Pan-Seared Salmon with Tarragon Cream Sauce on Baby Spinach

Seared Salmon on Baby Spinach

Overview

This delightful recipe for Seared Salmon on Baby Spinach is perfect for those who crave a healthy yet indulgent dish that can be prepared quickly and effortlessly. It’s a symphony of fresh salmon, delicate baby spinach, and a rich tarragon cream sauce that will impress your taste buds while maintaining a light and elegant profile. Ideal for a spring or summer meal, this dish is designed to be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a superb choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion that demands both simplicity and sophistication.

Recipe Details

• Name: Seared Salmon on Baby Spinach
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Description: Make and share this Seared Salmon on Baby Spinach recipe from lovewithrecipes.com.
• Recipe Category: Spring
• Keywords: Summer, < 30 Mins, Stove Top
• Servings: 2
• Calories: 441.7 per serving
• Fat Content: 27.8 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 15 g
• Cholesterol Content: 144.2 mg
• Sodium Content: 228.5 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 10.2 g
• Fiber Content: 1.2 g
• Sugar Content: 0.6 g
• Protein Content: 31.5 g
• Aggregated Rating: 5 stars (based on 3 reviews)

Ingredients

• Salmon Fillets: 2
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Shallots: 3, finely chopped
• Fresh Tarragon: 1 1/2 tablespoons, chopped
• Dry White Wine: 1/3 cup
• Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup
• Baby Spinach: 3 cups
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon:

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   • Sprinkle both sides of the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper.

2. Sauté the Salmon:

   • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Once the butter is hot and bubbling, add the salmon fillets.
   • Sauté the salmon until it is just opaque in the center, approximately 4 minutes per side for thick fillets.
   • Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and set aside.

3. Prepare the Spinach:

   • In the same skillet, melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
   • Add half of the chopped shallots and half of the tarragon. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
   • Increase the heat to high and add half of the baby spinach to the skillet. Toss the spinach in the butter and shallot mixture for about 30 seconds, then add the remaining spinach.
   • Continue to toss until the spinach is wilted. This should take about a minute.
   • Divide the wilted spinach between two serving plates.

4. Make the Tarragon Cream Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
   • Add the remaining shallots and tarragon and sauté for 30 seconds.
   • Increase the heat to high and pour in the dry white wine. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for about a minute.
   • Add the heavy cream and continue to boil until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from burning.
   • Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine and Serve:

   • Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the fillets.
   • Allow the salmon to simmer in the sauce for about a minute to reheat and absorb the flavors.
   • Carefully arrange the salmon fillets over the spinach on the serving plates.
   • Drizzle the remaining sauce over the salmon and spinach.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the dish immediately while hot. This recipe serves two and can be easily doubled to serve more if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Salmon Selection: For best results, use fresh, wild-caught salmon fillets. They offer a richer flavor and firmer texture compared to farm-raised salmon.
• Butter Choice: Opt for unsalted butter to better control the seasoning of your dish. High-quality European butter can add a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Wine Selection: Choose a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for the sauce. The acidity of the wine complements the richness of the cream and salmon.
• Herbs: If you don’t have fresh tarragon, you can substitute with fresh dill or parsley. Tarragon adds a slight anise flavor that pairs well with the cream sauce, but other herbs can also bring delightful nuances to the dish.
• Spinach: Ensure your spinach is fresh and washed thoroughly before cooking. Baby spinach is preferred for its tenderness, but regular spinach can be used if chopped roughly.
• Skillet Size: Using a medium skillet is recommended to maintain a good balance between cooking the salmon properly and preventing the butter from burning. If you use a larger skillet, you might need to increase the amount of butter slightly.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 441.7
• Total Fat: 27.8 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 144.2 mg
• Sodium: 228.5 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10.2 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.2 g
• Sugars: 0.6 g
• Protein: 31.5 g

Culinary Notes

This recipe showcases how salmon’s robust flavor pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of shallots and the creamy tang of the wine-infused sauce. The baby spinach acts as a fresh and slightly bitter counterpoint, balancing the richness of the dish. The addition of tarragon brings an aromatic complexity, enhancing the overall flavor profile. For an elegant presentation, consider garnishing the plates with a few extra sprigs of tarragon or a lemon wedge to add a burst of color and a hint of acidity.

Wine Pairing

To complement the seared salmon and the creamy tarragon sauce, consider serving a chilled glass of the same dry white wine used in the recipe. A Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay will enhance the dish’s flavors without overpowering them. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a hint of lemon would provide a refreshing contrast.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair this dish with a light side such as roasted asparagus or a fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette to keep the meal balanced and light.
• Starch Option: If you prefer a heartier meal, consider serving the salmon over a bed of wild rice or quinoa, which will soak up the flavorful sauce.

This Seared Salmon on Baby Spinach recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also provides a delectable and nutritionally balanced meal. Its sophisticated flavors and elegant presentation make it a wonderful choice for both casual dining and special occasions. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful recipe from lovewithrecipes.com!