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Sun Dried Tomato Salmon Recipe
4.7 from 132 votes

Sun Dried Tomato Salmon Recipe

This Sun Dried Tomato Salmon Recipe features salmon filets seared and then finished in a rich, tangy sauce made from coconut milk, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. The resultant dish offers tender, flavorful fish complemented by a creamy and slightly acidic sauce with herbal notes from basil and brightness from rice vinegar and green onions. It pairs well with simple sides to balance the robust sauce.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 565 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1.5 to 2 lbs salmon cut into individual filets
  • salt to taste, sea salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • 5 large cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can coconut milk full-fat
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 (8.5-oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped (about 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes)
  • ½ cup basil optional, fresh leaves
  • 3 talks green onion chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Remove the salmon from its packaging and pat off any excess moisture using paper towels.
  2. Sprinkle all of the salmon filets with sea salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat the avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet or a quality nonstick skillet over high heat. Allow the oil to heat up for a few minutes, until the skillet is sizzling hot (about 400-450 degrees F).
  4. Carefully place the salmon in the hot skillet flesh-side down and sear for 3-5 minutes or until the salmon is nice and golden brown. Be sure to set a timer rather than trying to guess to ensure you don’t over-cook the salmon.
  5. Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 3-5 minutes on the skin side, or until the salmon has reached your desired level of doneness it doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point because we will be reheating it in the sauce, but it should be either at or close to your desired level of doneness. Salmon is considered fully cooked at 145 degrees F. To verify the internal temperature of the salmon, insert a digital thermometer into the thickest part of the fish.
  6. Note that the exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon filets as well as their temperature before hitting the skillet. Thicker filets and colder filets will require about 4-5 minutes per side, where smaller filets and filets at room temperature will take about 3-4 minutes or even 2-3 minutes per side. Again, for the best result, be sure to use a meat thermometer so that you have an accurate gauge on the internal temperature.
  7. Transfer the salmon filets to a plate and set aside.
  8. Place the skillet back on the stove top and adjust the heat down to medium heat or just shy of medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until it is very fragrant. Add the canned coconut milk, paprika, onion powder, vinegar, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and stir well. Allow the sauce to cook at a full boil, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired thickness, about 8 to 12 minutes. Note: If you're using heavy cream, cook the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than a full boil.
  9. Transfer the seared salmon filets back to the skillet with the sun-dried tomato sauce and use a spoon to ladle the sauce over the salmon. Cook for a few minutes at a gentle simmer, just until the salmon is piping hot.
  10. Garnish the cooked salmon with basil leaves (optional) and chopped green onions.

Notes

  • Substitute 1⅔ cups heavy cream for coconut milk and heat gently to prevent curdling.
  • Maintain a managed simmer if using heavy cream, avoiding uncontrolled boiling.
  • Ensure salmon is seared and nearly cooked before finishing in the sauce for best texture.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1Serving (of 4) Calories 565kcal (28%) Carbohydrates 12g (4%) Protein 46g (92%) Fat 36g (55%) Saturated Fat 21g (105%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 8g (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 565

% Daily Value*

Serving 1Serving (of 4)
Calories 565kcal 28%
Carbohydrates 12g 4%
Protein 46g 92%
Fat 36g 55%
Saturated Fat 21g 105%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 8g 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.