Description
This exquisite salmon rillettes recipe offers a creamy, buttery spread made with fresh and smoked salmon, infused with lemon, mustard, and fresh parsley. Perfect as an elegant appetizer served with crackers and fresh crudités, it combines delicate steamed salmon with flavorful smoked salmon for a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
Fish
- 8 oz fresh salmon fillets
- 4 oz hot smoked salmon
Seasonings and Aromatics
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
Spreads and Fats
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
To Serve
- Crackers, for serving
- Crudités, for serving
Instructions
- Steam the fresh salmon. Place a steamer basket or tray inside a large pot containing a few inches of boiling water. Season the fresh salmon fillets with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then top them with lemon slices. Arrange the salmon on the steamer tray, cover the pot, and steam the fish until it is cooked through, approximately 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the salmon to a plate and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the butter mixture. In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash the softened unsalted butter and olive oil together until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps of butter left. Whisk in the whole grain mustard and fresh lemon juice to combine the flavors. Season the mixture with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and stir in the minced fresh parsley.
- Mix the salmon into the butter base. Remove the skin from the cooled steamed salmon and break the flesh into small pieces using a fork or your fingers. Similarly, flake the hot smoked salmon into small pieces. Add both types of salmon to the butter mixture and gently fold until the fish is finely shredded and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Chill and serve. Transfer the finished salmon rillettes to a glass jar or serving bowl. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 5 days) to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, bring the rillettes to room temperature and enjoy spread on crackers alongside fresh crudités.
Notes
- Make sure to steam the salmon gently to preserve moisture and tenderness.
- The combination of fresh steamed and smoked salmon gives this rillettes a depth of flavor that is both rich and balanced.
- Chilling the spread allows the flavors to develop and improves the texture for easier spreading.
- Serve with a variety of crackers and fresh vegetables such as cucumber slices, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips for an attractive appetizer platter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: French
