Crispy Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Crispy Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a vibrant and delicious dish that delivers gourmet flavors with minimal effort. Seared to golden perfection, the salmon boasts a crispy skin and tender, flaky interior. It’s served with a velvety roasted red pepper sauce that adds depth, sweetness, and a subtle smoky kick, making this an irresistible and wholesome meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy skin salmon is restaurant-worthy yet simple to make
• Roasted red pepper sauce is creamy, smoky, and flavorful
• Healthy and high in omega-3s and antioxidants
• Great for weeknights or a special dinner
• Pairs well with grains, vegetables, or salad

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon:

• salmon fillets, skin on
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• olive oil or avocado oil

For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:

• jarred or freshly roasted red bell peppers
• garlic clove
• olive oil
• lemon juice
• smoked paprika
• heavy cream or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cream or yogurt. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Cook the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and press lightly with a spatula. Cook for 4–5 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp.
4. Flip and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes until salmon is just cooked through.
5. Plate and Serve: Spoon the roasted red pepper sauce onto plates or a serving dish. Place salmon on top, skin-side up. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2–4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or omit cream from the sauce entirely
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce
• Herbed: Add fresh basil or parsley to the red pepper sauce
• Grilled Salmon: Cook the salmon on a grill for a smoky twist
• Alternate Protein: Use the red pepper sauce with chicken or tofu

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salmon and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days
• Reheating: Reheat salmon in a skillet over low heat to retain crispiness. Warm the sauce gently on the stove or microwave
• Freezing: Not recommended for cooked salmon, but the sauce can be frozen for up to 1 month

FAQs

What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

Skin-on fillets of Atlantic, sockeye, or king salmon work well. Fresh or thawed-from-frozen are both great options.

Can I use store-bought roasted red peppers?

Yes, jarred roasted red peppers are convenient and flavorful. Drain them before blending.

How do I get salmon skin crispy?

Dry the skin thoroughly and cook it in a hot, oiled skillet without moving it for several minutes until it crisps.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with quinoa, couscous, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Is the sauce spicy?

Not inherently, but you can make it spicier by adding chili flakes or hot sauce.

Can I bake the salmon instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, but the skin won’t be as crispy as pan-seared.

What can I substitute for cream?

Use Greek yogurt, coconut milk, or omit for a lighter, tangier sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check labels on jarred products.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.

Conclusion

Crispy Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is an easy yet elegant dish that delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition. Whether you’re impressing guests or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this recipe brings together crisp, tender salmon and creamy, smoky sauce in a perfectly balanced bite.

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