This dinner is packed with so much flavour and couldn’t be more simple to make. Even better – it comes together in 30 minutes! Follow me…
Pan-Fried Salmon
Salmon makes such an awesome dinner for a couple of different reasons. Not only does it take on an array of different flavours, but it’s quick to cook and easy to prep. Today we’re going to be pan-frying it.
What kind of salmon should I use?
I recommend using boneless skinless fillets. I typically grab some from my local fishmonger, but nearly all supermarkets will sell them. You could use skin-on salmon if you’d prefer since the fillets will be kept whole and served on top.
Seasoning the salmon
Salmon is naturally delicious with minimal fuss around it. Given the Tuscan vibe of this dish (using that term very loosely) we’re going to season the salmon with a handful of store-cupboard spices. As such, the salmon will lightly char in the pan (namely from the smoked paprika) and that’s absolutely fine. In fact, there are many recipes out the for Blackened Salmon, which takes the charring process a little further. You can see the photos/video for visual guidance on my recommendation on how well to cook the outside.
Frying the salmon
Pan-frying is the best option for cooking the salmon in this context as it’s the best chance to develop some flavour. You can build up a nice crust and also baste the salmon in butter. Since the salmon is going on top of the gnocchi and not stirred through it, we want the salmon to hold its own in this dish. Process shots: season salmon (photos 1&2), fry and baste in butter (photos 3&4).
Tuscan Gnocchi
Again, using the term ‘Tuscan’ very loosely, this is the kind of dish that mirrors many aspects of the modern interpretation of Tuscan-style dishes (creamy, garlicky, sun dried tomatoes & spinach).
Cooking the gnocchi
I like to essentially parboil it. You don’t want to fully cook it because you want to finish it off in the sauce, just so it can soak in the sauce without overcooking. Giving the gnocchi a quick plunge in boiling water also removes a lot of starch, which in excess, will turn the sauce gloopy.
Sauce consistency
The base of the sauce is chicken stock and cream cheese, so it’s naturally quite thick. When you add the spinach, it’ll release water as it wilts, which in turn helps thin out the sauce. When you add the gnocchi the excess water it brings with it will also help thin out the sauce. Process shots: fry garlic & chilli flakes (photo 1), add tomato puree, stock and cream cheese (photo 2), stir (photo 3), add basil, parmesan & sun dried tomatoes (photo 4), add spinach (photo 5), stir (photo 6).
How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
You want the salmon to be slightly under your preference after it’s fried. It should easily flake and the centre should turn from a deep pink to a light pink similar in colour to the outside.
Can I stir the salmon through the gnocchi?
Because both salmon and gnocchi are so soft, I don’t recommend breaking up the salmon and stirring it through the sauce, because it can all get a bit mushy. The salmon is much better served on top/to one side of the gnocchi.
How spicy is this dish?
There’s a very small amount of cayenne in the salmon seasoning, which just adds a gentle warmth. There’s also a small amount of chilli flakes in the sauce, of which you can completely adjust to your preference.
Serving Salmon and Gnocchi
Once you’ve made the gnocchi, you can add the salmon on top in the pan, or you can simply serve the gnocchi then plonk the salmon on the plate. I typically only put it in the pan if it needs warming through a little. If you’ve got any spare basil lurking around you can sprinkle that on top, then just tuck in and enjoy! Alrighty, shall we tuck into the full recipe for this salmon and gnocchi?!
How to make Salmon and Gnocchi (Full Recipe & Video)
For another gnocchi recipe check out my Boursin Broccoli Bacon Gnocchi, Chorizo Gnocchi and Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi! For more similar recipes check out these beauties:
Delicious Salmon Fillet Recipes
Garlic Butter Salmon Creamy Cajun Salmon Creamy Lemon Salmon Chipotle Salmon with Mango Salsa Hot Honey Butter Salmon Honey Sriracha Salmon Spicy Salmon Pasta
