Zesty Lemon Herb Poached Salmon with Cucumber Cream Sauce
Indulge in a delightful and nutritious dinner with our Zesty Lemon Herb Poached Salmon paired with a refreshing Cucumber Cream Sauce. Salmon is renowned for its health benefits, packed with omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health and boost brain function. This versatile dish allows you to explore a world of flavors, and it's particularly great for those mindful of their diet. The salmon fillets are poached in a fragrant mix of white wine, fresh mint, onions, and crushed peppercorns, elevating the natural flavors without overwhelming them. The creamy cucumber sauce adds a cool contrast with a touch of tangy lemon, perfectly complementing the fish. Pair it with a vibrant pea puree and steamed new potatoes for a complete meal that satisfies the palate and nourishes the body. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking to impress your family with a healthy option, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
white wine
1 cup (none)
water
3 cups (none)
small onion
1 (sliced)
mint leaves
5-6 (torn)
lemon
1 (juice and cut into 4 pieces)
peppercorns
10 (lightly crushed)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
salmon fillets
4 (thick slices (6 oz each))
medium cucumbers
2 (peeled and lightly seeded)
minced onion
1 teaspoon (none)
mayonnaise
1/4 cup (none)
sour cream
1/4 cup (none)
grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon (none)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (for draining cucumbers)
frozen peas
20 ounces (none)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup (fine chopped)
butter
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for pea puree)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for pea puree)
water
to thin the puree if necessary (none)
Instructions
1
Start with the Pea Puree: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of water, frozen peas, minced garlic, chopped mint leaves, and butter. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the peas begin to soften. Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This can be prepared ahead of time and reheated just before serving.
2
Make the Cucumber Lemon Sauce: Peel and grate the cucumbers using a large grater or a food processor. Place the grated cucumber in a colander, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and let it drain for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. In a medium bowl, combine the drained cucumber with mayonnaise, sour cream, minced onion, grated lemon zest, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3
Prepare the Poached Salmon: In a large skillet, mix the white wine, water, lightly crushed peppercorns, torn mint leaves, lemon juice, sliced lemon, sliced onion, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a medium-high simmer. Once simmering, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan, topping each with a slice of lemon. Cover the pan and simmer for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the salmon sit in the poaching liquid for an additional 3-5 minutes until it flakes easily yet remains moist.
4
Serve the Dish: Reheat the pea puree briefly in the microwave or on the stove. Place approximately 1 cup of pea puree on each plate as a base. Gently transfer a poached salmon fillet on top, garnished with the lemon slice. Add a dollop of the cucumber cream sauce on the side and season with additional salt and pepper as desired. For a complete meal, serve with steamed new potatoes and grilled vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein in this recipe is four 6-ounce salmon fillets.
What is the name of the sauce served with the salmon?
The salmon is served with a refreshing Cucumber Cream Sauce.
What ingredients are used to poach the salmon?
The poaching liquid consists of white wine, water, sliced onion, torn mint leaves, lemon juice, sliced lemon, crushed peppercorns, and salt.
How long should the salmon fillets be simmered?
The salmon should be simmered for 5 minutes and then allowed to sit in the liquid for an additional 3-5 minutes.
What is the base layer for serving this dish?
The dish is served on a base of approximately 1 cup of pea puree per plate.
How do you prepare the cucumbers for the sauce?
Peel and grate the cucumbers, sprinkle them with salt, and let them drain for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
What are the ingredients for the pea puree?
The pea puree is made from frozen peas, water, minced garlic, chopped mint leaves, butter, salt, and pepper.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is high in omega-3 fatty acids and is described as a nutritious dinner option that promotes heart and brain health.
Can the pea puree be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the pea puree can be made in advance and reheated just before serving.
What side dishes are recommended for this meal?
It is recommended to serve this dish with steamed new potatoes and grilled vegetables.
What type of wine is best for the poaching liquid?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of white wine for the poaching liquid.
How should the salmon be placed in the skillet?
The salmon fillets should be placed skin-side down in the pan.
What is the purpose of adding salt to the grated cucumbers?
The salt helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers so the sauce doesn't become too watery.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
This recipe utilizes both fresh mint leaves and dried peppercorns.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients and tags provided, this recipe is gluten-free.
What dairy products are in the cucumber sauce?
The cucumber sauce contains 1/4 cup of sour cream and 1/4 cup of mayonnaise.
How do you know when the salmon is finished cooking?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily yet remains moist.
What are the aromatics used in the pea puree?
The pea puree uses minced garlic and chopped fresh mint leaves for flavor.
How much lemon zest is needed for the sauce?
The cucumber sauce requires 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest.
What should be done with the peppercorns before poaching?
The 10 peppercorns should be lightly crushed before being added to the poaching liquid.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe yields 4 servings, as it uses 4 salmon fillets.
What type of onion is used in the sauce?
The cucumber sauce uses 1 teaspoon of minced onion.
How is the pea puree textured?
The pea mixture is transferred to a blender and pureed until it is smooth and creamy.
What is the total amount of peas used?
The recipe requires 20 ounces of frozen peas.
How much butter is used in the pea puree?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of butter for the pea puree.
What should you do if the pea puree is too thick?
You can add a little water to thin the puree to your desired consistency.
How long do the peas cook before blending?
The peas should cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
What is the serving size for the pea puree?
The instructions suggest placing approximately 1 cup of pea puree on each plate.
Where is the cucumber sauce placed on the plate?
A dollop of the cucumber cream sauce should be added on the side of the salmon.
What should be placed on top of the salmon while poaching?
Each salmon fillet should be topped with a slice of lemon while it simmers.