Pan Braised Salmon With Green Sauce
Pan-braised salmon with a vibrant green vegetable sauce offers a delicate balance of tender fish and fresh herb flavors, perfect for a light, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, bring chicken broth and garlic cloves to a boil over medium heat.
- Wash and trim the scallions, spinach, and dill.
- Add the whole scallions, spinach, dill, lemon juice, and salmon steaks to the boiling broth.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the salmon just flakes when tested with a fork, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Carefully remove the salmon to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
- Remove the garlic, scallions, spinach, and dill from the broth.
- Puree the cooked vegetables until smooth.
- Add butter, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to the pureed vegetables and mix well.
- Stir in sour cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Serve the salmon with the green sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding capers or olives to the green sauce. If you want a creamier sauce, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Be sure not to overcook the salmon to maintain its tenderness; it should flake easily when tested with a fork. This method also works well with other fish; try it with Mediterranean recipes for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pan-braised salmon over a bed of quinoa or rice to soak up the delicious green sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad with a citrus vinaigrette pairs well for a complete meal. For a delightful brunch option, serve with crusty bread to spread the green sauce, enhancing your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salmon and green sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist. The green sauce can be warmed in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid separation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pan Braised Salmon With Green Sauce contains roughly 228 calories, with 10g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2082mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon; just ensure it's fully thawed before cooking. This will help achieve even cooking and better texture. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen pieces may need an extra minute or two to cook through.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you prefer a different flavor, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for chicken broth. It will complement the green sauce without altering the dish's intended flavor profile. Homemade broth can also enhance the freshness of the dish.
How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Fish continues to cook slightly after being removed from heat, so it's better to slightly undercook it. Remember, the residual heat will finish the cooking process.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).