Description
Delightful salmon en croute brings French culinary elegance to your dinner table with buttery pastry and rich herbed salmon. Crisp, golden layers envelop tender fish, creating a luxurious meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 salmon fillet (approximately 1 lb or 454 grams)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
Pastry and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking dish for optimal cooking surface.
- In a skillet, caramelize onions over medium heat until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Incorporate mushrooms and garlic, sautéing until tender and releasing aromatic flavors.
- Using the same skillet, quickly wilt spinach with remaining garlic, ensuring leaves are softened but retain vibrant green color. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface, creating a delicate base. Evenly distribute the sautéed mushroom and onion mixture, maintaining a clean border around the edges.
- Carefully position salmon in the center of the pastry, generously sprinkle with paprika, and layer the wilted spinach on top for additional flavor complexity.
- Gently drape the second pastry sheet over the salmon, meticulously sealing edges by folding and crimping to create a secure parcel. Brush exterior with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until pastry achieves a rich, amber-brown color and salmon is perfectly cooked through. Allow brief resting period before slicing.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill to create a zesty accompanying sauce that complements the rich salmon.
Notes
- Ensure salmon is fresh and at room temperature before cooking to promote even heating and optimal texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier while allowing golden pastry browning.
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels before placing in pastry to reduce excess moisture and maintain crisp crust.
- Seal pastry edges completely to lock in moisture and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Choose wild-caught salmon for richer flavor and more sustainable seafood option.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based pastry.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley between salmon layers for enhanced aromatic complexity.
- Check internal salmon temperature reaches 145°F to ensure safe yet moist protein preparation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg