Pan-Seared Salmon with Spiced Tomato Ragout

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a warm tomato ragout infused with garlic and smoked paprika. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp.
  2. Step 2: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer the ragout over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Spoon the warm tomato ragout over the salmon fillets before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Spiced Tomato Ragout take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Spiced Tomato Ragout?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Spiced Tomato Ragout?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Salmon with Spiced Tomato Ragout for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Spiced Tomato Ragout gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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