Pan-Seared Tomato Glazed Salmon

This comforting tomato glazed salmon is seared to perfection and gently simmered in a rich, sweet-and-tangy cherry tomato sauce. A perfect autumn dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (thawed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 splash water
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• optional fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

1. 1Drizzle olive oil over salmon

   

   Place the thawed salmon fillets into a baking dish and gently drizzle olive oil over them to ensure they are coated for seasoning.

   Tip: Make sure the salmon is fully thawed and patted dry for the best oil adherence.
2. 2Season with salt and pepper

   

   Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly across the top of the oiled salmon fillets.

   Tip: Use freshly cracked black pepper for a more robust and aromatic flavor profile.
3. 3Chop the red onioncite: 1

   

   Finely chop the red onion into small, uniform pieces on a wooden cutting board using a sharp knife.cite: 1

   Tip: A sharp knife helps avoid bruising the onion and ensures even cooking.cite: 1
4. 4Slice the garliccite: 1

   

   Thinly slice the fresh garlic cloves on the cutting board.cite: 1

   Tip: Slicing rather than mincing prevents the garlic from burning too quickly in the skillet.cite: 1
5. 5Sear the salmon fillets

   

   Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully place the salmon fillets in. Sear on all four sides until nicely browned, then set aside.

   Tip: Ensure the pan is properly heated before adding the salmon to prevent sticking and achieve a nice sear.
6. 6Sauté onion and garlic

   

   Without cleaning the pan, add the chopped red onion and sliced garlic directly into the residual salmon oil. Sauté until fragrant and softened.

   Tip: Leaving the residual oil and flavors from the salmon in the pan adds extra depth to the aromatics.
7. 7Add Cherry Tomatoes

   

   Add a generous amount of fresh cherry tomatoes into the skillet along with the previously sautéed onions and garlic.

   Tip: Use a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes for a more vibrant color palette and balanced sweetness.
8. 8Pour Water

   

   Pour a small amount of water into the skillet with the tomatoes, onions, and garlic to create a light simmering liquid.

   Tip: Just a splash is enough to help steam the tomatoes and form the base of the sauce.
9. 9Season and Add Ketchup

   

   Add ketchup into the tomato mixture, followed by a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine into a glossy sauce.

   Tip: Ketchup adds a rich, sweet-and-tangy body to the sauce that complements the fresh tomatoes.
10. 10Return Salmon to Skillet

    

    Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering tomato sauce. Add a sprig of fresh thyme on top and simmer for about 3 minutes until cooked through.

    Tip: Simmering the salmon in the sauce allows the fish to absorb all the savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions