Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary! This Sugar Salmon with Cream Sauce is not just a recipe – it's a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests begging for seconds. Imagine perfectly caramelized salmon with a golden-brown sugar crust, topped with a luxuriously smooth cream sauce that adds a touch of elegance to every bite. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results that are surprisingly simple to achieve.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4 salmon fillets and place them on a clean cutting board. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of brown sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. This mixture will create a sweet crust for the salmon.
- Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the top of each salmon fillet, pressing gently to adhere. Allow the fillets to sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the salmon is resting, prepare the cream sauce. In a medium saucepan, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and place it over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it heats up.
- Once the cream begins to simmer, add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
- Continue to cook the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin side down if applicable.
- Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, or until the sugar has caramelized and the salmon is golden brown. Avoid moving the fillets around too much to allow for even cooking.
- Flip the salmon fillets gently using a spatula, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle the prepared cream sauce over the top of the salmon fillets.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your delicious Sugar Salmon with Cream Sauce!
Tips
- Pat the salmon completely dry before adding the sugar mixture to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent soggy skin.
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets with a vibrant, consistent color and firm flesh.
- Don't rush the caramelization process – medium-high heat is key to creating that beautiful golden-brown sugar crust without burning.
- For the cream sauce, keep the heat moderate and stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender final dish.
- If you want to add extra flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like dill or chives into the cream sauce or as a garnish.
- Pair this dish with simple sides like roasted asparagus or a light salad to let the salmon's flavors shine through.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 140mg
