Red Pepper Salmon

Salmon is one of my favorites. Whenever we get a chance to enjoy a restaurant, salmon is the first thing I look for on the menu. There is no reason we can’t enjoy salmon at home, though! This delicious make-ahead recipe for red pepper salmon is one of my go-to recipes. You’ll love the delicious flavors and the simplicity of pulling it all together fast.

The top of this image shows the fish marinating in a freezer bag. The bottom half of this image shows a closeup of the dish on a plate with rice and salad. In the middle, the text reads, "freezer meal red pepper salmon."

As a mom, I am constantly amazed at all of the ways that having children complicates life. We are busy people! Between appointments and schooling, jobs, meals, housework, and therapies, life as a mom is one constant juggling act or Jenga tower. Even with everything going on, we still need to get dinner on the table and come together as a family. That’s where our Freezer Meal 101 Club was born (out of the craziness!) and that’s where it shines.

A hot, tasty, filling, and nutritious dinner to the table fast is our goal! What I love about this recipe is that you are marinating the meat as it freezes and thaws, so you end up with so much amazing flavor just like in this Grilled Tandoori Chicken recipe and so many others too! On nights when I am not available, I love knowing that my husband or older kids can also pull a meal out of the freezer and get it to the table quickly.

Red Pepper Salmon Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup red pepper jelly
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

How to Make Red Pepper Salmon

Assembly Instructions

  1. Mix the smoked paprika, red pepper jelly, and red pepper flakes together and add it on top of the salmon in a large resealable freezer bag.
  2. Freeze.
A freezer bag with salmon in a marinade.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  2. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Salmon can also be grilled on a plank or cooked in cast iron skillet with a lid.
Collage with one large close up of the salmon on a plate with rice and salad, and three smaller images of the salmon in a bag, the salmon on a sheet pan lined with parchment, and the finished, cooked red pepper salmon.

How do I know when my salmon is cooked enough?

The FDA recommends cooking salmon to 145ºF. That’s a little too done in my opinion, but if food safety is your thing — that’s your goal. I like to cook salmon until it flakes easily with a fork but isn’t too dry.

Where do I find red pepper jelly?

This delicious jelly is made with red peppers, just like you would make strawberries into jelly. It’s a sweet and savory sauce when used in recipes. You can find it in the specialty jellies at your supermarket or a more sophisticated store like Whole Foods. If all else fails, order red pepper jelly on amazon — or make your own! You’re going to love using it in recipes.

Why is salmon good for you?

Salmon and other fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids and a whole host of vitamins and minerals you need. It can also contain contaminants from pollution or pesticides, so it is a good idea to strike a balance. Consuming fish one or two times per week is considered a heart-healthy approach.

Red Pepper Salmon Recipe Ideas

Try adding freshly minced garlic cloves to your freezer meal bag for a nice flavor variation.

Line your sheet pan with parchment paper to make cleanup easier! This recipe is a little messy.

A garlic aioli is a fun dipping sauce for the salmon and contrasts nicely with the red pepper flavor.

Salmon comes by many different names – Steelhead, Coho, Sockeye, Pink or King are a few of those. Besides salmon, you can also enjoy this recipe using tilapia, Arctic char, or halibut, though you should adjust the cooking time of each.

Red pepper flakes are optional depending on your heat tolerance, and you can adjust the amount to your liking, more or less. If you want to go all in, add a dash of your favorite sweet hot sauce.

One of the things they always do on Food Network competition shows is double up on sauce. You can add a lovely contrast to this dish with an avocado lime sauce, a good ranch, garlic aioli, or blue cheese dressing. Just a drizzle of any of these is a nice touch on the plate to elevate the dish or change it up.

Red pepper salmon on a plate, close-up.

How do I store Red Pepper Salmon

Keep leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one or two days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave. Make sure the meat reaches 165ºF once reheated.

Since the salmon has only just been cooked, you can freeze individual portions for reheating at a later date. I like to freeze mine with a scoop of rice on top. It keeps in my chilled lunchbox until time and the rice steams as the salmon reheats in the microwave and my meal is perfect.

What to Serve with Red Pepper Salmon

When I get salmon at a restaurant, it is usually served on a bed of rice, quinoa, or polenta so I find those are all great options at home as well! You can make plain jasmine rice or season the rice for flavor variations, such as Mexican rice, cilantro lime rice, or rice pilaf.

I’ve mentioned this before, but picking up a few bags of salad at the beginning of each week allows me to quickly serve a main dish from your freezer with a delicious and healthy side. A side of your favorite roasted veggies is also very nice with this recipe.

Red Pepper Salmon
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 
Servings: 6
Calories: 213 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 lbs salmon cut into six fillets
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup red pepper jelly
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
Assembly Instructions
  1. Mix the smoked paprika, red pepper jelly, and red pepper flakes together and add it on top of the salmon in a large resealable freezer bag.

  2. Freeze.

Cooking Instructions
  1. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

  2. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

  3. Salmon can also be grilled on a plank or cooked in cast iron skillet with a lid.