Elegant Salmon with Creamy Mustard Sauce: A Simple Yet Sophisticated Recipe

Salmon with mustard cream sauce is a dish that manages to be both incredibly easy to prepare and remarkably elegant. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. The richness of the salmon, combined with the tangy and slightly sweet mustard cream sauce, creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more. This recipe provides a detailed guide to achieving perfectly cooked salmon and a luscious sauce, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

Why This Salmon with Mustard Cream Sauce Recipe Works

There are many reasons why this recipe is a winner:

* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes.
* **Simple Ingredients:** The ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets.
* **Versatile:** It pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or pasta.
* **Flavorful:** The mustard cream sauce adds a depth of flavor that elevates the salmon to another level.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The vibrant color of the salmon, drizzled with creamy sauce, makes for a visually appealing dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Salmon Fillets:** 4 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons (unsalted)
* **Shallot:** 1 medium, finely minced
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/4 cup (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup
* **Dijon Mustard:** 2 tablespoons
* **Whole Grain Mustard:** 1 tablespoon
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
* **Fresh Dill:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste

Equipment Needed

* Large skillet or frying pan
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Chef’s knife
* Lemon juicer (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect salmon with mustard cream sauce:

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. **Pat Dry:** Use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets dry. This helps to achieve a nice sear.
2. **Season:** Season both sides of the salmon fillets generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

1. **Heat Oil:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the salmon.
2. **Sear Salmon:** Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets) in the hot skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. If using skinless fillets, sear for 3-4 minutes per side.
3. **Flip and Cook:** Carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
4. **Remove Salmon:** Once cooked, remove the salmon fillets from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Mustard Cream Sauce

1. **Melt Butter:** In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. **Sauté Shallot and Garlic:** Add the minced shallot and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. **Deglaze with Wine:** Pour in the dry white wine and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. This adds a lot of flavor to the sauce.
4. **Reduce Wine:** Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it has reduced by about half.
5. **Add Cream:** Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
6. **Incorporate Mustard:** Whisk in the Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard. Stir well to combine.
7. **Simmer and Thicken:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. **Finish with Lemon and Dill:** Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and fresh dill. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. **Plate Salmon:** Place the salmon fillets on plates.
2. **Drizzle Sauce:** Spoon the mustard cream sauce generously over the salmon fillets.
3. **Garnish:** Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill, if desired.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the salmon with your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Salmon

* **Don’t Overcook:** Salmon is best when it’s slightly undercooked in the center. It will continue to cook as it rests.
* **Use a Thermometer:** If you’re unsure about doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 145°F (63°C).
* **Crispy Skin:** To achieve crispy skin, make sure the skillet is hot and the salmon is patted dry before searing.
* **Rest the Salmon:** Allowing the salmon to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps to retain its moisture.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Add Capers:** Stir in a tablespoon of capers to the sauce for a briny flavor.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Substitute fresh parsley or chives for the dill.
* **Creamy Coconut Milk:** For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
* **Different Mustard:** Experiment with different types of mustard, such as honey mustard or horseradish mustard.

Serving Suggestions

This salmon with mustard cream sauce pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Pasta:** Linguine, fettuccine, or penne.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Crusty Bread:** For soaking up the delicious sauce.

Make-Ahead Instructions

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare some components ahead of time:

* **Sauce:** The mustard cream sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
* **Vegetables:** You can chop and prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover salmon with mustard cream sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the salmon.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Detailed Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 4 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 medium shallot, finely minced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup dry white wine
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
* Salt and black pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Salmon:** Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear Salmon:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on) for 4-5 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook for 3-4 minutes until cooked through (145°F).
3. **Remove Salmon:** Set aside on a plate, tented with foil.
4. **Make Sauce:** In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté shallot and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
5. **Deglaze:** Pour in white wine and scrape up browned bits. Simmer until reduced by half.
6. **Add Cream and Mustard:** Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and whole grain mustard. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
7. **Finish Sauce:** Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. **Serve:** Place salmon on plates and drizzle with mustard cream sauce. Garnish with dill if desired. Serve immediately.

Enjoy this exquisite salmon with mustard cream sauce! It’s a dish that is sure to impress and become a regular in your meal rotation. Experiment with the variations to find your perfect combination of flavors. Bon appétit!