Elevate Your Salmon: Creamy Tarragon Mustard Sauce Recipe

Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein. While delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sauce can transform a simple meal into a culinary masterpiece. This creamy tarragon mustard sauce is the perfect complement to salmon, offering a balance of tangy, herbaceous, and rich flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and requires only a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality salmon dish!

## Why This Tarragon Mustard Sauce Works So Well with Salmon

The key to a great sauce is balance. Salmon’s richness needs something to cut through it, and this sauce delivers beautifully. Here’s why:

* **Tangy Mustard:** Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy base that complements the salmon’s flavor without overpowering it. Its subtle spiciness adds another layer of complexity.
* **Fresh Tarragon:** Tarragon’s delicate anise-like flavor brings a unique herbaceous note that elevates the sauce. Its subtle sweetness works perfectly with the mustard and cream.
* **Creamy Texture:** The heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety texture that coats the salmon perfectly. It also helps to mellow out the mustard’s sharpness and bind all the flavors together.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, further enhancing the other flavors and preventing the sauce from becoming too heavy.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Salmon Fillets:** 4 (4-6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference)
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup
* **Dijon Mustard:** 2 tablespoons
* **Fresh Tarragon:** 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon, fresh
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Butter:** 1 tablespoon (unsalted)
* **Garlic:** 1 clove, minced (optional, but recommended)
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Garnish:** Fresh tarragon sprigs, lemon wedges

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect tarragon mustard sauce for your salmon:

**1. Prepare the Salmon:**

* **Pat Dry:** Use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets dry. This will help them sear properly and develop a nice crust.
* **Season:** Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as it will enhance the flavor of the fish.

**2. Sear the Salmon:**

* **Heat Oil:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon.
* **Sear Skin-Side Down (Optional):** If you’re using salmon with the skin on, place the fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. If you’re using skinless salmon, sear for 3-4 minutes per side.
* **Flip and Cook:** 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). Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it will become dry.
* **Remove from Skillet:** Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.

**3. Make the Tarragon Mustard Sauce:**

* **Melt Butter:** In the same skillet you used to cook the salmon (don’t wipe it out – those browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat.
* **Sauté Garlic (Optional):** If using garlic, add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* **Add Heavy Cream:** Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
* **Whisk in Mustard:** Whisk in the Dijon mustard until it’s fully incorporated into the cream.
* **Simmer and Thicken:** Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it slightly thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
* **Stir in Tarragon and Lemon Juice:** Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh tarragon and lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

**4. Serve:**

* **Spoon Sauce Over Salmon:** Spoon the tarragon mustard sauce generously over the cooked salmon fillets.
* **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh tarragon sprigs and lemon wedges.
* **Serve Immediately:** Serve the salmon immediately with your favorite sides.

## Tips for the Perfect Tarragon Mustard Sauce

* **Use Fresh Tarragon:** Fresh tarragon is essential for this recipe. Dried tarragon doesn’t have the same vibrant flavor. If you can’t find fresh tarragon, you can substitute it with a smaller amount of dried tarragon (about 1 teaspoon), but the flavor won’t be as pronounced.
* **Don’t Overcook the Salmon:** Overcooked salmon is dry and unpleasant. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* **Adjust the Mustard to Your Taste:** If you prefer a milder mustard flavor, use less Dijon mustard. You can also substitute with a different type of mustard, such as whole grain mustard or honey mustard, but keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile of the sauce.
* **Simmer the Sauce Gently:** Don’t boil the sauce too vigorously, as this can cause it to curdle.
* **Add a Pinch of Sugar (Optional):** If the sauce is too tangy for your liking, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
* **Get Creative with Additions:** Feel free to add other ingredients to the sauce to customize it to your taste. Some popular additions include shallots, white wine, capers, or a touch of cayenne pepper.

## Serving Suggestions

This tarragon mustard salmon pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are all excellent choices.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with salmon.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or quinoa are all good options.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon.
* **Pasta:** Serve the salmon over pasta tossed with the tarragon mustard sauce for a complete meal.

## Variations on the Recipe

* **White Wine Tarragon Mustard Sauce:** Add 1/4 cup of dry white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic (or shallots). Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the heavy cream.
* **Lemon Herb Tarragon Mustard Sauce:** Add other fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the sauce along with the tarragon. Increase the amount of lemon juice for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
* **Spicy Tarragon Mustard Sauce:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Baked Salmon with Tarragon Mustard Sauce:** Instead of searing the salmon, you can bake it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Then, spoon the tarragon mustard sauce over the baked salmon.

## Storage Instructions

* **Store Leftover Salmon:** Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Store Leftover Sauce:** Store leftover tarragon mustard sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken upon refrigeration. You can reheat it gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to thin it out.
* **Freezing is Not Recommended:** Freezing the sauce is not recommended, as the cream may separate and become grainy upon thawing.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?**
A: While fresh tarragon is highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried tarragon in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon for every 2 tablespoons of fresh tarragon.

**Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?**
A: The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prepare it up to a few hours in advance. Keep it warm over low heat or in a slow cooker until ready to serve.

**Q: What kind of salmon is best for this recipe?**
A: Any type of salmon will work well with this recipe, including Atlantic salmon, sockeye salmon, coho salmon, and king salmon. Choose a salmon that is fresh and high-quality.

**Q: Can I use a different type of mustard?**
A: Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with other types of mustard, such as whole grain mustard or honey mustard. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile of the sauce.

**Q: Can I add other herbs to the sauce?**
A: Yes, feel free to add other fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to the sauce along with the tarragon.

## Conclusion

This creamy tarragon mustard sauce is a fantastic way to elevate your salmon dishes. With its balance of tangy, herbaceous, and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The easy-to-follow steps and readily available ingredients make it a perfect weeknight meal option. So, go ahead, give this recipe a try and experience the culinary magic of tarragon mustard sauce with salmon. Enjoy! Remember to adjust the recipe to your liking and experiment with different variations to create your own signature salmon dish. Happy cooking!