Imagine a culinary journey that combines the rich, succulent texture of perfectly cooked salmon with the vibrant, herbaceous notes of pistou and the classic comfort of tomato sauce. This French-inspired recipe is not just a meal; it's an experience that transforms your kitchen into a Mediterranean haven. With just 35 minutes of total preparation and cooking time, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks sophisticated but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup pistou (basil paste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Allow salmon to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
- Make pistou: If not using pre-made, blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, and pine nuts in a food processor until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding salmon to achieve a nice golden crust.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) in the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes until skin becomes crispy and golden brown.
- Carefully flip salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until fish is cooked to desired doneness. Salmon should be slightly translucent in the center for medium.
- While salmon cooks, warm tomato sauce in a separate saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Remove salmon from skillet and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate by spreading warm tomato sauce on each plate, placing salmon on top, and generously drizzling pistou over the fish.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped herbs if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and a more tender result.
- Pan Selection is Key: Use a high-quality non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan to achieve that perfect golden crust without the fish sticking.
- Skin Crispiness Hack: If your salmon has skin, start cooking skin-side down to get a crispy, delectable texture that adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Doneness Check: For perfectly cooked salmon, aim for a slightly translucent center. Overcooking can make the fish dry and tough.
- Sauce Warming Tip: Warm your tomato sauce on low heat and stir occasionally to prevent burning and maintain a smooth consistency.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the salmon to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- Garnish Elegantly: A sprinkle of fresh herbs not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the dish's aromatic profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
