
Transform your kitchen into a fine dining experience with this elegant pan-seared salmon bathed in a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, this restaurant-quality dish combines perfectly cooked fish with a rich, aromatic sauce that's sure to impress.
Inspired by Seattle's vibrant seafood scene, this recipe captures the essence of Pacific Northwest cooking while adding a Mediterranean twist with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
Key Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: Select center-cut pieces with bright color and firm texture
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: Choose plump, deep red tomatoes for optimal flavor
- Heavy cream: Essential for creating the signature velvety sauce
Cooking Method
- Season:
- Combine herbs and spices, then coat salmon evenly.
- Prepare:
- Pat salmon dry and season generously on all sides.
- Sear:
- Cook in a hot pan until golden crust forms.
- Sauce:
- Build the cream sauce gradually, incorporating ingredients one by one.
- Finish:
- Return salmon to pan and baste with sauce until heated through.

The sun-dried tomatoes add intense bursts of flavor throughout the creamy sauce, creating an irresistible combination that appeals to even selective eaters.
Serving Suggestions
This salmon shines when served over creamy risotto or alongside roasted vegetables. The sauce pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or pasta. Fresh asparagus or green beans provide a delightful color contrast and balance to the rich sauce.
Recipe Variations
Experiment with roasted red peppers for a smoky alternative to sun-dried tomatoes. Consider using coconut cream for a dairy-free version, or add Mediterranean ingredients like artichokes and capers for additional depth.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers. Reheat sauce gently on low heat, adding salmon just until warmed through to maintain its texture.
Technical Tips
Look for salmon that's slightly translucent in the center when done cooking. Adjust timing based on fillet thickness, and incorporate fresh herbs at the final moment for maximum flavor impact.

This signature salmon dish consistently delivers restaurant-quality results at home. The combination of perfectly cooked fish and rich sauce creates an elegant meal worthy of any special occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can this dish be prepped in advance?
- It’s best served fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead of time and gently reheat it before adding freshly prepared salmon.
- → What are good side dishes for this meal?
- It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roasted veggies, green salads, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
- → Can I use frozen salmon?
- Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before cooking.
- → How do I know the salmon is done cooking?
- When it flakes easily with a fork and is just a little pink inside, you're good to go! This usually takes about 3-5 minutes in the sauce.
- → Is there a non-dairy version of this recipe?
- You can swap out heavy cream for coconut cream and skip the parmesan, though the final flavors will be different.