Description
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.
Ingredients
- 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): 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.
Instructions
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.