Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute Recipe

The Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute is a delightful and elegant dish that is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. This recipe features succulent salmon wrapped in flaky puff pastry, with a flavorful filling of cream cheese, spinach, and herbs. The result is a beautifully golden and crispy pastry encasing perfectly cooked, tender salmon.

What is Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute?

Hairy Bikers’ Salmon En Croute is a classic dish where a salmon fillet is wrapped in puff pastry along with a creamy, herby filling. The salmon is baked until the pastry is golden and flaky, while the salmon remains tender and moist inside. It’s an impressive dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, combining rich flavors and textures.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Elegant Presentation: This dish looks stunning and is perfect for entertaining guests.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of salmon, puff pastry, and creamy filling creates a luxurious and flavorful dish.
• Easy to Prepare: With store-bought puff pastry, this recipe comes together quickly and easily.
• Versatile: It can be served with a variety of sides, from vegetables to salads.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for a special dinner or holiday meal.

Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute

• Salmon Fillets (2 large, skinless, around 400g each): Fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor.
• Puff Pastry (1 sheet, ready-rolled): Store-bought puff pastry is convenient and works perfectly.
• Spinach (100g): Adds freshness and texture to the filling.
• Cream Cheese (150g): Makes the filling creamy and rich.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy kick to the filling.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): For added depth of flavor in the spinach mixture.
• Lemon Zest (1 lemon): Brightens up the filling and complements the salmon.
• Egg Yolk (1, beaten): To brush on the pastry for a golden, shiny finish.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the spinach and garlic.

Equipment

• Baking Tray: For baking the salmon en croute.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the pastry with egg wash.
• Frying Pan: To sauté the spinach and garlic.
• Rolling Pin: If needed roll out the puff pastry.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the filling ingredients.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing the salmon and herbs.

Instructions to Prepare Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Filling

• Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and cooked spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
• Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry, if necessary, so it is large enough to completely enclose the salmon fillets.

Step 4: Assemble the Salmon En Croute

• Lay one of the salmon fillets in the center of the puff pastry.
• Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly on top of the salmon.
• Place the second salmon fillet on top, sandwiching the filling between the two fillets.
• Fold the puff pastry over the salmon to enclose it completely, trimming any excess pastry and sealing the edges by crimping with a fork or your fingers.

Step 5: Glaze the Pastry

• Transfer the wrapped salmon to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
• Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the beaten egg yolk to ensure a golden, glossy finish.

Step 6: Bake the Salmon En Croute

• Place the salmon en croute in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crispy.
• Ensure the salmon is cooked through and still moist inside.

Step 7: Serve

• Once baked, allow the salmon en croute to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your choice of sides.

What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or asparagus complement the rich flavors of the dish.
• New Potatoes: Buttered new potatoes or mashed potatoes make a hearty, comforting side.
• Green Salad: A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich pastry.
• Steamed Green Beans: Simple steamed green beans add a healthy, crunchy side to the meal.
• Lemon Butter Sauce: Drizzle with a lemon butter sauce for added richness.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute

• Keep the Pastry Chilled: Work with chilled puff pastry to ensure it puffs up and stays crisp during baking.
• Don’t Overfill: Use just the right amount of filling to avoid the pastry becoming soggy or tearing.
• Seal the Pastry Well: Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
• Brush with Egg Yolk: Don’t forget the egg wash—it gives the pastry a golden and glossy finish.
• Rest Before Slicing: Let the salmon en croute rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to settle, making it easier to slice.

Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute

• Use a Different Filling: Swap the spinach and cream cheese for sautéed leeks or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
• Smoked Salmon Layer: Add a layer of smoked salmon between the fresh salmon fillets for extra flavor.
• Herb Butter: Replace the cream cheese filling with herb butter for a simpler, lighter version.
• Vegetarian Option: Use roasted vegetables and cheese in place of salmon for a vegetarian twist.

Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked salmon en croute by wrapping it tightly in cling film and freezing for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Label and Date: Always label and date frozen salmon en croute for easy reference.

Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute

• Oven Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes until the pastry is crisp and the salmon is warmed through.
• Avoid the Microwave: Reheating in the microwave can make the pastry soggy, so it’s best to use the oven.
• Cover with Foil: When reheating, cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while ensuring the salmon heats through.

How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute Healthier?

• Use Whole Wheat Puff Pastry: Opt for whole wheat puff pastry to add more fiber.
• Lighten the Filling: Use light cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese for a lower-calorie filling.
• Add More Vegetables: Include other vegetables like kale or leeks to increase the nutrient content.
• Reduce the Butter: Use less butter when sautéing the spinach or replace it with olive oil.
• Serve with a Salad: Pair with a fresh salad instead of heavier sides like potatoes.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg

FAQs

Can you freeze Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute?

Yes, you can freeze Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute before baking. Wrap the assembled, unbaked salmon en croute tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, cook it straight from frozen at 200°C, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the usual baking time.

How do you keep puff pastry from getting soggy with Salmon En Croute?

To keep puff pastry from getting soggy, ensure the salmon fillets are patted dry before wrapping. You can also lightly coat the pastry with flour or breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture from the filling during baking.

Can I make Salmon En Croute ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the salmon en croute ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great make-ahead option for entertaining or holiday meals.

What’s the best side dish to serve with Salmon En Croute?

Roasted vegetables, buttered new potatoes, or a fresh green salad are excellent side dishes to serve with Salmon En Croute. These sides complement the rich flavors of the dish without overpowering it.

Final Words

The Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute is a delicious and impressive dish that’s perfect for special dinners or holiday meals.

More By British Baking Recipes

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• Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur

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