Introduction
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with this rich and creamy salmon recipe featuring sun-dried tomatoes. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, offering a beautiful balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Salmon fillets (4 pieces, approximately 150g each)
– Sun-dried tomatoes (100g, chopped)
– Heavy cream (200ml)
– Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
– Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
– Fresh basil (a handful, chopped)
– Salt (to taste)
– Pepper (to taste)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield in french
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 portions
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preparation of the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all necessary ingredients, ensuring they are fresh and ready for use. This includes the salmon fillets, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, garlic, and any herbs or spices you prefer.
Cooking the Salmon
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes or until the flesh is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
Making the Creamy Sauce
While the salmon cooks, in a separate pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir and cook for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors.
Finishing the Sauce
Pour in the cream and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs you prefer for enhanced flavor.
Combining Salmon with Sauce
Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, place the cooked salmon in the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the fillets, allowing them to soak up the flavors for an additional minute on low heat.
Serving the Dish
Transfer the salmon to plates, drizzling additional sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
Salmon Freshness
Choose high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Fresh fish is always preferable, but if frozen, ensure it is completely thawed before cooking.
Adjusting Creaminess
For a lighter sauce, consider using half-and-half or a lower-fat cream option. You can also substitute some cream with chicken or vegetable broth for a different taste.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to modify the sauce by adding ingredients like spinach, capers, or parmesan cheese for varied flavor profiles. Consider using fresh herbs such as dill or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Side Dish Suggestions
This salmon dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Cook techniques
Pan-Seared Salmon
Pan-searing involves cooking the salmon in a hot skillet with a little oil to achieve a crispy skin while keeping the inside moist.
Making Creamy Sauce
To create a creamy sauce, combine heavy cream with sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings, allowing it to simmer until it thickens and flavors meld together.
Deglazing
Deglazing helps to incorporate the flavors left in the pan after cooking the salmon by adding a liquid (like broth or wine) and scraping up the browned bits.
Balancing Flavors
Balancing flavors in the sauce can be achieved by adjusting the creaminess, acidity, and seasoning to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Resting the Salmon
Allowing the salmon to rest after cooking preserves its juiciness and ensures even cooking throughout the fillet.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but the flavor will be different, and you may need to adjust cooking times.
What type of salmon is best to use?
Wild-caught salmon is often preferred for its flavor and texture, but farmed salmon can also be a good option.
How can I tell when the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I make the creamy sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it gently before serving, but it may thicken when cooled.
What can I serve with this dish?
This salmon dish pairs well with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
This creamy sun-dried tomato sauce complements salmon beautifully, bringing a burst of flavor that tantalizes the palate. The dish is not only visually appealing but also provides a delightful balance of richness and acidity, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
A delicious alternative, this chicken dish features a creamy garlic sauce that offers a rich flavor profile similar to the salmon recipe.
Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Combine sun-dried tomatoes and cream with pasta for a quick and satisfying meal that replicates the essence of the salmon dish.
Grilled Shrimp with Citrus Cream Sauce
Grilled shrimp pairs well with a zesty citrus cream sauce, bringing brightness and depth to your seafood meals.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
For a twist on the traditional, try a stuffed chicken breast filled with spinach and feta, which pairs beautifully with a creamy sauce.
Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Bowl
This healthy option features roasted vegetables and quinoa, topped with a light sun-dried tomato dressing for added flavor and nutrition.