Simple Seared Salmon with Spicy Red Pepper Aioli Recipe / Ina Garten’s Best

Seared salmon transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with robust flavors and elegant simplicity.

Professional home cooks know this technique elevates fish preparation from routine to remarkable.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques produce crispy exteriors while maintaining succulent interiors that melt in your mouth.

Spicy red pepper aioli adds vibrant complexity, complementing the rich, flaky fish with tangy undertones.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum impact, proving that sophisticated meals need not be complicated.

Fresh, high-quality components determine the success of this restaurant-worthy dish: your dinner guests will be impressed.

Why You’ll Crave This Seared Salmon Recipe

• Craft Killer Flavor Explosion: The spicy red pepper aioli brings a zesty, bold punch that transforms ordinary salmon into a restaurant-worthy dish, blending smoky chipotle with tangy roasted peppers for an unforgettable taste experience.
• Master Pro-Level Cooking Technique: Using a cast-iron skillet for searing creates a gorgeous golden-brown crust while keeping the salmon's interior perfectly tender and moist, showcasing a professional restaurant-style cooking method that's surprisingly easy to replicate at home.
• Quick Gourmet Weeknight Dinner: This recipe delivers impressive results in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks who want to enjoy a sophisticated meal without spending hours in the kitchen, proving that elegant dining can be both fast and delicious.
• Customize with Ease: The flexible cooking times allow you to control the salmon's doneness precisely, from rare to medium, ensuring every diner gets their perfect texture while the vibrant aioli adds a personalized gourmet touch to the final plate.

Tricks to Master Seared Salmon Like Ina

• Skillet Selection Matters: Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel to distribute heat evenly and create the perfect golden-brown crust on your salmon.
• Moisture Removal Technique: Thoroughly dry salmon fillets with paper towels to eliminate excess water, ensuring a crispy exterior that seals in delicious flavors.
• Precision Searing Strategy: Allow salmon to cook undisturbed for exactly 2 minutes on each side, developing a beautiful caramelized crust without breaking the delicate fish.
• Resting Ritual: Let the salmon rest covered loosely with foil for 3-5 minutes after cooking, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring each bite remains succulent and tender.
• Aioli Preparation Tip: Make the spicy red pepper aioli at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex, rich taste profile.

Keeping Leftovers Tasty and Safe

• Vacuum Seal: Protect the delicate salmon by using a vacuum sealer to remove all air, preventing freezer burn and maintaining optimal flavor. This method extends refrigeration life to 3-4 weeks while preserving the fish's tender texture and preventing moisture loss.
• Flash Freeze: Spread salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don't touch. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. This technique prevents salmon from sticking together and helps maintain individual portions for easy future meal preparation.
• Individual Wrapping: Wrap each salmon portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air before sealing to minimize potential freezer crystallization and preserve the fish's delicate flavor profile. Label each package with the date to track freshness and ensure optimal quality.

Flavor Variations for Spicy Salmon Lovers

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace roasted red peppers with sun-dried tomatoes in the aioli, add fresh chopped basil, and garnish with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired salmon experience.
• Smoky Southwest Spin: Mix in some smoked paprika and cumin with the aioli, top the salmon with fresh cilantro, and serve with a quick corn and black bean salsa for a southwestern flavor profile.
• Asian Fusion Flair: Swap the red pepper aioli for a ginger-soy glaze, sprinkle sesame seeds on the salmon before searing, and add a side of quick pickled cucumber for a bright, tangy complement.
• Herb Garden Remix: Create an herb-packed aioli by blending fresh dill, chives, and parsley into the mayonnaise base, and finish the salmon with a light sprinkle of fresh herb mix for an aromatic twist.

Seared Salmon Story Comes to a Close

Salmon culinary magic comes alive through Ina Garten’s masterful technique.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across plate surfaces with elegant complexity.

Precise cooking methods guarantee restaurant-quality results at home kitchen counters.

Spicy red pepper aioli adds sophisticated heat complementing rich salmon textures.

Gourmet dinner experiences await with minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction.

Passionate cooks, share this recipe with friends, comment below about your delicious adventure, and spread culinary inspiration across social media platforms.

