Ingredients:

– 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– ½ cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps ensure a crispy skin and a moist interior when cooked. Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip the salmon fillets carefully using a spatula and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.

5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

6. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuously stirring the sauce. This creamy addition adds richness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for an additional 2 minutes to marry all the flavors together.

7. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the creamy tomato sauce over the top, ensuring they are coated evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through but still tender and succulent.

8. Remove the skillet from the heat, and let it rest for a minute. The residual heat will help the sauce thicken further. Take a moment to appreciate the anticipation and the tantalizing aroma wafting through the kitchen.

9. Serve the creamy tomato salmon skillet on a bed of fluffy rice or with a side of buttery mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of brightness.

Tips:

– For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to the creamy tomato sauce.
– Feel free to customize the recipe by incorporating your favorite seafood. Shrimp or cod make excellent substitutes for salmon.
– To make the dish lighter, you can substitute half-and-half or Greek yogurt for the heavy cream. It will lend a tangy and slightly healthier twist to the sauce.

Conclusion:

Embrace the beauty of coastal cuisine with this 20-minute creamy tomato salmon skillet. By blending the freshness of cherry tomatoes with the richness of heavy cream, the recipe captures the essence of coastal living in a convenient and satisfying way. Remember, cooking is an adventure, and with this dish, you can bring a taste of the sea to your home in no time. So dive in, enjoy the flavors, and create memories that will transport you to the captivating coastal town where this dish originated.

This image can go towards the bottom of the post:

Use this image near the “cooking instructions” section: