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Delicious Italian Salmon Recipe

Delicious Italian Salmon Recipe
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A quick and easy Italian-inspired salmon recipe featuring fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this dish combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors with tender, omega-3 rich salmon fillets for a gourmet experience that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 4 skin-on wild-caught fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Sauce and Garnish

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and sprinkle lemon zest evenly over the fillets to impart a fresh, citrusy aroma and help form a flavorful crust.
  2. Sear the Salmon: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Place the salmon skin-side down first and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Carefully flip the fillets and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still moist.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Remove the salmon from the pan and keep warm. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, taking care not to brown it. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices. Stir in fresh basil leaves and squeeze in lemon juice to create a bright, flavorful sauce.
  4. Combine and Finish: Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fillets, gently tossing to coat. Remove from heat and, if desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Allow salmon to come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even doneness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure the salmon sears instead of steaming.
  • Always use fresh basil leaves to maintain authentic Italian flavor.
  • Cook garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
  • Use a nonstick or cast iron pan for best skin crispiness and easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian salmon, salmon recipe, healthy seafood, quick dinner, pan-seared salmon, basil salmon, Mediterranean recipe, omega-3 rich salmon

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/delicious-italian-salmon-recipe/