Salmon en croute, or salmon wrapped in puff pastry, is an elegant and delicious dish that can be served for special occasions or everyday meals. With its rich and flaky crust and tender, flavorful salmon filling, it makes for a satisfying entree. However, finding the right side dishes to complement the salmon en croute can take the meal to the next level. So what goes well with this classic French dish?
What is Salmon En Croute?
Salmon en croute consists of a fillet of salmon that is wrapped in puff pastry before being baked. The prep involves seasoning the salmon with herbs, lemon, and sometimes dill or spinach, then wrapping it in sheets of puff pastry. Egg wash is brushed on top before baking until golden brown and flaky. When cut open, the salmon is moist and tender inside its pastry shell.
The combination of the flaky, buttery puff pastry and the savory salmon makes this dish a real crowd pleaser. It looks impressive coming out of the oven, but is easy enough for a weeknight meal since the puff pastry can be store-bought. Salmon en croute is a classic French dish, but works with a variety of cuisines and can be served as an appetizer or entree.
Complementary Side Dishes
When serving salmon en croute, you want side dishes that will accentuate the flavors of the dish rather than compete with them. Here are some excellent options:
Rice Pilaf
A rice pilaf made with white or brown rice is a simple side that pairs nicely with salmon en croute. The mild flavor of the rice complements the pastry and salmon, soaking up any extra sauce or juices. You can make a basic pilaf with onion, garlic, and chicken or vegetable broth. Or add herbs, lemon, or dried cranberries to liven it up.
Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are another classic and easy pairing for salmon en croute. Small red potatoes or fingerlings work well, tossed in oil and roasted with garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper. The crunchy exterior and fluffy interior offset the flaky pastry. Consider sprinkling some grated parmesan on top for extra flavor.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables, which pairs perfectly with the salmon en croute. Good veggie choices include asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, or a medley. Toss the veggies in olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary before roasting. The salmon’s richness will balance the healthy sides.
Green Salad
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing accompaniment for rich dishes like salmon en croute. Opt for salad greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens. Add fresh herbs like dill or thinly sliced red onion for extra flavor. The tanginess and crunch of the salad contrasts nicely with the pastry and fish.
Quinoa Salad
For a more substantial and nutrient-packed salad, try a quinoa salad alongside the salmon. Cooked quinoa tossed with vegetables like diced cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and green onions, then dressed with a vinaigrette makes a tasty and healthy side. The quinoa’s nutty flavor and fluffy yet chewy texture complements the salmon beautifully.
Sauces for Serving
While salmon en croute is moist andflavorful on its own, a sauce can bring even more richness and tie the dish together. Here are sauce options to consider:
Hollandaise
A classic French sauce like hollandaise is one of the most popular pairings for salmon en croute. The creamy, buttery, lemony hollandaise adds luxury to the flaky pastry and salmon. You can make it from scratch or use a pre-made mix for convenience.
Béarnaise
A variant of hollandaise, béarnaise has fresh tarragon and other herbs infused in it for a unique flavor profile. It goes swimmingly with the dill and other herbs often used in the salmon filling. The tarragon’s slight anise-like flavor enhances the fish.
Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is a quick and easy sauce for salmon en croute made with mayonnaise, capers, diced pickles, herbs, and lemon juice. The cool, creamy tartar sauce contrasts with the pastry’s richness. Capers and cornichons add a nice briny, acidic kick.
Pesto
Fresh pesto is a simple sauce that pairs exceptionally well with salmon. Made with fresh basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan, it packs a flavorful punch. The herby green color looks vibrant against the salmon too. Just mix some pesto with mayo or Greek yogurt to tone down the olive oil.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
Salmon en croute calls for a light, flavorful white wine that won’t overpower the dish. Here are some excellent wine varieties to consider:
Chardonnay
Buttery Chardonnay is one of the most complimentary wines with salmon en croute. The creamy oak notes mirror the puff pastry, while the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness. An unoaked Chardonnay works nicely too. Serve a California or French Chardonnay.
Pinot Gris
With flavors of pear, melon, and bright citrus, Pinot Gris makes a lovely pairing for the salmon. The wine’s medium body and subtle sweetness complement the pastry and fish. Pinot Gris from Oregon or Alsace, France, are great options.
Sauvignon Blanc
Zippy and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc has vibrant acidity that offsets the pastry’s richness. Its grassy, herbal flavors with citrus notes mirror the fresh dill and lemon often used in salmon en croute. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or the Loire Valley.
Sparkling Wine
The bubbles and acidity of sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco cut through the richness of the dish. Opt for a brut or extra brut bubbly, which will have citrus and mineral notes to complement the pastry and fish. Sparkling is festive for a celebratory meal.
Recipe for Salmon En Croute
If you’d like to make your own salmon en croute at home, here is an excellent, easy recipe to follow:
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 Tbsp water for egg wash
- 1 salmon fillet (1-1.5 lbs), skin removed
- 3 Tbsp butter, softened
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a small bowl, mix together butter, dill, garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Lay one puff pastry sheet on prepared baking sheet. Place salmon fillet in the center. Spread dill butter mixture evenly over the top.
- Cover with second puff pastry sheet, pressing down edges with a fork to seal. Cut 4 small slits across top.
- Brush top with egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes until flaky and golden brown.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to serve. Top with desired sauce.
Pair your homemade salmon en croute with a complementary side and sauce for a complete meal. A rice pilaf and hollandaise sauce make classic accompaniments. Or get creative with roasted vegetables and a fresh pesto drizzle. Whatever you choose, this elegant entree is sure to impress.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips for what to serve with salmon en croute:
- Starch sides like rice pilaf, quinoa salad or roasted potatoes complement the pastry crust.
- Roasted or fresh vegetables balance the richness of the dish.
- Hollandaise, béarnaise, tartar sauce or pesto make luxurious sauce pairings.
- Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wines match nicely.
- Keep sides simple to let the salmon en croute shine as the star.
Salmon en croute is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides, sauces and wines. Using fresh, quality ingredients like herb-infused salmon, flaky puff pastry and produce at its peak will ensure sensational results. With the right accompaniments, this elegant entree makes for a memorable meal for any occasion.