Ten-Minute Salmon

by Charmian Christie on July 10, 2008

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I refuse to get all bent out of shape over where this salmon came from or how it was raised. My husband was doing the grocery shopping, saw “wild salmon”, thought I’d like it and brought home a piece for me. He doesn’t eat anything that swims, so the fact he trekked over to the seafood case is nothing short of touching.

The above photo resulted from one of those “what’s on hand” experiments. My garden is bursting with herbs, there was Devon clotted cream in the fridge and salmon on the menu, so I just winged it. Consider this a guideline more than a recipe and you’re good to go.

With less than an hour left before my poll closes, the numbers say you want fast and easy not super-healthy (Note: How many votes did “healthy options” score? None. Nil. Nada. Not a sausage.) This fits the quick and simple mandate perfectly. The use of fat is a bit excessive but you can always cut back — if you choose.

Ten-Minute Salmon
Printable recipe

Makes as much or as little as you want. Simply adjust amounts accordingly.

Ingredients

  • salmon fillet, no skin
  • butter
  • garlic (not too much, no more than 2 large cloves for 4 servings)
  • mixed fresh herbs (I used dill, parsely, lemongrass and cilantro)
  • clotted cream, but mascarpone or creme fraiche would be great too
  • fresh lemon juice
  • pepper
  • lightly steamed veggies OR leftover slivered potatoes

Instructions

  1. Slice the salmon in 1 to 2 inch strips.
  2. Mince the herbs finely and pat onto both sides of the salmon.
  3. Smash the garlic by placing a large knife over it and hitting the blade once with your fist. Discard the skin.
  4. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add enough butter to generously coat the bottom of the pan.
  5. Add the garlic and saute gently until the butter is bubbling.
  6. Add the salmon, cooking only a couple of minutes per side.
  7. Add a dob of clotted cream, mascarpone or creme fraiche, swirling the pan to distribute. (Don’t use heavy cream as it will curdle if boiled.)
  8. Add freshly ground black pepper.
  9. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
  10. Remove salmon from the pan.
  11. Toss lightly steamed veggies or sliced cooked potatoes in the remaining sauce to heat through.
  12. Serve immediately
  13. .

{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

Divawrites July 10, 2008 at 11:48 AM

OOH that looks good. Since I’m limited to what I can eat right now, and I like salmon, maybe I’ll try it…sans creme unfortunately since Dairy is off the list right now…along with coffee, wheat, sugar and wine. Thankfully, dark chocolate is still okay.

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Christie's Corner July 10, 2008 at 11:56 AM

Wow, Lisa. That’s a lot of no.

Tomorrow I’ll post a dairy-free item for you. I feel for you. I once did a detox diet what restricted everything but fresh fruit, steamed veggies, herbs and legumes. Man, was I the grumpiest person on the planet!

Hang tough!

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Cheryl July 10, 2008 at 1:16 PM

divawrites, I feel for you! You’re one brave soul with your food restrictions. That said, this salmon for dinner plus a square of dark chocolate for dessert (or an appetizer)(or both) still sounds like a slam-dunk meal.

I love easy meals, Charmian. You rock.

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Roxanne July 10, 2008 at 3:49 PM

That sounds really good. That’s a pretty fancy make-do dinner!

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Christie's Corner July 10, 2008 at 4:27 PM

Roxanne, the only reason I had clotted cream on hand was for scones I made a while ago that “needed” it. Otherwise, it’s just fresh herbs lemon, butter and fish. I tried it with rainbow trout last night and it worked fine.

Not sure how it would be with whitefish, but if anyone cares to try it and report back, I’m all ears!

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Dana McCauley July 10, 2008 at 7:35 PM

Jinx – you’re it! I wrote about salmon today, too. Fun coincidence.

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Sheffy November 5, 2008 at 8:54 AM

Looks nice! There is no comparison between wild salmon and farmed salmon, is there! What a good husband you have!

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Lorraine October 24, 2009 at 12:18 PM

Hi Charmian:

I used wild salmon for this recipe also and caught flack from my college-aged son–who then proceeded to eat every delicious morsel.

Vegetarian daughter also gobbled it up.

Fantastically easy–truly whips together in 10 minutes.

Once I figure out the ethical thing to do–catch our own salmon maybe?–I’ll be sure to serve this again.

Reply

Charmian Christie October 25, 2009 at 8:30 PM

Lorraine, that’s too funny! Glad the dish worked for you.

The ethics of fish is VERY confusing. Dana McCauley blogged about aquaculture this past week and got some very good answers in the comments section from Ocean Wise and the Executive Director of Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance.

http://danamccauley.wordpress.com/2009/10/19/fishing-for-answers/

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marlenem March 19, 2010 at 11:33 AM

looks yummy! Id like to post it on my blog thejewishhostess.com
its perfect for Pssover!

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