salmon dill sauce with capers

Lemon

2 min read

·

31-01-2025

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This creamy dill sauce, bright with capers and the fresh bite of dill, elevates simple salmon fillets to a restaurant-worthy meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a sophisticated flavor profile without excessive complexity. It's also incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it to other white fish or even grilled chicken.

Ingredients:

• For the Salmon:

  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• For the Dill Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or crème fraîche (for a richer sauce)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (adds creaminess and tang)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (more if you love dill!)
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained and roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preparing the Salmon:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Alternatively, you can pan-sear the salmon.
2. Season the salmon: Generously season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the salmon: If baking, place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. If pan-searing, heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.

Making the Dill Sauce:

1. Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream (or crème fraîche), mayonnaise, chopped dill, capers, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
2. Season to taste: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want a bit more lemon juice for extra brightness, or more dill for a stronger flavor.
3. Chill (optional): For a colder, more refreshing sauce, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serving:

Spoon the dill sauce generously over the cooked salmon fillets. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted asparagus, quinoa, or a simple green salad.

Tips and Variations:

• For a richer sauce: Use crème fraîche instead of sour cream.
• Add some heat: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce for a subtle kick.
• Fresh vs. Dried Dill: Fresh dill offers the best flavor, but if you only have dried dill on hand, use about 1 teaspoon.
• Other herbs: Experiment with other herbs like chives or parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Different fish: This sauce is delicious with other white fish like cod or halibut.

Why This Recipe Works:

This recipe's success lies in the balance of flavors. The creamy, tangy sauce perfectly complements the richness of the salmon, while the bright dill and salty capers add depth and complexity. The simplicity of the preparation makes it a perfect weeknight meal, yet the final result is sophisticated enough for a special occasion. The versatility allows you to customize it to your taste and dietary needs, making it a true culinary chameleon.

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