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Perfect Seared Salmon Recipe with Creamy Charred Cauliflower Purée

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A quick and easy recipe for perfectly seared salmon paired with a silky, smoky charred cauliflower purée. This dish is elegant yet simple, perfect for impressing guests or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces (170g) each
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, broken into florets
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream or milk (or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free)
  • Zest and juice of half a lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes, turning halfway, until edges are golden brown and slightly charred.
  2. While cauliflower roasts, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots and cook gently for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Transfer roasted cauliflower to a blender or food processor. Add sautéed garlic and shallots, heavy cream (or milk), lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and silky, scraping down sides as needed. Adjust seasoning and cream for desired consistency.
  4. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and press lightly with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and releases easily.
  6. Carefully flip salmon fillets and add remaining tablespoon of butter. Spoon melted butter over salmon as it cooks for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through and glossy.
  7. To serve, spoon a generous dollop of creamy charred cauliflower purée onto warm plates. Place salmon fillet on or alongside the purée. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped herbs if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before searing to ensure crispy skin. Press fillet gently into pan to prevent curling. Roast cauliflower until edges are just charred for smoky flavor. Use less cream initially when blending purée and add more as needed. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil and cream with coconut milk. Avoid flipping salmon too early to prevent tearing skin. Reheat leftovers gently to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: seared salmon, charred cauliflower purée, creamy cauliflower, healthy salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner, gluten-free salmon, dairy-free option, quick dinner, elegant salmon dish

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