Creamy Dill Salmon with Lemon Zest a Proper Easy Weeknight Treat
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a restaurant quality meal without the fuss? Ever thought about making a proper cream sauce for salmon at home? Honestly, it’s easier than you think and tastes amazing.
This recipe is all about rich flavors and a touch of elegance.
Brief Overview
This Creamy Dill Salmon recipe, inspired by Scandinavian culinary traditions, is a crowd pleaser. It's simple, fresh and tasty. Creamy Salmon Recipes are really easy to prepare, this one is perfect for a weeknight meal.
This recipe serves two and takes around 25 minutes.
Main Benefits
Salmon is packed with omega-3s, making this dish both delicious and good for you. This recipe is perfect for a cosy night in or a fancy dinner party.
What makes it special is the balance of creamy richness with the zing of lemon. Honestly, the sauce is where it's at! You can use it as one of your Easy Salmon Dinner Ideas, also you can call it your own Gourmet Salmon Recipe.
Now, let's talk about what you'll need to make this awesome recipe.
Creamy Dill Salmon: Ingredients You'll Need
So, what makes this cream sauce for salmon so good? It's all about the fresh ingredients and the way they come together.
This is one of the best Recipes Using Salmon you will ever find.
For the Salmon
- You'll want two salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each. Skin on or off, your call.
- A tablespoon of olive oil.
- Salt and pepper, to taste. We’ll season it later.
Creamy Dill Sauce
- Grab a tablespoon of unsalted butter.
- Two cloves of minced garlic. Adds a nice kick.
- Half a cup of dry white wine, or chicken stock if you're avoiding alcohol.
- Three quarters of a cup of heavy cream. Don’t skimp on this; it's what makes it creamy.
- Two tablespoons of chopped fresh dill. Fresh is key here!
- A teaspoon of lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice.
- More salt and pepper.
This sauce is almost like a White Wine Sauce For Salmon that is much more easy and enjoyable, and you can make some Salmon Garlic Butter as a nice addition.
And the fresh Dill sauce for salmon is a great touch of brightness that ties it all together.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Creamy Salmon Adventure Starts Here!
So, you wanna make some proper cream sauce for salmon ? Excellent choice. This isn't your average fish dish. We're talking creamy salmon recipes that'll have everyone licking their plates.
Honestly, it's easier than you think. Let's get started.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Alright, let's dive into the heart of recipes using salmon . These are the players you'll need for this amazing creamy garlic salmon recipes :
- Salmon fillets: 2 (6-ounce/170g) . Fresh is best, but frozen works too. Quality indicators: Look for vibrant colour and a firm texture. No fishy smells allowed!
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon (15g) .
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Dry white wine: ½ cup (120 ml) . Pinot Grigio works great!
- Heavy cream: ¾ cup (180 ml) . Double cream if you're feeling extra fancy.
- Fresh dill: 2 tablespoons , chopped, plus extra for garnish.
- Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon , finely grated.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon , fresh.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste.
Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up
Here's where the magic happens. The salmon garlic butter is a real flavor bomb. Dill and lemon are classic partners with salmon.
The zest adds a subtle kick. If you don't have white wine, chicken stock will do nicely. Play around with the lemon juice too some people like it extra tangy!.
If you only have dried dill, use it but try to get fresh. It changes the whole dish. For an extra bit of pizzazz, consider a little bit of white pepper.
Dill sauce for salmon is really elevated using fresh dill.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen for this. Just the basics:
- Large skillet with a lid.
- Small saucepan.
- Zester or fine grater.
No zester? A knife will do. Seriously, this is all about making it easy, even on a busy weeknight. Looking for easy salmon dinner ideas ? This is it.
And if you want to go gourmet, it definitely looks like it. But still simple.
Cooking Method: Creating a Glorious Cream Sauce for Salmon
Honestly, there's nothing quite like a perfectly cooked piece of salmon, right? But you know what takes it to the next level? A lush cream sauce for salmon .
Let’s ditch the boring dinners and dive into this recipe. I got this recipe from a friend who got it from a fisherman from scandinavia, it is amazing.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: mise en place. This fancy French term just means get everything ready. Chop your 2 cloves garlic , measure out your 1/2 cup white wine or chicken stock, and have that 3/4 cup heavy cream standing by.
Don't forget to zest that lemon. Fresh ingredients make the best creamy salmon recipes. Oh my gosh, I almost forgot, finely chop your 2 tablespoons of fresh dill it's crucial! Pat your 2 salmon fillets dry, this is an essential part of the preparation.
step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking!
- Season your 2 salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Optional: Sear salmon in 1 tbsp olive oil for 4- 5 minutes , skin down.
- Melt 1 tbsp butter , sauté 2 cloves garlic for 30 seconds .
- Deglaze with 1/2 cup white wine , reduce for 3- 5 minutes .
- Stir in 3/4 cup cream , 2 tbsp dill , lemon zest, lemon juice. Simmer gently.
