Imagine transforming ordinary salmon into a culinary masterpiece that looks like it's straight from a gourmet restaurant's kitchen. This Pan Seared Salmon with Fresh Cherry Almond Sauce is not just a meal—it's an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dinner guests. With a perfect balance of crispy salmon, sweet-tangy cherry sauce, and crunchy toasted almonds, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking game and make you feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
- Wash the fresh cherries, remove the pits, and slice them in half. Set aside. Measure out the sliced almonds, honey, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove the almonds from the pan and set aside.
- In the same saucepan, add the pitted cherries, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices. Remove from heat and set aside.
- While the cherry sauce is cooking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet.
- Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to become crispy. After 4-5 minutes, gently flip the salmon fillets using a spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. To serve, place each salmon fillet on a plate and spoon the fresh cherry almond sauce over the top. Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Garnish with additional fresh cherries or herbs if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious pan-seared salmon with fresh cherry almond sauce!
Tips
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown sear.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and the best crust.
- Don't move the salmon while it's cooking skin-side down—this helps create that coveted crispy exterior.
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the most vibrant sauce flavor.
- Toast almonds carefully—they can burn quickly, so keep a close eye and stir frequently.
- Let the salmon rest for a minute after cooking to help retain its juices.
- If you don't have fresh cherries, frozen can work as a substitute in the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
