Description
This recipe features pan-fried salmon fillets served alongside braised Little Gem lettuces infused with fresh peas and dill, topped with a light and tangy mustard crème fraîche sauce. It’s a flavorful, healthy dish combining tender, flaky salmon with vibrant greens and a creamy dressing, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Braised Little Gem and Sauce
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 4 Little Gem lettuces, halved lengthways
- 200ml vegetable stock
- 200g fresh or frozen peas (defrosted if frozen)
- ½ small bunch of dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp half-fat crème fraîche
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
For the Salmon
- 4 x 130g salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Braise the Little Gem Lettuce: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large lidded frying pan over medium heat. Place the halved lettuces cut-side down in the pan and fry for 2 minutes until they start to brown. Pour in the vegetable stock, cover with the lid, and cook for 6 minutes to allow the lettuce to braise gently.
- Season and Fry the Salmon: While the lettuce braises, season both sides of the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining 1 tsp olive oil in a separate frying pan over medium heat. Add the salmon skin-side down and cook for 3 minutes. Carefully flip with a fish slice and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes.
- Add Peas and Dill to Lettuce: Once the lettuce has braised, tip in the peas and chopped dill. Cover the pan again and cook for 2 minutes over medium heat until the lettuce is tender but still holds its shape, and the peas are warmed through.
- Finish with Mustard Crème Fraîche Sauce: Stir the half-fat crème fraîche and Dijon mustard into the pan with the lettuce and peas. Cook over low heat just until warmed through, ensuring the sauce remains smooth and creamy.
- Serve the Dish: Arrange the braised Little Gem lettuce halves and salmon fillets on serving plates. Spoon the mustard crème fraîche sauce with peas over the top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh Little Gem lettuce for the best texture and flavor.
- If using frozen peas, ensure they are fully defrosted before adding.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially when seasoning the salmon fillets.
- For a richer sauce, you may substitute half-fat crème fraîche with full-fat crème fraîche.
- The recipe can be served with boiled new potatoes or a light salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: pan-fried salmon, braised Little Gem lettuce, mustard crème fraîche, healthy salmon recipe, spring peas, dill sauce
