Salmon Rillettes Recipe

Introduction

Salmon rillettes offer a luxurious and flavorful way to enjoy salmon, combining both fresh and smoked varieties into a creamy spread. Perfect for entertaining or a refined snack, this dish pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh salmon, skinned and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 ounces smoked salmon, chopped
• 2 cups white wine
• Peel of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
• 2 sprigs fresh dill
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon chopped chives
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Baguette, sliced and toasted

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large, deep skillet, combine the white wine, lemon peel, black peppercorns, fresh dill sprigs, and bay leaves. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes to infuse the wine with the aromatics.
2. Step 2: Add the fresh salmon pieces to the infused wine and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for just over 2 minutes until the salmon is barely opaque all around. Remove the salmon from the pan, cover, and chill for about an hour.
3. Step 3: Once chilled, gently flake the salmon into a medium-sized bowl.
4. Step 4: Add the chopped smoked salmon, minced fresh dill, chopped chives, fresh lemon juice, sour cream, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
5. Step 5: Cover the rillettes and chill for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Step 6: Serve the salmon rillettes spread on toasted baguette slices for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Tips & Variations

• For a extra touch, add a small amount of Dijon mustard or horseradish to the mix for mild heat and depth.
• You can substitute crème fraîche for sour cream for a richer texture.
• Fresh herbs like tarragon or parsley can also be added for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store the salmon rillettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. It can be enjoyed cold or slightly chilled, but avoid freezing to maintain the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the salmon and pat it dry before poaching to ensure the best texture and even cooking.

Is it necessary to chill the salmon after poaching?

Chilling the salmon helps firm it up for flaking and enhances the final texture and flavor of the rillettes, so it is recommended.

Salmon Rillettes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 113 reviews

A sophisticated and creamy salmon rillettes recipe that combines gently poached fresh salmon with flavorful smoked salmon, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon. This elegant spread is perfect for serving on toasted baguette slices as an appetizer or light snack.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6 as an appetizer 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon and Poaching Liquid

• 1 pound fresh salmon, skinned and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 ounces smoked salmon, chopped
• 2 cups white wine
• Peel of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
• 2 sprigs fresh dill
• 2 bay leaves

Rillettes Mixture

• 1 teaspoon minced fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon chopped chives
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Baguette, sliced and toasted, for serving

Instructions

1. Infuse: Add 2 cups white wine, lemon peel, black peppercorns, fresh dill sprigs, and bay leaves to a large, deep skillet. Simmer gently over low heat for 10 minutes to infuse the wine with aromatic flavors.
2. Poach: Add the fresh salmon pieces to the infused wine and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for just over 2 minutes until the salmon is barely opaque on all sides. Remove the salmon from the pan, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for about an hour.
3. Flake: After chilling, gently flake the salmon into a medium-sized bowl, taking care not to break it up too finely to retain texture.
4. Mix: To the bowl with flaked salmon, add chopped smoked salmon, minced fresh dill, chopped chives, fresh lemon juice, sour cream, and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined to create a creamy mixture.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the rillettes mixture and chill for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled on toasted baguette slices as an elegant appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
• Chilling the salmon after poaching is essential to help it firm up for easier flaking.
• You can adjust the amount of sour cream to your preference for creaminess.
• Additional fresh herbs like tarragon or parsley can be added to vary the flavor profile.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.

Keywords: salmon rillettes, smoked salmon spread, French appetizer, seafood rillettes, elegant appetizers, poached salmon recipe