Pan Seared Salmon with Red Pepper Sauce is the perfect combination of crispy, golden salmon and a rich, creamy roasted red pepper sauce. This easy salmon dinner feels restaurant-quality while still being simple enough for busy weeknights. The buttery garlic sauce paired with tender salmon creates a comforting meal packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy salmon with a tender, flaky center
- Creamy roasted red pepper sauce full of bold flavor
- Easy one pan dinner with simple ingredients
- Family-friendly and ready in under 35 minutes
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining
- Naturally low carb and high in protein
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, approximately 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- Seasoning salt or all purpose seasoning blend
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Additional freshly grated parmesan
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with seasoning salt or your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 4 minutes until the skin becomes crisp and golden.
- Carefully flip the salmon and cook another 2 to 4 minutes depending on thickness and preferred doneness.
- Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour chicken broth into the skillet. Scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer the broth until reduced by about half, then pour it into a bowl and reserve.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the roasted red peppers, lemon juice, heavy cream, and reserved reduced broth.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and simmer for approximately 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the creamy red pepper sauce over the top.
- Serve the Pan Seared Salmon with Red Pepper Sauce immediately with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Tips & Tricks
- Pat the salmon dry before cooking for the crispiest sear.
- Use room temperature heavy cream and parmesan to help the sauce stay smooth.
- Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Roasted red peppers from a jar work perfectly for convenience.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even cooking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Low Carb, High Protein, Gluten-Free
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth if preferred.
- Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus.
- Skinless salmon fillets can also be used.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 39g
FAQ
How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I make Pan Seared Salmon with Red Pepper Sauce ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it gently before serving.
What sides go well with this salmon recipe?
Rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and fresh salads pair beautifully with this dish.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw the salmon completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
Is the red pepper sauce spicy?
No. Roasted red peppers add sweetness and richness rather than heat.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream creates the richest texture, but half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter sauce.
Storage
Store leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, place cooled salmon and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
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Easy Pan Seared Salmon with Red Pepper Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets approximately 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- Seasoning salt or all-purpose seasoning blend
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup roasted red peppers chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Optional Garnishes
- Additional freshly grated parmesan
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with seasoning salt or your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 4 minutes until the skin becomes crisp and golden.
- Carefully flip the salmon and cook another 2 to 4 minutes depending on thickness and preferred doneness.
- Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour chicken broth into the skillet. Scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer the broth until reduced by about half, then pour it into a bowl and reserve.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the roasted red peppers, lemon juice, heavy cream, and reserved reduced broth.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and simmer for approximately 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the creamy red pepper sauce over the top.
- Serve the Pan Seared Salmon with Red Pepper Sauce immediately with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth if preferred.
- Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus.
- Skinless salmon fillets can also be used.
Conclusion
Pan Seared Salmon with Red Pepper Sauce is an easy yet impressive dinner packed with rich, savory flavors. The crispy salmon combined with the creamy roasted red pepper parmesan sauce creates a comforting meal perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. Once you try this recipe, it may quickly become one of your favorite salmon dinners.