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5 from 1 vote

Poached Salmon with Irish Butter Sauce

Wild caught salmon is gently poached in salted water then topped with a lemony butter sauce. The salmon and sauce can be ready in about 20 minutes so that makes this a delicious, quick and easy meal for any night of the week.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Irish
Keyword: salmon
Servings: 4
Calories: 394kcal
Author: Tricia

Ingredients

  • 5 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 lb wild caught salmon fillets (about 4)

For the Irish Butter Sauce

  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons cold water
  • ½ cup butter, cut into 10-12 pieces
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  • Combine the water and salt and stir until dissolved.  Place the salmon in a pan that's just large enough to put them in a single layer.  Add enough water to barely cover the salmon.  The idea is to use a minimum amount of water to preserve maximum flavor.  If you need more water, stick with the ratios mentioned above.  Discard any unused salt water.
  • Quickly bring the salted water to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and gently cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes.  
  • While the salmon is cooking, prepare the butter sauce.  Add the egg yolks and cold water to a small heavy-bottomed sauce pan.  Whisk until blended.  Cook, whisking constantly, over very low heat. Add a pat of butter and whisk continuously until melted, then add another.  Repeat until all the butter is incorporated and the mixture is slightly thickened.  If it starts to become too thick or "scrambles," remove the pan from the heat and add a few drops of cold water.  Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice.  
  • Pour the butter sauce into a small serving bowl and keep warm over hot, but not boiling water.  
  • To serve, gently lift the salmon from the water.  Remove the skin and plate the salmon.  Serve with fresh greens, watercress or parsley.  Drizzle with the Irish butter sauce and serve.

Notes

  • Recipe adapted from Irish Traditional Cooking.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition

Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.4g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 221mg | Sodium: 1981mg | Potassium: 574mg | Fiber: 0.003g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 884IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg