Description
Succulent salmon meets Mediterranean magic in this creamy spinach and roasted red pepper salmon masterpiece. Rich flavors dance together, promising a restaurant-quality meal that brings Mediterranean coastal charm right to your dinner table and delights you with each luxurious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 salmon fillets skin on (about 1 lb / 454 grams)
Seasoning and Spices:
- Salt and pepper to season
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
Cooking Fats and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic (finely diced)
Vegetables and Peppers:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) roasted red peppers (diced)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1/2 cup half & half or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs:
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry and generously season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Preheat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat with cooking oil. Place salmon flesh-side down and cook for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip salmon and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, ensuring fish is cooked through with a slightly translucent center. Transfer salmon to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add roasted red peppers to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Introduce fresh spinach leaves and allow them to wilt and reduce in volume, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Reduce skillet heat to low and pour in Half & Half cream. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, additional salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Gently place cooked salmon back into the skillet and spoon creamy sauce over each fillet to reheat and coat.
- Serve immediately over your preferred base like pasta, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Opt for fresh wild-caught salmon for superior flavor and texture compared to farm-raised options.
- Toast red pepper flakes briefly in the pan before adding other ingredients to enhance their smoky, spicy profile.
- Choose full-fat Half & Half for a richer, more luxurious sauce that coats the salmon beautifully.
- If dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a similar creamy consistency that accommodates lactose-intolerant diners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg