Savory Peppercorn Salmon with Velvety Wine Butter Sauce
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Pacific Northwest with this Savory Peppercorn Salmon dish, perfectly designed for seafood lovers. This exquisite recipe features a succulent salmon fillet, marinated in a flavorful brine infused with brown sugar, ginger, and a blend of aromatic spices. The salmon is then coated with a medley of crushed peppercorns that add a delightful crunch and a peppery kick. Paired beautifully with a velvety white wine butter sauce, this dish not only pleases the palate but also offers a vibrant presentation. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and delight your guests. Before you start, remember that the salmon needs time to marinate in the brine, making this a dish worth planning ahead for!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 1/2 cups (none)
golden brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
kosher salt
3 tablespoons (none)
liquid smoke
1 tablespoon (none)
gingerroot
1 tablespoon (grated)
bay leaves
3 (none)
whole allspice
1 teaspoon (none)
salmon fillets
32 ounces (cut into 4 fillets)
green peppercorns
1 1/2 tablespoons (whole)
pink peppercorns
1 1/2 tablespoons (whole)
whole black peppercorns
1 1/2 tablespoons (whole)
honey
8 teaspoons (none)
dry white wine
1 cup (none)
shallot
1 (minced)
white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
whipping cream
1/2 cup (none)
butter
6 tablespoons (cut into pieces)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Peppercorn Salmon with Velvety Wine Butter Sauce?
It is a Pacific Northwest-inspired seafood dish featuring salmon fillets marinated in a sweet and savory brine, coated in a medley of peppercorns, and served with a rich white wine butter sauce.
What ingredients are used in the salmon brine?
The brine is made from water, packed golden brown sugar, kosher salt, liquid smoke, grated gingerroot, bay leaves, and whole allspice.
How many types of peppercorns are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for three types: green peppercorns, pink peppercorns, and whole black peppercorns.
What kind of wine should I use for the butter sauce?
A dry white wine is recommended to balance the richness of the butter and cream.
How much salmon does this recipe require?
The recipe requires 32 ounces of salmon, which should be cut into 4 fillets.
Is the salmon marinated before cooking?
Yes, the recipe emphasizes that the salmon needs time to marinate in the brine to absorb the flavors of ginger, sugar, and spices.
How is the gingerroot prepared for the brine?
One tablespoon of gingerroot should be freshly grated before being added to the brine.
What role does liquid smoke play in the recipe?
Liquid smoke adds a subtle smoky depth to the salmon, mimicking traditional Pacific Northwest preparation methods.
How is the honey used in this salmon dish?
The recipe uses 8 teaspoons of honey, which typically serves as a glaze to help the peppercorn mixture adhere to the fish.
What are the components of the Velvety Wine Butter Sauce?
The sauce is made from dry white wine, minced shallots, white wine vinegar, whipping cream, and butter.
How should the butter be prepared for the sauce?
The 6 tablespoons of butter should be cut into pieces before being incorporated into the sauce.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe,' though it does require advance planning for the brining process.
Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt in the brine?
It is best to use kosher salt as specified; table salt is much finer and might make the brine overly salty if substituted 1:1.
What is the flavor profile of the peppercorn coating?
The medley of peppercorns provides a delightful crunch and a significant 'peppery kick' to the dish.
How should the shallot be prepared for the sauce?
The shallot should be finely minced to ensure it blends smoothly into the wine reduction.
Is there cream in the sauce?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of whipping cream to achieve a velvety texture.
What kind of sugar is best for the brine?
The recipe specifically calls for packed golden brown sugar to provide a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
What spices are included in the brine besides ginger?
The brine includes 3 bay leaves and 1 teaspoon of whole allspice.
Can I serve this for a special occasion?
Yes, the recipe is described as 'gourmet' and 'exquisite,' making it perfect for family dinners or special guests.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 17 ingredients used across the brine, the fish coating, and the sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
While not 'hot' like chili peppers, the large amount of crushed peppercorns gives the dish a bold, peppery heat.
What region's flavors does this dish represent?
This dish is designed to reflect the flavors of the Pacific Northwest.
Does the recipe use white wine vinegar?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar are used to add acidity to the butter sauce.
Can I make this if I am short on time?
It is recommended to plan ahead, as the salmon needs time to sit in the brine before cooking.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as 'velvety' due to the combination of reduced wine, cream, and emulsified butter.
Should I use fresh or dried bay leaves?
The recipe calls for 3 bay leaves; typically, dried bay leaves are used for brines unless fresh is specified.
Is this dish suitable for seafood lovers?
Absolutely, the description states it is 'perfectly designed for seafood lovers' who enjoy rich flavors.
How is the salmon presented?
The combination of the peppercorn crust and the velvety sauce offers a 'vibrant presentation' on the plate.
What is the liquid base for the brine?
The brine uses 1 1/2 cups of water as its primary liquid base.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed (salmon, spices, wine, butter, cream) are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on liquid smoke and vinegar to be certain.