Mary Berry Salmon En Croute Recipe

The Mary Berry Salmon En Croute is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for special occasions or an elegant dinner. This classic French-inspired recipe features a tender salmon fillet wrapped in a flaky, golden puff pastry, with a delicious herby, creamy filling. It’s not only visually impressive but also packed with rich flavors, making it a memorable main course for any event.

What is Mary Berry Salmon En Croute?

Mary Berry’s Salmon En Croute is a French dish where fresh salmon fillet is encased in a puff pastry shell and baked until golden. The salmon is topped with a mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and lemon zest, which adds flavor and keeps the fish moist. The result is a beautiful and flavorful dish with a contrast between the crispy pastry and the tender salmon.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur
• Delia Smith Salmon en Croute
• Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Elegant Presentation: A stunning dish that’s perfect for entertaining or special dinners.
• Rich in Flavor: The creamy, herby filling complements the salmon beautifully.
• Flaky Puff Pastry: The golden, crispy puff pastry adds texture and elegance.
• Easy to Prepare: Despite its impressive appearance, this dish is straightforward to make.
• Great for Special Occasions: Ideal for dinner parties, Christmas, or holiday meals.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Salmon En Croute

• Salmon Fillets (2 fillets, skinless, about 400g each): Fresh, high-quality salmon is key for the best flavor.
• Puff Pastry (1 sheet, ready-rolled): Use store-bought puff pastry for ease.
• Cream Cheese (150g): Provides a rich, creamy layer inside the pastry.
• Dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh, herby flavor.
• Lemon Zest (1 lemon): Brightens the filling and complements the salmon.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tangy flavor to the filling.
• Egg Yolk (1, beaten): For glazing the pastry to give it a golden, shiny finish.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Plain Flour (for dusting): To roll out the pastry.

Equipment

• Baking Tray: For baking the salmon en croute.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the pastry with the egg yolk glaze.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the pastry (if necessary).
• Mixing Bowl: For preparing the cream cheese filling.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing the salmon and herbs.

Instructions to Prepare Mary Berry Salmon En Croute

To make Mary Berry Salmon En Croute, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped dill, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

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

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 needed, so it’s large enough to completely wrap the salmon fillets.

Step 4: Assemble the Salmon En Croute

• Lay one of the salmon fillets on the puff pastry. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture on top of the salmon.
• Place the second salmon fillet on top, sandwiching the cream cheese filling between the two fillets.
• Fold the puff pastry over the salmon, ensuring it’s fully wrapped. Trim any excess pastry and seal the edges by crimping them 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 top and sides of the pastry with the beaten egg yolk to give it a golden shine when baked.

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 pastry is golden brown and puffed. The salmon should be cooked through but still tender and moist.

Step 7: Serve

• Once baked, allow the salmon en croute to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Salmon En Croute

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or asparagus pair beautifully with this dish.
• Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
• New Potatoes: Serve with buttered new potatoes for a hearty, balanced meal.
• Steamed Greens: Add some steamed green beans or broccoli for a healthy side.
• Lemon Butter Sauce: A light lemon butter sauce complements the salmon and enhances the flavors.
• Herb Rice: Serve with herby rice, such as lemon and parsley rice, for an elegant touch.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Salmon En Croute

• Chill the Pastry: Keep the puff pastry chilled until you’re ready to use it. This ensures it stays crisp and flaky when baked.
• Seal the Edges Well: Use water or a beaten egg to seal the edges of the pastry tightly, preventing any filling from leaking out during baking.
• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Bake the en croute until the pastry is golden, but ensure the salmon remains tender and moist inside. The internal temperature should reach about 60°C.
• Brush with Egg Wash: Brushing the pastry with beaten egg yolk gives it a beautiful golden, glossy finish.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley will give the filling a vibrant, aromatic flavor. You can add more herbs for a stronger taste.
• Rest Before Slicing: Let the salmon en croute rest for a few minutes after baking. This makes slicing easier and prevents the pastry from breaking.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Salmon En Croute

• Spinach Filling: Add sautéed spinach to the cream cheese mixture for a bit of extra flavor and nutrition.
• Smoked Salmon Layer: Layer smoked salmon between the fresh salmon and the cream cheese filling for an extra-rich dish.
• Use Different Fish: Swap the salmon for other firm fish like cod or trout.
• Mustard and Herb Butter: Use mustard and herb butter instead of cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the salmon with a mixture of roasted vegetables and cheese for a delicious vegetarian en croute.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry 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 it for up to 1 month. Bake it from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Label and Date: Always label and date your stored salmon en croute to ensure it’s used within the recommended time.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry 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 heated through.
• Avoid the Microwave: Reheating in the microwave can make the pastry soggy, so it’s best to avoid it.
• Cover with Foil: If reheating the whole salmon en croute, cover it loosely with foil to prevent the pastry from over-browning while the salmon heats.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Salmon En Croute Healthier?

• Use Whole Wheat Puff Pastry: Swap traditional puff pastry for a whole wheat version to increase fiber content.
• Reduce Cream Cheese: Opt for a light cream cheese or reduce the quantity used in the filling to lower the fat content.
• Incorporate Vegetables: Add spinach or kale to the cream cheese mixture for added nutrients and texture.
• Use a Smaller Portion of Pastry: Reduce the amount of pastry used to wrap the salmon, or try a thinner pastry to cut down on carbs.
• Choose Leaner Fish: If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can replace salmon with a leaner fish like cod or haddock.
• Serve with Lighter Sides: Pair the salmon en croute with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables instead of heavier sides like potatoes.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 500 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg

FAQs

Can you freeze Mary Berry Salmon En Croute?

Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry Salmon En Croute before baking. Wrap the prepared, unbaked salmon en croute tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, bake it from frozen at 200°C, adding 5-10 minutes to the normal cooking time.

What type of pastry is used for Salmon En Croute?

Puff pastry is traditionally used for Salmon En Croute. Its light and flaky texture contrasts beautifully with the tender salmon, creating a crispy exterior while the fish stays moist inside.

How long can you store Salmon En Croute in the fridge?

Salmon En Croute can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days after cooking. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes to ensure the pastry stays crisp and the salmon heats through properly.

What sides go well with Salmon En Croute?

Roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, steamed greens like broccoli or green beans, or buttery new potatoes are excellent sides to serve with Salmon En Croute. These lighter sides balance the richness of the dish.

Final Words

The Mary Berry Salmon En Croute is a perfect dish for when you want to impress your guests or family with minimal effort. The flaky puff pastry, creamy herby filling, and succulent salmon come together in a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.

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