Buttery Salmon En Croute Recipe: A Fancy Yet Foolproof Dinner

Crafting a delightful salmon en croute brings culinary magic right to your kitchen table.

Layers of buttery pastry and tender fish promise an elegant dining experience.

Pastry chefs and home cooks alike adore this classic French technique.

Rich salmon nestles between delicate puff pastry, creating a luxurious main course.

Herbed cream cheese adds a tantalizing flavor dimension to each bite.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular.

We guarantee this recipe will impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

Everything You Need For Delia Smith Salmon En Croute

• Salmon Fillet: Fresh, high-quality salmon with firm and rich texture.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy cheese for rich filling.
• Pastry Dough: Buttery, flaky pastry to encase the salmon.

• Salt, Sugar: Essential for curing and enhancing salmon's natural flavor.

• Pickles: Tangy accompaniment to balance the rich salmon dish.

How To Make Delia Smith Salmon En Croute

Step 1: Prepare Salmon Mixture

Combine kosher salt and granulated sugar in a bowl. Gently coat the salmon fillet, ensuring even coverage. Let the salmon rest in the refrigerator, allowing the salt and sugar to draw out moisture and infuse flavor. This process helps create a firmer texture and enhances the fish’s natural taste.

Step 2: Clean and Dry Salmon

Thoroughly rinse the salmon under cold water to remove the salt-sugar mixture. Pat the fillet completely dry using paper towels. Place the salmon on a clean plate and refrigerate to keep it chilled and firm.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with fresh dill, lemon zest, and cracked black pepper. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined, creating a rich and aromatic spread that will complement the salmon perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble Pastry Base

Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until thin and even. Carefully place the first salmon fillet in the center of the pastry. Spread the cream cheese mixture generously over the fillet. Top with the second salmon fillet, creating a delicious layered effect.

Step 5: Wrap and Chill

Fold the pastry edges over the salmon, sealing the edges with a gentle egg wash. Crimp the borders to create a beautiful, rustic appearance. Transfer the wrapped salmon to a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help the pastry set and maintain its shape.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Brush the pastry with additional egg wash for a glossy finish. Bake initially at high temperature for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and continue baking until the pastry turns golden brown and crisp.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the salmon en croute from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the internal temperature to stabilize and the juices to redistribute. Slice carefully and serve with tangy pickles or a fresh herb salad for a delightful meal.

Tips To Help With Delia Smith Salmon En Croute

• Optimize Curing Time: Adjust salt-sugar mix duration between 12-48 hours for deeper flavor penetration without over-salting the salmon.
• Perfect Pastry Technique: Ensure pastry is rolled thin and even, preventing soggy bottoms and maintaining crisp, golden exterior.
• Filling Flavor Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon in cream cheese mixture to enhance salmon's richness.
• Temperature Control: Use instant-read thermometer to check salmon's internal temperature, aiming for 145°F for perfectly cooked, moist fish.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for dietary restrictions.

Ways To Make Delia Smith Salmon En Croute Unique

• Gluten-Free Salmon En Croute: Replace traditional pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Salmon Variation: Use minimal salt during curing, replacing sugar-salt mix with herbs like dill and lemon zest for flavor without sodium.
• Vegetarian Pastry Swap: Substitute salmon with roasted portobello mushrooms or eggplant, maintaining the luxurious cream cheese filling and pastry technique.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh basil to cream cheese filling for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings For Delia Smith Salmon En Croute

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay or unoaked white Burgundy to complement the rich salmon and creamy filling, cutting through the dish's decadence with bright acidity.
• Enhance Side Dish: Prepare a light herb salad with fresh dill, arugula, and lemon vinaigrette to balance the pastry's buttery texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match Pickle Accompaniment: Choose tangy cornichons or quick-pickled cucumber slices with fresh dill and white wine vinegar to add zesty brightness and cut through the salmon's richness.
• Boost Beverage Option: Serve a cold, crisp pilsner or dry sparkling wine to cleanse the palate and highlight the delicate flavors of the salmon en croute.

