Quick Salmon with Tomato Lemon Sauce (Printable Version)
Flavorful salmon with tangy tomato lemon sauce. Ready in 25 minutes for a quick healthy dinner.
# What You Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 salmon fillets (about 5 oz each), skin-on or skinless
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Tomato Lemon Sauce
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
08 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# How-To Steps:
01 - Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper, pressing gently to help the seasoning adhere.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon in the pan skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy and golden, then carefully flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove and tent loosely with foil.
03 - Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, being careful not to burn the garlic.
04 - Add halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften, blister, and release their juices.
05 - Stir in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and chili flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer for 1 minute to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the vibrant sauce generously over each piece. Warm through for 1 minute. Transfer to serving plates, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like something you'd order at a restaurant
- Even people who swear they don't like fish ask for seconds
02 -
- Dry the salmon thoroughly before cooking, or it will steam instead of sear
- Let the tomatoes burst naturally, pressing gently with your spatula
03 -
- Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly than cold from the fridge
- Don't overcrowd the pan or the salmon will steam instead of sear