Ingredients Behind the Spicy Salmon Dish

• Salmon Fillets: High-quality, fresh fish with bright color and firm texture.
• Salt: Enhances salmon's natural flavor and helps create perfect crust.
• Black Pepper: Adds warmth and subtle spiciness to the fish.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden sear and prevents sticking to the pan.

• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet, smoky base for the spicy sauce.
• Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic flavor to the aioli.
• Chipotle Pepper: Adds deep, smoky heat to the sauce.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy foundation for the spicy red pepper sauce.
• Lime Juice: Brings brightness and balances the rich flavors.

• Lime Wedge: Fresh citrus to squeeze over salmon for extra zest.

How to Sear Salmon with Red Pepper Aioli

Step 1: Prepare Spicy Red Pepper Aioli

• Garlic
• Chipotle pepper
• Lime juice
• Roasted red peppers
• Mayonnaise
• Salt
• Black pepper

Chop garlic and chipotle pepper into a coarse paste. Transfer to food processor. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside for serving.

Step 2: Ready the Salmon

• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Heat Cast Iron Skillet

Place 12-inch cast iron skillet on stovetop. Heat on high temperature for 5 minutes until smoking hot.

Step 4: Sear Salmon Perfectly

Carefully place salmon fillets in skillet with rounded side facing down. Cook undisturbed for exactly 2 minutes over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Finish Cooking in Oven

Flip salmon using metal spatula. Transfer skillet directly into preheated 400°F oven. Roast for 3-4 minutes for rare center.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove skillet from oven. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let salmon rest 3-4 minutes. Plate with spicy red pepper aioli and fresh lime wedge.

Ina Garten Seared Salmon With Spicy Red Pepper Aioli Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s seared salmon with spicy red pepper aioli delivers restaurant-quality elegance right to home kitchens. Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across perfectly crisp salmon, complemented by a zesty, creamy sauce that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless, center-cut salmon fillets
• Good olive oil

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup good mayonnaise, such as Hellmann’s
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (canned) chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
• ¼ cup jarred roasted red peppers, seeded and chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Garnish:

• 1 lime, quartered, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the salmon.
2. Craft the zesty aioli by finely mincing the garlic and chipotle pepper into a fragrant paste. Transfer the mixture to a food processor, incorporating lime juice and roasted red peppers. Blend thoroughly, then fold in mayonnaise, seasoning with precisely salt and black pepper until silky smooth.
3. Prepare the salmon fillets by thoroughly patting them dry with paper towels. Gently massage olive oil across the entire surface of each fillet.
4. Heat a 12-inch (30-centimeter) cast-iron skillet over high heat for 5 minutes, creating an intense cooking surface.
5. Season the salmon generously with 1½ teaspoons salt and ¾ teaspoon black pepper, focusing on even distribution.
6. Carefully position the salmon in the scorching skillet, placing the rounded side down. Sear for exactly 2 minutes without disturbing the fillets, allowing a perfect golden crust to form.
7. Delicately flip the salmon using a sturdy metal spatula, transferring the skillet directly into the preheated oven.
8. Roast for 3 to 4 minutes, aiming for a rare center. Remove from the oven and loosely tent with aluminum foil.
9. Allow the salmon to rest for 3 to 4 minutes for medium-rare, or up to 5 minutes for a medium doneness, letting the juices redistribute.
10. Plate the salmon immediately, accompaniedby the vibrant red pepper aioli and a fresh lime wedge for a burst of citrusy brightness.

Notes

• Sear salmon in a scorching hot skillet to lock in flavors and create a stunning golden-brown crust that crackles with every bite.
• Gently blot salmon fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a restaurant-quality sear that’s crisp and never soggy.
• Let the salmon rest undisturbed during cooking, allowing a delightful caramelized exterior to develop without disrupting the delicate cooking process.
• Shield your perfectly cooked salmon with a loose aluminum foil tent after roasting, trapping precious juices and maintaining its succulent texture.
• Chill the aioli beforehand, creating a refreshing temperature contrast that elevates the warm, rich salmon to a gourmet experience.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet (of 4 servings)
• Calories: 273
• Sugar: 0.7g
• Sodium: 117.7mg
• Fat: 13.9g
• Saturated Fat: 1.9g
• Carbohydrates: 2.3g
• Fiber: 0.7g
• Protein: 34.3g
• Cholesterol: 93.6mg