- Nestle salmon in sauce, spoon over.
- Garnish with extra dill and serve.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Creamy Garlic Salmon Recipes
Okay, a quick tip: Don't overcook the salmon! You want it flaky but still moist. Aim for a internal temperature of 145° F ( 63° C) .
Trust me on this. Also, always use fresh dill, I tried making this with dried dill one time, it was awful.
For a thicker sauce, whisk in cornstarch. But be careful not to boil the cream nobody wants a split sauce.
This is perfect served alongside some steamed asparagus, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Recipes using salmon like this are a guaranteed hit, especially if you want easy salmon dinner ideas. Consider serving this dish with some side dishes with salmon dishes.
If you don't have dill, you can use parsley or chives. You can also use the salmon garlic butter to saute other ingredients like shrimps.
Honestly, once you master this lemon dill salmon recipe , you’ll be making it all the time. You can even use white wine sauce for salmon.
The possibilities are endless! It's a proper gourmet salmon recipe. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Cream Sauce for Salmon
Right then, let's talk shop about this cream sauce for salmon . honestly, there's a bit more to it than just chucking stuff in a pan! Here are a few pointers so your creamy salmon recipes turn out tip-top.
And you know, i had a crazy mishap the first time I tried making this. I forgot the lemon zest.
It tasted okay, but it was missing something. Don't be like me!
Serving Up Salmon in Style
Plating and presentation ideas are key, you know? Get a bit fancy. I love serving this over a bed of creamy garlic salmon recipes .
A sprig of dill on top always looks smashing. Regarding Sides With Salmon Dishes , steamed asparagus is always a win.
Or maybe some proper mashed potatoes? For a gourmet salmon recipe , splash out on some champagne, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Honestly a lemon dill salmon recipe deserves a good side.
Storing Your Salmon Treasure
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the salmon in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for a couple of days.
Freezing isn't ideal. The cream sauce might get a bit funny. To reheat, gently warm it in a pan on low heat, or zap it in the microwave very carefully.
Don’t want rubbery salmon, right?
Spice Up Your Salmon Game!
Fancy a change? Swap out the dill for parsley. It gives it a completely different vibe. For a white wine sauce for salmon recipe but not the wine, ditch it for some chicken stock.
Feeling adventurous? Throw in a pinch of chili flakes! Looking for Recipes Using Salmon ? this recipe is amazing with cod as well.
Nutrition: A Quick Look
Okay, so, salmon garlic butter and dill sauce for salmon is delicious, but let's be real. It's not exactly health food.
Salmon itself is packed with good fats and protein, which is brilliant. You can make this a Lemon dill salmon recipe even lighter by using light cream.
It is easy. You are going to be totally sorted with a ton of Easy salmon dinner ideas . Honestly, go on, give it a go.
I reckon even your gran would be impressed. This recipe is for all level cooks. No matter what happens you'll learn along the way and at the very least, have a laugh trying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cream sauce for salmon ahead of time?
While the cream sauce for salmon is best served fresh, you can prep some of the ingredients in advance to save time. Chop the dill, mince the garlic, and zest the lemon beforehand. However, I wouldn't recommend making the entire sauce ahead of time, as the cream can sometimes separate upon reheating.
Best to knock it up just before you need it; only takes a jiffy!
My cream sauce for salmon looks a bit thin. How do I thicken it up?
No worries, it happens to the best of us! A simple trick is to whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the sauce during the last minute of cooking, and it'll thicken right up. Just make sure to simmer it gently to avoid any lumps, like a proper gravy.
I don’t have white wine; what can I substitute in this cream sauce for salmon recipe?
Not a problem at all! If you're avoiding alcohol or just don't have any white wine handy, chicken stock works perfectly as a substitute. It'll still add depth of flavor to the sauce, just without the winey tang. Think of it as swapping out the ale for a cordial in your shandy still refreshing!
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill in this creamy salmon sauce?
While you can use dried dill in a pinch, fresh dill is definitely the way to go for the best flavor. Fresh dill has a brighter, more vibrant taste that really complements the salmon and lemon. If you have to use dried, use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every 2 tablespoons of fresh dill called for in the recipe.
But seriously, try to grab some fresh stuff it's worth it!
Is this cream sauce for salmon healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
This recipe does contain heavy cream, so it's a bit of an indulgence. However, salmon is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which are great for you! You can lighten the sauce by using half and-half instead of heavy cream, but be careful not to boil it.
Remember, everything in moderation a little bit of what you fancy does you good, right?
What sides go well with this cream sauce for salmon?
This creamy salmon dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Steamed asparagus or green beans are always a classic choice, offering a lovely fresh contrast to the richness of the sauce. Alternatively, try it with mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
Think of it like choosing your chips to go with your haddock: a matter of taste and preference!
Creamy Dill Salmon With Lemon Zest A Proper Easy
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 50g |
| Fiber | 5g |
