Basque Seared Salmon with Piquillo Peppers
This Basque Seared Salmon with Piquillo Peppers recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the Basque country to your table, featuring succulent salmon fillets adorned with the sweet and smoky taste of piquillo peppers.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Cooking utensils (spatula, spoon)
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, skin on 6 oz each / 170g each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 15ml
- 1 teaspoon sea salt 5g
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1g
- 1 jar piquillo peppers, drained and sliced 7 oz / 200g
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 9g
- 1/2 cup white wine 120ml
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 3.8g
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced 50g
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth 60ml
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, and season both sides with sea salt and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the desired doneness is reached. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced piquillo peppers to the skillet and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Stir in the fresh parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and cook for another minute.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the piquillo pepper sauce over them. Heat through for 1 minute.
- Serve the salmon fillets with the sauce spooned over the top, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
Piquillo peppers can be found jarred in most gourmet or international food sections. If unavailable, roasted red bell peppers make a good substitute.
Adjust the cooking time for the salmon depending on the thickness of the fillets and your preferred level of doneness.
Serve with a side of sautéed greens or a crisp salad to round out this Mediterranean-inspired meal.