Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Salmon with Roasted Tomato Sauce
This delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish features succulent salmon steaks baked to perfection with a vibrant roasted tomato sauce. The combination of fresh cherry tomatoes (or stewed tomatoes), salty kalamata olives, and tangy capers creates a harmonious blend of flavors that transports you to a sun-soaked shoreline. Accompany it with creamy risotto and crisp sesame asparagus for a complete meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings Mediterranean charm to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cherry tomatoes
1 pint (halved)
kalamata olives
2/3 cup (chopped)
capers
3 tablespoons (well-drained)
red wine
3 tablespoons (omit if using canned tomatoes)
garlic
3-4 cloves (minced)
fresh thyme
1 teaspoon (chopped)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
salmon steaks
4 (rinsed and patted dry)
sea salt
to taste (n/a)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (n/a)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, combine halved cherry tomatoes (or canned stewed tomatoes), chopped kalamata olives, capers, red wine (if using fresh tomatoes), minced garlic, fresh thyme, bay leaf, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and the flavors meld together.
3
While the sauce is simmering, rinse the salmon steaks and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper.
4
In a baking dish, arrange the seasoned salmon steaks in a single layer. Pour the prepared tomato sauce around the salmon, making sure the sauce covers the bottom of the dish.
5
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6
Remove the dish from the oven, and gently spoon the roasted tomato sauce over the salmon steaks. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Salmon with Roasted Tomato Sauce?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring salmon steaks baked with a sauce made of cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, capers, and fresh herbs.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
What are the main ingredients for the tomato sauce?
The sauce includes cherry tomatoes or canned stewed tomatoes, chopped kalamata olives, capers, red wine, minced garlic, fresh thyme, a bay leaf, and red pepper flakes.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned stewed tomatoes as a substitute for fresh cherry tomatoes.
When should I omit the red wine?
You should omit the red wine if you are using canned stewed tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.
How should the salmon be prepared before cooking?
The salmon steaks should be rinsed, patted dry with a paper towel, and seasoned generously with sea salt and black pepper.
How long does the salmon need to bake?
The salmon should bake for approximately 15 minutes.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon is done when it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the salmon immediately with the roasted tomato sauce spooned over the top and garnished with fresh thyme.
What side dishes are recommended for this recipe?
It is recommended to serve this dish with creamy risotto and crisp sesame asparagus.
How many salmon steaks does this recipe use?
This recipe is designed for 4 salmon steaks.
What kind of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of chopped kalamata olives.
Do I need to drain the capers?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of well-drained capers.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Fresh thyme and a bay leaf are used to flavor the sauce and the salmon.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and satisfying meal rich in Mediterranean flavors.
Can I make this dish for a special occasion?
Yes, its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation make it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
What type of garlic preparation is required?
You should use 3 to 4 cloves of minced garlic.
Should the salmon be in a single layer in the baking dish?
Yes, arrange the seasoned salmon steaks in a single layer in the baking dish.
Where does the sauce go in the baking dish?
The prepared tomato sauce should be poured around the salmon, ensuring it covers the bottom of the dish.
Does the recipe use red pepper flakes?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes is included for a bit of heat.
Is sea salt used in this recipe?
Yes, sea salt is used to taste for seasoning the salmon steaks.
What type of pepper is recommended?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I use salmon fillets instead of steaks?
While the recipe calls for steaks, fillets can often be used as a substitute, though cooking times may vary slightly.
How much thyme is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme.
What is the preparation for the cherry tomatoes?
The 1 pint of cherry tomatoes should be halved before simmering.
Do I leave the bay leaf in when serving?
The instructions suggest removing the dish from the oven and spooning the sauce; it is standard practice to remove the bay leaf before eating.
Is the salmon rinsed before cooking?
Yes, the instructions specify to rinse the salmon steaks and pat them dry.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total in this Mediterranean salmon recipe.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for a quick dinner.