| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 487 | 33g | 7g | 4g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 2g | 45g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Australian Crispy Skin Salmon with Dill Sauce
When you’ve spent as much time messing around in the kitchen as I have, you inevitably end up finding yourself pushed outside your culinary comfort zones. Exploring new spices, textures, techniques, and cuisines is part of the fun, and my recent experiment with the Australian dish, Crispy Skin Salmon with Dill Sauce, has left me utterly enamoured.
Living in beautiful Portland, Maine with my gorgeous daughters Erin and Samantha, we’re inevitably drawn towards our traditional New England seafood. With the Atlantic coast at our doorstep, it’s a natural inclination. We’ll regularly indulge ourselves with steamy bowls of clam chowder or a homemade lobster roll. However, Australia’s gift of Crispy Skin Salmon with Dill Sauce has been a revelation, and it’s quickly becoming a regular on our dinner table.
Unexpected Delights from Down Under
The inspiration behind my love for this dish can be traced to the renowned Australian chef Andy Allen. His knack for conjuring up simple yet tantalizing dishes with brilliant textures and contrasting flavours has had a significant influence on this recipe. While the vibrant, crispy skin salmon might seem at home on the menu next to our beloved Fish and Chips, the addition of the dill sauce is of a distinctly Aussie character.
A Perfect Balance
One thing that stands out with the Crispy Skin Salmon with Dill Sauce is the perfect harmony between the crisp, oceanic flavours of the salmon, and the fresh, herbaceous character of the dill sauce. The tangy kick from the lemon in the sauce paired with the flaky salmon creates an unforgettably savoury experience, unlike anything I’ve tried before.
Though a hefty side of asparagus is optional, it’s truly worth considering. Its earthy flavour and slightly crunchy texture play well with the salmon and dill sauce. For a more traditional New England twist, this dish pairs exceptionally well with a side of New England Boiled Potatoes.
In the end, my passion for food is all about exploration and sharing. Discovering something as delightful as this Crispy Skin Salmon with Dill Sauce recipe, and sharing it with you all, is nothing short of a joy for me. There’s beauty in boldly stepping out of our culinary traditions and experiencing the distinctive flavours from another corner of the world. And that’s the magic of food; it’s a universal language that continues to surprise and unite us.
What You’ll Need
- 6 (6-ounce) skin-on salmon filets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Dill Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh dill
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Side Vegetables (optional):
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One:
We begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Then rinse the salmon fillets in cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season them on both sides with salt and pepper.
Step Two:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet must be hot before you add the salmon to make sure you get crispy skin. Position the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and don’t move them. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp before adding the butter into the skillet.
Step Three:
Place the skillet into the preheated oven and cook until the salmon fillets are cooked through, about 8-12 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. Test for doneness by gently poking the tines of your fork into the thickest part of the fillet and twist gently. If it flakes easily, it’s done.
Step Four:
While the salmon is in the oven, you can prepare the dill sauce. Into a blender or food processor, place the fresh dill, the minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Blend or process until your sauce is combined.
Step Five:
If you opt to have side vegetables, toss the asparagus with the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until crisp-tender.
Step Six:
Serve each salmon fillet with a generous spoonful of the dill sauce and a side of the roasted asparagus. Enjoy your crispy skin salmon with dill sauce, it’s a delicious and healthy dish.
