Indulge in a dish that’s as elegant as it is comforting — Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon brings together tender, flaky salmon fillets and a luxurious sauce made from roasted red peppers, garlic, and cream. The result is a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. The sweetness of the peppers complements the richness of the salmon, while a hint of lemon and herbs brightens every bite. I once made this with coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and it turned out beautifully — light, fragrant, and just as creamy. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or elevating your weeknight dinner, this dish delivers flavor, color, and sophistication in every mouthful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet. The roasted red pepper sauce adds a pop of color and a subtle smokiness that enhances the natural flavor of the salmon. It’s easy to prepare yet feels gourmet — ideal for both busy nights and dinner parties. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender seared salmon fillets smothered in a luscious, creamy roasted red pepper sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. This dish combines smoky sweetness from roasted peppers with the richness of cream for a restaurant-quality meal made at home.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 roasted red bell peppers (jarred or homemade)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add roasted red peppers, broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the sauce mixture to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Return to the skillet.
- Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return salmon fillets to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer gently for 2 minutes to warm through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use jarred roasted peppers for convenience, or roast fresh ones for a deeper smoky flavor.
- This sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream to make it dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared, Simmered
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon Fillets
Fresh, skinless salmon fillets are best for this recipe. Their rich, buttery flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy roasted red pepper sauce.
Roasted Red Peppers
These bring sweetness and a slightly smoky flavor that forms the base of the sauce. You can use jarred roasted peppers or roast your own at home.
Garlic
Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth and complements the sweetness of the peppers.
Heavy Cream
Creates the silky, indulgent texture of the sauce. For a lighter option, use coconut milk or half-and-half.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds nuttiness and thickness to the sauce while enhancing the umami flavor.
Olive Oil
Used for searing the salmon and sautéing the garlic, adding richness and a subtle fruity note.
Butter
Balances the olive oil and helps achieve a golden, flavorful crust on the salmon.
Lemon Juice
Adds a bright acidity that cuts through the creaminess and keeps the flavors fresh.
Fresh Basil or Parsley
Herbs add freshness and color, rounding out the dish beautifully.
Salt and Black Pepper
Simple yet essential for seasoning both the salmon and the sauce to perfection.
Directions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped roasted red peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes to release their sweetness.
- Transfer the pepper mixture to a blender or food processor. Add cream and Parmesan, then blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the sauce back into the skillet and warm over low heat. Add lemon juice and taste for seasoning.
- Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the sauce over each piece. Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve immediately.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the salmon from drying out.
Variations and Customizations
Lighter Option
Use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter yet still velvety sauce.
Spicy Twist
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce for a subtle kick.
Pasta Pairing
Serve the creamy salmon and sauce over linguine or penne for a hearty, Italian-inspired meal.
Roasted Vegetable Base
Pair with roasted zucchini, asparagus, or cauliflower instead of starches for a lighter dinner.
Cheesy Upgrade
Add extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of feta for an extra layer of richness.
Fresh Herb Medley
Mix in chopped dill or thyme to complement the salmon’s flavor beautifully.
Smoky Flavor Boost
Use fire-roasted red peppers or add a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky undertone.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before searing.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before adding the salmon.
What side dishes go best with this salmon?
Rice, pasta, or garlic mashed potatoes make excellent accompaniments.
Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, then pour the sauce over before serving.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a similar creamy result.
What type of roasted peppers should I use?
Jarred red bell peppers are convenient, but homemade roasted peppers offer a fresher flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes, roasted tomatoes or spinach blend beautifully into the red pepper base.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, as cream-based sauces can separate when frozen.
What wine pairs well with this?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, slightly sweet sauce perfectly.
Conclusion
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon is a dish that brings gourmet flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. The rich, velvety sauce pairs beautifully with the tender salmon, offering a delightful balance of smoky, sweet, and savory notes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests — a true showstopper that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Once you try it, this recipe will easily become one of your favorite salmon dishes.
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