Ina Garten Poached Salmon

This succulent Ina Garten Poached Salmon is prepared using salmon, kosher salt, water, dry white wine, and lemon. This Poached Salmon recipe offers a dinner that takes about 20 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Poached Salmon Ingredients

• 1 pound salmon, cut into 4 fillets
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ cup water
• ¾ cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or non-oaky Chardonnay)
• 4 dill sprigs
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 4 lemon slices

Dill Sauce Ingredients

• ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ tablespoons minced fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, grated on a microplane
• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper

How To Make Ina Garten Poached Salmon

1. Prep the Salmon: Start by taking your salmon fillets out of the fridge. Lightly season each fillet evenly with kosher salt.
2. Get Your Pan Ready: Find a large pan with high sides and combine the water and white wine in it. Add the fresh dill sprigs and garlic slices to the pan.
3. Heat It Up: Place the pan on a stove set to medium heat. Wait for the liquid to start simmering, indicated by small bubbles forming.
4. Add the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down. Top each fillet with a lemon slice.
5. Cover and Cook: Secure a lid over the pan and let the salmon cook in the simmering liquid for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it’s cooked through but still tender.
6. Check and Serve: Remove the lemon slices from the salmon. Transfer the cooked salmon fillets onto plates, preparing them for the sauce.

How To Make Dill Sauce

1. Mix the Basics: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the Dill and Garlic: Finely chop enough dill to make about 1 ½ tablespoons and grate the garlic clove into the bowl.
3. Stir It Up: Mix all the ingredients until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Serve: Drizzle the dill sauce over the salmon fillets or serve it on the side for dipping.

Recipe Tips

• Add fresh herbs: To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh parsley or chives along with the dill for a more robust herbal note.
• Use a fish spatula: When placing and removing the salmon from the pan, use a fish spatula to prevent the fillets from breaking.
• Check doneness with a fork: Gently press a fork into the thickest part of a fillet; if it flakes easily, it’s ready.
• Experiment with citrus: Besides lemon, try adding a few slices of orange or grapefruit for a different citrus twist to the flavor profile.

What To Serve With Poached Salmon 

Serve your Poached Salmon with a quinoa salad, steamed green beans, roasted cherry tomatoes, a cucumber ribbon salad, and creamy mashed potatoes for a fulfilling meal.

You can also pair the salmon with a crisp apple fennel slaw, or a tangy beetroot horseradish relish for unique side options.

How To Store Poached Salmon Leftover

To Refrigerate: Place any leftover poached salmon in a tightly sealed container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure the container is airtight to keep the salmon moist.

To Freeze: Freezing poached salmon is not recommended as it can significantly alter the texture, making it dry and less palatable upon reheating.

How To Reheat Poached Salmon

In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon in a baking dish and cover lightly with foil. Reheat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through, to retain moisture.

In The Microwave: Place the salmon on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes, checking periodically, to avoid overcooking.

In The Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon in the basket and heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. This method helps to retain the moisture while gently warming the fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before you start. This ensures even cooking and maintains the texture and flavor of the fish when poached.

Are There Alternative Liquids I Can Use for Poaching?

Absolutely! Besides water and wine, you can use vegetable or chicken broth. For a different flavor profile, try using coconut milk or a light beer. Each liquid adds a unique taste to the poached salmon.

Ina Garten Poached Salmon Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 fillet + 2 tablespoons sauce

• Calories: 228 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2.2g
• Protein: 28.5g
• Fat: 10.9g
• Saturated Fat: 1.9g
• Cholesterol: 70.3mg
• Sodium: 285.9mg
• Sugar: 1.9g

Try More Salmon Recipes:

• Salmon Cakes
• Salmon Marinade
• Miso Salmon
• Baked Salmon Lasagne