If you're looking to impress your dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a delightful meal, look no further than this exquisite Salmon with Creamy Dijon Sauce. This French-inspired dish combines the rich flavors of salmon with a velvety sauce that tantalizes the taste buds and elevates your dining experience. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you'll be savoring a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let's get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Remove salmon fillets from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear.
- Season both sides of salmon fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 4-5 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.
- Gently flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the flesh side, or until the fish is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside on a warm plate, tenting loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, whisking to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously, until it thickens slightly and develops a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Pour the creamy Dijon sauce over the salmon fillets and serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Bring the Salmon to Room Temperature: For perfectly cooked salmon, remove the fillets from the refrigerator 15 minutes before you start cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout the fish.
- Dry the Fillets: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture. A dry surface will help you achieve that coveted crispy skin.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Generous seasoning enhances the flavor of the salmon and complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Heat the Oil Properly: Make sure the olive oil is shimmering but not smoking before adding the salmon. This will help create a perfect sear and prevent sticking.
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Salmon is best when it’s just cooked through but still moist. Aim for a total cooking time of about 6-8 minutes.
- Whisk the Sauce Continuously: When making the creamy Dijon sauce, whisk continuously while it simmers to ensure a smooth consistency and prevent it from burning.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your palate.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish, making it look as good as it tastes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 160mg
