Easy Poached Salmon Recipe with Healthy Dill-Yogurt Sauce

Discover the secret to preparing the most tender and juicy poached salmon. This innovative technique ensures your salmon is cooked to perfection, resulting in a delightful dish that’s both healthy and flavorful.

Our cold-start poaching method is a game-changer in the culinary world. By gently bringing the salmon up to temperature, we avoid the common pitfall of overcooking, which can lead to tough, dry fish. This method allows the salmon to cook evenly, retaining its moisture and delicate texture.

The science behind this method is fascinating. Traditional high-heat cooking methods are great for achieving crispy exteriors, but they’re not ideal for delicate proteins like salmon. Our cold-start method keeps the cooking temperature low, preventing the proteins from tightening and becoming tough. This results in a perfectly cooked piece of salmon that’s tender and flaky throughout.

Paired with a creamy dill-yogurt sauce, this poached salmon recipe is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled. It’s perfect for a light summer lunch, a sophisticated dinner party, or as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• Cold water
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons; 30ml)
• 1 medium leek or onion (about 6 ounces; 170g), halved
• 1 large stalk celery (about 2 ounces; 55g), cut into large pieces
• 1/2 fennel bulb, sliced (about 4 ounces; 115g) (optional)
• A few fresh sprigs thyme and/or dill
• 1 bay leaf
• Kosher salt
• 4 (8-ounce; 225g) pieces center-cut boneless, skinless salmon fillet

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup (235ml) full-fat yogurt
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot from 1 small (1-ounce; 30g) shallot
• 1 tablespoon (about 10g) minced fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh juice from 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• Large pinch ground coriander seeds
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Begin by preparing your poaching liquid. In a large saucepan, combine 1 quart (1L) of cold water with lemon juice, halved leek or onion, celery pieces, sliced fennel (if using), fresh herb sprigs, bay leaf, and a generous pinch of salt. This aromatic mixture will infuse your salmon with subtle, complex flavors.
2. Gently place the salmon fillets into the cold poaching liquid. The water should just cover the fish; if it doesn’t, add a little more until the salmon is fully submerged. This ensures even cooking throughout the fillets.
3. Set your pan over medium heat and slowly bring the poaching liquid to 170°F (77°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain this gentle simmer. Cook the salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of 115°F (46°C) at its thickest part, which typically takes about 20 minutes. Remember, cooking times may vary, so rely on your thermometer for accuracy.
4. Once the salmon reaches the desired temperature, carefully transfer it to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. During this time, the residual heat will continue to cook the fish slightly, bringing it to perfect doneness.
5. While the salmon is poaching, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, minced shallot, fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and ground coriander. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy, tangy sauce perfectly complements the rich, tender salmon.
6. Serve your beautifully poached salmon while it’s still warm, generously spooning the yogurt sauce over the top. The contrast between the warm fish and the cool, creamy sauce is simply delightful. Alternatively, you can let the salmon cool to room temperature or even chill it before serving, making this a versatile dish for any season or occasion.

This cold-start poaching method revolutionizes the way we cook salmon, ensuring a perfectly tender and moist result every time. The gentle cooking process allows the salmon’s natural flavors to shine, while the aromatic poaching liquid adds subtle complexity. Paired with the creamy dill-yogurt sauce, this dish strikes a perfect balance between rich and refreshing.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a healthy weeknight meal, this poached salmon recipe is sure to impress. Its versatility allows you to serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the tender, flaky salmon and the burst of flavors from the herby yogurt sauce – a combination that’s bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.