Succulent oven-baked salmon with champagne sauce

Succulent Oven-Baked Salmon with Champagne Sauce

A dish that combines refinement with simplicity, oven-baked salmon with champagne sauce is a perfect choice for a special dinner or a festive occasion. This dish promises to delight the taste buds and impress with its presentation. Let’s discover together how we can create this culinary delight!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the salmon:
- 1 kg fresh salmon fillet
- Juice from 1 medium orange
- 40 g butter
- 5 garlic cloves (3 crushed, 2 sliced)
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary (or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 orange (for decoration)
- 1 lemon (for decoration)

For the champagne sauce:
- 20 ml olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 100 ml champagne (choose a quality champagne)
- Lemon juice (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 250 ml cream
- 1 cube of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Preparing the salmon
Start by washing and cleaning the salmon fillet. Make sure to remove the scales and any bones. A useful trick is to use tweezers to extract the bones, as it is easier than using your hands.

2. Creating the marinade
In a larger bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Add the orange juice, the 3 crushed garlic cloves, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients well.

3. Seasoning the salmon
Season the salmon fillet on both sides with salt and pepper. Place it on a large baking tray lined with parchment paper. Then, arrange slices of orange, lemon, garlic (the 2 remaining slices), and the fresh rosemary sprig on the tray. Place the salmon fillet skin-side up over these flavors.

4. Baking the salmon
Pour half of the prepared sauce over the salmon fillet. Use your hands to evenly coat the fish with the marinade. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 190°C and bake for 15 minutes. After this time, remove the tray and brush the fillet with the remaining sauce, then return it to the oven for another 10 minutes.

5. Preparing the champagne sauce
Meanwhile, prepare the champagne sauce. In a pan, heat the olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 1 minute, then add the champagne. Let it boil for a few minutes to reduce.

6. Creating the creamy sauce
Separately, mix the cream with the flour to avoid lumps. When the champagne has started to boil, pour the cream mixture into the pan. Add a little lemon juice and the cube of butter. Stir everything until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Finalizing the sauce
For a smooth sauce, you can blend the mixture in a blender for a few seconds. This will give you a creamy texture, ideal to accompany the salmon.

8. Serving
Once the salmon is ready, place it on plates alongside roasted vegetables. Pour the champagne sauce over it and decorate with slices of orange and lemon. A glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement this refined meal.

Useful tips

- Choosing the salmon: Opt for fresh, quality salmon to achieve a succulent dish. You can substitute salmon with another fatty fish, such as trout or mackerel, to explore different flavors.

- Champagne sauce: If you don’t have champagne on hand, you can use a dry white wine or prosecco. It won’t be as elegant, but it will provide a pleasant flavor.

- Variations: You can add vegetables, such as asparagus or carrots, to the tray with fish to create a complete dish.

- Frequently asked questions:
- Can the recipe be prepared in advance? Yes, you can marinate the salmon a few hours before baking it.
- How can I store leftovers? The salmon keeps well in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out.

Nutritional benefits

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. It is also an excellent source of high-quality protein, B vitamins, and vitamin D. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, supporting a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Succulent oven-baked salmon with champagne sauce is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings together diverse flavors and textures. Whether you prepare it for a special dinner or simply to indulge your family, this dish will surely become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to try variations and add your own personal touches! Enjoy your meal!