Description
This Salmon en Croute recipe features tender salmon fillets wrapped in flaky puff pastry with a flavorful spinach, feta, and basil filling. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a sophisticated yet easy-to-make main dish ideal for a special dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup basil leaves
- 75 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 lemon, zested
- Black pepper, to taste
Main
- 1/2 pound puff pastry
- 2 salmon fillets (skinless or skin removed, approx. 1-inch thick)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon en croute.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves.
- Prepare Filling: Mix in the crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, and black pepper. Set aside this flavorful stuffing mixture.
- Roll Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle large enough to wrap around each salmon fillet.
- Assemble Parcels: Spoon the spinach and feta mixture onto the center of the pastry, shaping it to match the size of each salmon fillet. Place a salmon fillet directly on top of the filling.
- Seal Parcels: Carefully fold the pastry over the salmon and filling, sealing the edges securely to create individual parcels. Repeat this for the second fillet.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the parcels seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make small slits on top of each pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pastry parcels with the beaten egg to help achieve a shiny, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the salmon is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the parcels rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow juices to settle.
Notes
- Use skinless salmon fillets or remove skin prior to cooking for easier preparation.
- Feta cheese adds a salty creaminess but can be substituted with goat cheese or cream cheese if preferred.
- Ensure puff pastry is well-chilled before rolling to prevent sticking and to achieve a flaky crust.
- Internal temperature of cooked salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) as per food safety guidelines.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