How To Store Delia Smith Salmon En Croute Properly

• Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeps best in the coldest part of the fridge.
• Wrap completely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze uncooked for 1 month. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 160°C. Place salmon on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C.
• Not recommended as pastry will become soggy. If absolutely necessary, use low power in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to prevent overcooking.

Delia Smith Salmon En Croute Common Questions Answered

• What ingredients do I need for the cream cheese filling?

You’ll need cream cheese, fresh herbs like dill or chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper mixed together until smooth and well combined.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Fresh salmon is recommended, but if using frozen, fully thaw it, pat dry completely, and ensure no excess moisture remains to prevent soggy pastry.

• How do I know when the salmon en croute is properly cooked?

Look for a golden brown pastry and internal temperature of salmon reaching 145°F (63°C). The pastry should be crisp and salmon should be tender and flaky.

• Is it necessary to cure the salmon before making en croute?

Curing is optional but recommended as it enhances flavor, adds moisture, and helps preserve the fish’s texture during baking, giving a more professional result.

Why People Crave Delia Smith Salmon En Croute

• Master Advanced Technique: Elevate your culinary skills with this sophisticated salmon preparation that transforms simple ingredients into an impressive gourmet dish.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment with different herb combinations in the cream cheese filling, allowing personal taste preferences to shine through each delicious bite.
• Prep-Ahead Party Pleaser: Perfect for entertaining, this recipe can be fully assembled in advance, reducing stress during meal preparation and ensuring a stunning presentation when guests arrive.
• Versatile Dining Option: Suitable for elegant dinner parties, special family celebrations, or a luxurious weekend meal that feels restaurant-quality without leaving home.

Salmon En Croute Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: At least 2 hrs plus baking and resting time
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Elegant French salmon en croute brings classic culinary sophistication to dinner tables with its buttery pastry and perfectly baked fish. Delicate layers of puff pastry embrace salmon, promising a delightful experience you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (500 grams / 17.6 ounces each)
• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) puff pastry
• 200 grams (7 ounces) cream cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) sea salt
• 25 grams (0.9 ounces) demerara sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)

Accompaniments and Pickle:

• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) watercress
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 cucumber (for pickle)
• 1 onion (for pickle)
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for pickle)

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Instructions

1. Dissolve salt and sugar mixture, gently coat salmon fillet to cure for 12-48 hours in refrigerator.
2. Thoroughly rinse salmon under cold water, pat completely dry with paper towels, then refrigerate to firm up texture.
3. Prepare cream cheese mixture by blending herbs, seasonings, and soft cheese until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Unfold puff pastry on clean surface, creating a flat base for salmon assembly.
5. Carefully layer first salmon fillet onto pastry, spread cream cheese mixture evenly across surface.
6. Position second salmon fillet on top of cream cheese layer, creating elegant stacked profile.
7. Delicately fold pastry edges, sealing salmon completely and creating decorative crimped borders.
8. Refrigerate assembled salmon en croute for 30 minutes to help pastry maintain structural integrity.
9. Preheat oven to 220°C for initial high-temperature blast, then reduce to 180°C for even cooking.
10. Brush pastry surface with egg wash for golden, glossy exterior.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until pastry turns rich golden brown and salmon reaches desired internal temperature.
12. Allow dish to rest 10 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and making slicing easier.
13. Slice into elegant portions and serve alongside tangy pickles or fresh herb garnish.

Notes

• Curing time matters. Shorter brining periods work for delicate salmon to prevent over-salting and maintain tender texture.
• Cream cheese filling allows easy customization. Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon for extra flavor complexity.
• Chilling pastry before and after assembly ensures crisp, flaky layers and prevents butter from melting during preparation.
• Consider alternative dietary needs. Use gluten-free puff pastry for celiac-friendly version or swap salmon with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian guests.

• Prep Time: 2 hrs
• Cook Time: Not specified (baking times not given)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 1420 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 11200 mg
• Fat: 90 g
• Saturated Fat: 35 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 50 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 95 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 70 g
• Cholesterol: 370 mg