The Hairy Bikers’ Salmon En Croute is a savory recipe that wraps tender salmon in a crisp, golden pastry. It’s a popular choice for special meals, holidays, or adding a touch of sophistication to a weekend dinner.
In this article, I will show you how to make the Hairy Bikers salmon en croute recipe, with a complete step-by-step guide.
What is Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute Recipe?
Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute is a delicious and elegant dish that consists of a salmon fillet wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden and crisp. It has a creamy spinach and mushroom filling, a mustard and dill sauce, and a lattice pastry top. It is a classic French dish that is perfect for a special occasion, as it looks impressive and tastes amazing.
This recipe serves 4-6 people, this dish can be prepared and ready to enjoy in about 1 to 2 hours.
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Why You Love this Recipe
Discover the delightful aspects of Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute that make it a beloved dish:
- Simplicity in Preparation: The recipe involves straightforward steps with easy-to-find ingredients.
- Rich Flavor Profile: Enjoy the harmony of tender salmon encased in flaky pastry, complemented by a luscious filling.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe to your taste by experimenting with various fish, fillings, or sauces.
- Universal Appeal: Its elegant presentation and delicious taste make it a hit among all age groups for any meal occasion.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute
To make the Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 250g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
- 200g baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper
- 50g butter
- 50g plain flour
- 300ml milk
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 500g puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
- 4 salmon fillets, skinless and boneless
- Sesame seeds, for sprinkling
Useful Equipment
- A large frying pan
- A colander
- A medium saucepan
- A whisk
- A rolling pin
- A baking sheet
- A pastry brush
- A sharp knife
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute
To make Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute, you will need the following ingredients:
Step 1: Make the filling
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for another 10 minutes, until browned and tender. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a colander to drain the excess liquid.
- In the same pan, wilt the spinach over high heat, stirring, for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and squeeze out the excess water. Chop the spinach roughly and set aside.
Step 2: Make the sauce
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, until smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring.
- Stir in the mustard and dill and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the pastry
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to a large rectangle, about 3mm thick. Cut out four smaller rectangles, about 15cm x 20cm each, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. These will be the bases of the salmon en croute.
- Cut out four more rectangles, about 18cm x 23cm each, and place them on another sheet of parchment paper. These will be the tops of the salmon en croute.
- Cut out a lattice pattern on each of the larger rectangles, leaving a 1cm border around the edges. You can use a sharp knife or a lattice cutter to do this. Refrigerate the pastry until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the salmon en croute
- Spoon some of the sauce over each of the smaller pastry rectangles, leaving a 1cm border around the edges. Place a salmon fillet on top of the sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon some of the mushroom and spinach mixture over the salmon, spreading it evenly.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with some of the beaten egg. Place a lattice pastry rectangle over the filling, and press the edges to seal. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops of the pastry with more beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Step 5: Bake the salmon en croute
- Bake the salmon en croute for 25 to 30 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crisp and the salmon is cooked through.
- Let them rest for 10 minutes before serving with a green salad or some steamed vegetables.
What Do I Serve With Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute?
When it comes to complementing the elegance of Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute, consider these delightful accompaniments:
- Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the rich flavors.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or carrots offer a nutritious side and a pop of color.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon adds a zesty freshness that enhances the salmon.
- Bread: Some crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute
For a flawless Salmon En Croute, heed these expert tips:
- Dry the Salmon: Ensure the salmon is patted dry before wrapping to keep the pastry crisp.
- Chill the Pastry: Cold pastry ensures a better rise and flakier texture.
- Preheat the Oven: A hot oven is crucial for a well-browned crust.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook just until the salmon is opaque and flaky to maintain its juiciness.
- Rest Before Serving: Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the pastry to firm up and the juices to redistribute.
Variations of Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute
Experiment with these variations to suit your palate:
- Different Fish: Try trout, cod, or halibut for a twist.
- New Fillings: Consider spinach and cheese, mushroom and bacon, or leek and cream.
- Alternative Sauces: Swap out the mustard and dill sauce for Hollandaise, béchamel, or pesto.
How do I store Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute, you can store them in the fridge or freezer, by following these steps:
Fridge
- Let the salmon en croute cool completely at room temperature.
- Cut into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in an airtight container or a ziplock bag and label with the date.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
- Let the salmon en croute cool completely at room temperature.
- Cut into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in an airtight container or a ziplock bag and label with the date.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute Leftovers?
If you want to reheat Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute leftovers, you can do so in the oven or the microwave, by following these steps:
Oven
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unwrap the salmon en croute and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the pastry is crisp and the salmon is hot.
- Enjoy!
Microwave
- Unwrap the salmon en croute and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, until the pastry is soft and the salmon is hot.
- Enjoy!
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Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make the Hairy Bikers salmon en croute recipe. This is a delicious and elegant dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. It’s not too difficult to make, and you can prepare the filling and the sauce ahead of time and assemble the pastry before baking. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
