tomato cream sauce over the top. Allow the salmon to warm through for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the salmon fillets topped with the sun dried tomato cream sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
- Enjoy your delicious Salmon Skillet with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and the best searing results.
- Don't move the salmon while cooking the first side - this helps develop a beautiful crispy exterior.
- Check salmon doneness by its ability to flake easily with a fork - it should be opaque but still moist.
- For extra flavor, toast your sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding to the cream sauce.
- If the cream sauce is too thick, thin it with a little pasta water or chicken stock.
- Fresh basil is crucial for garnish - it adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamy, most flavorful best.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
