Elegant Champagne-Poached Salmon with Capers & Tarragon
Indulge in this exquisite dish of salmon poached delicately in a flavorful broth of champagne, fresh lemon juice, and infused with vibrant tarragon. The addition of capers and olives brings a delightful briny contrast, creating a beautifully balanced meal. This recipe emphasizes the healthy, natural fats found in the salmon, making it a guilt-free gourmet experience perfect for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salmon fillets
4 (6 ounces each)
Champagne
2 (cups)
Fresh lemon juice
1/4 (cup)
Lemon zest
1 (zest of one lemon)
Onion
1/2 (medium, peeled and thinly sliced)
Capers
1 (tablespoon)
Olives
1 (tablespoon, sliced)
Fresh tarragon
4 (5-inch sprigs)
Salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
Ground black pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Begin by arranging the salmon fillets in a shallow pan, ensuring they fit in a single layer.
2
Pour in the champagne and fresh lemon juice, then add enough water to just cover the fillets.
3
Remove the salmon and bring the poaching liquid to a rolling boil.
4
Once boiling, gently place the salmon back in the pan, skin side down. Carefully scatter the thinly sliced onions, capers, olives, and fresh tarragon sprigs over the fish. Season with salt and pepper.
5
Reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer—avoid boiling—to poach the salmon for about 4 to 6 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
6
The salmon is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
7
Using a slotted spatula, carefully remove the salmon and accompanying ingredients from the poaching liquid. Drain well, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
8
Serve the salmon immediately, garnished with any remaining tarragon and a drizzle of the flavorful broth if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Elegant Champagne-Poached Salmon with Capers & Tarragon.
What are the primary flavor components of this dish?
The dish features salmon poached in champagne and lemon juice, infused with fresh tarragon, capers, and olives.
How many salmon fillets are required?
The recipe calls for 4 salmon fillets.
What is the recommended weight for each salmon fillet?
Each salmon fillet should weigh approximately 6 ounces.
How much champagne should be used for poaching?
You should use 2 cups of champagne.
Does the recipe require fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
Is lemon zest included in the ingredients?
Yes, the zest of one lemon is used in the recipe.
What type of onion preparation is needed?
You need half of a medium onion, peeled and thinly sliced.
How many capers are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of capers.
Are olives included in the poaching process?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sliced olives is added to the pan.
How much fresh tarragon is required?
The recipe calls for 4 five-inch sprigs of fresh tarragon.
What are the suggested measurements for salt and pepper?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How should the salmon be arranged in the pan?
The salmon fillets should be arranged in a shallow pan in a single layer.
How much water should be added to the poaching liquid?
Add enough water to just cover the fillets after pouring in the champagne and lemon juice.
What is the first step regarding the poaching liquid?
Bring the poaching liquid to a rolling boil before adding the salmon back in for the final poach.
Which side of the salmon should face down when poaching?
The salmon should be placed in the pan skin side down.
When should the capers and olives be added?
Scatter the capers, olives, onions, and tarragon over the fish once it is placed back in the boiling liquid.
Should the poaching liquid be boiling while the salmon cooks?
No, you should reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer and avoid boiling while the salmon is poaching.
What is the estimated poaching time for the salmon?
The salmon typically takes about 4 to 6 minutes to poach, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
How do I know when the salmon is finished cooking?
The salmon is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
What tool should be used to remove the salmon?
Use a slotted spatula to carefully remove the salmon and accompanying ingredients.
Should the salmon be drained after cooking?
Yes, you should drain the salmon well to allow any excess poaching liquid to drip off.
How should the dish be served?
Serve the salmon immediately, garnished with remaining tarragon and a drizzle of the broth if desired.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy meal that emphasizes the natural fats found in salmon.
What provides the briny flavor in this dish?
The combination of capers and olives provides a delightful briny contrast.
Can I use dry tarragon instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh tarragon sprigs for the best flavor infusion.
Is this a gourmet-style recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a gourmet, elegant seafood dish suitable for special occasions.
Is the recipe difficult to prepare?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe despite its sophisticated presentation.
How many total ingredients are listed?
The recipe includes a total of 10 ingredients.
What is the main protein source in this recipe?
The main protein is salmon fillets.