Royal Grilled Salmon with Gin Butter Sauce

This Royal Grilled Salmon with Gin Butter Sauce is an exquisite dish perfect for special occasions or a delightful dinner party. The salmon, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, is pan-fried to achieve a crispy skin and a tender, flaky interior. What truly elevates this dish is the decadent gin butter sauce, infused with the richness of cold butter, the zest of lemon, and the delicate flavor of chives. The sauce incorporates the heat of ginger and the unique taste of red onions, creating a culinary symphony of flavors. Topped with salmon roe and complemented with a lemon wedge, this dish captivates both the eyes and the palate. Serve it on its own or with a side of your favorite greens or grains to make it a complete meal. This recipe promises to be a sophisticated and luxurious addition to your cooking repertoire. Follow these steps to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 salmon fillets with skin (170 g each)
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

2 finely chopped red onions
1/4 cup gin
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
180 g very cold butter
2 tablespoons salmon roe
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or to taste)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the salmon: Season both sides of each salmon fillet with salt and pepper.
Heat the pan: Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot, but not smoking.
Cook the salmon: Add grapeseed oil to the pan, then place each fillet skin-side down. Cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the flesh begins to turn opaque.
Flip the fillets: Turn each fillet carefully and cook for a few more seconds. Avoid overlapping fillets for even cooking.
Start the sauce: In another stainless steel pan, sauté finely chopped red onions over low heat with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover and cook until they become translucent.
Add gin: Pour gin over the onions and cover again, ensuring the onions do not fry.
Introduce vinegar: Once the alcohol has mostly evaporated, add white wine vinegar.
Incorporate butter: Gradually add cold butter in small cubes, stirring constantly to emulsify the sauce.
Flavor enhancement: Remove from heat and season with white pepper, lemon zest, and chopped chives.
Plate the dish: Place salmon fillets on a serving plate with the skin side up.
Finish with roe: Top each fillet with a portion of salmon roe.
Garnish: Serve with a lemon wedge and the gin butter sauce on the side.
Final touches: Ensure the sauce is warm and not hot, to maintain its smooth texture.
Balance the flavors: Taste and adjust seasoning in the sauce, if necessary.
Serve immediately: For best textures and flavors, serve the dish immediately after preparation.
Pair the meal: Consider serving with steamed asparagus or roasted potatoes.
Creating layers of flavor: Use the sauce sparingly to allow the salmon's flavor to shine through.
Store leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently: Reheat gently on the stove to avoid separating the sauce.
Enjoy!: Enjoy your beautifully prepared salmon with gin butter sauce.

Tips

Butter: Ensure butter is very cold for proper emulsification.
Pan Heat: Keep the pan at medium-high heat to avoid burning the skin.
Onion Cooking: Make sure onions are translucent before adding gin; it enhances the depth of flavor.
Roe Handling: Handle salmon roe gently to avoid breaking.

Nutritions

Calories per serving: Approx. 450 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fats: 32g
Carbs: 5g

Variations

Herbs: Add fresh dill or parsley for a different flavor profile.
No Alcohol: Substitute gin with vegetable broth if avoiding alcohol.
Vegan Option: Use tofu in place of salmon and a dairy-free butter substitute for the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or quinoa pilaf.
Garnish with fresh dill sprigs for an aromatic touch.

Best Places

The Salmon Club - Offers a luxurious take on seafood classics with an innovative twist. Location: 123 Gourmet Rd, Seattle, USA.
Ocean's Eleven - Known for its fresh and sustainable seafood dishes. Location: 45 Shoreline Ave, Dublin, Ireland.
Sea Breeze Bistro - Combines local ingredients with diverse global flavors. Location: 78 Marine Dr, Cape Town, South Africa.
Gourmet Salmon - Specializes in fine dining seafood experiences. Location: 10 Fisherman Ln, Vancouver, Canada.
The Fish House - Praised for its fusion of traditional and modern recipes. Location: 22 Beach St, Sydney, Australia.
Le Poisson Bleu - Features classic French seafood cuisine. Location: 14 Rue de Paris, Paris, France.
Aqua Terra Ristorante - Blends Italian and Mediterranean elements. Location: 67 Harbor View, Rome, Italy.
Izakaya Umi - Offers a unique mix of traditional Japanese and modern flavors. Location: 9 Sushi St, Tokyo, Japan.
Blue Fin Grill - Renowned for its artisanal approach to seafood dishes. Location: 88 Waterfront Rd, Miami, USA.
Marina's Catch - Celebrated for its locally sourced and sustainable seafood menus. Location: 33 Ocean Blvd, Auckland, New Zealand.