Poached Fish With Horseradish Sauce

Prep: 5 min Cook: 6 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: American

Tender poached fish paired with a tangy horseradish sour cream dip, perfect for light lunches or elegant dinners, offering a delicate balance of flavors suitable for seafood lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. fish steaks (salmon or halibut)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream dip with chives
  • 2 teaspoons horseradish

Instructions

  1. Bring 2 cups of lightly salted water just to boiling.
  2. Add the fish steaks to the boiling water. Return to boiling and reduce the heat to a simmer.
  3. Cover the pot and simmer until the fish flakes easily, about 6 minutes.
  4. While the fish is cooking, stir together the sour cream dip with chives and horseradish.
  5. Serve the poached fish topped with the horseradish sauce.

Tips & Substitutions

For optimal flavor, choose fresh fish steaks and season the water with herbs or lemon slices for added aroma. If you prefer a different sauce, Greek yogurt can substitute sour cream, and prepared mustard can replace horseradish. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as overcooking can lead to dry fish. Pair this dish with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a refreshing meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the poached fish with a generous dollop of horseradish sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed asparagus or a light quinoa salad. Consider serving it alongside a chilled glass of white wine for a complete dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover poached fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals until just heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain the fish's texture and prevent it from becoming tough.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Poached Fish With Horseradish Sauce contains roughly 164 calories, with 6g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1221mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).

164 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6g 12% DV
Total Fat 2.1g 3% DV
Carbs 35g 13% DV
Fiber 7.5g 27% DV
Sugar 18.4g 37% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1220.6mg 53% DV
Potassium 662.5mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 9.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 44.4mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 56.5mg 63% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 213.6mg 16% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Fish

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 fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fish, but it's best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen fish may take a minute or two longer to poach.

What if I don't have horseradish?

If you don't have horseradish, you can use prepared mustard for a different zing. Alternatively, a mix of Dijon mustard and a bit of vinegar can provide a similar sharpness. Adjust the amount to taste, starting with a teaspoon and adding more if desired.

Is there a way to make the sauce lighter?

Absolutely! You can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Greek yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor while reducing the fat content. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the sauce without adding extra calories.

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).

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