Print

Salmon Rillettes Recipe

4.8 from 120 reviews

Salmon Rillettes is a luxurious, creamy spread made from poached fresh salmon and smoked salmon, infused with delicate herbs and lemon. This elegant appetizer is perfect for serving on toasted baguette slices, delivering rich flavors and a smooth texture that’s ideal for entertaining or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Rillettes

  • 1 pound fresh salmon, skinned and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 ounces smoked salmon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon chopped chives
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Infusion & Poaching Liquid

  • 2 cups white wine
  • Peel of 1 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
  • 2 sprigs fresh dill
  • 2 bay leaves

To Serve

  • Baguette, sliced and toasted

Instructions

  1. Infuse: In a large, deep skillet, combine 2 cups of white wine with the lemon peel, black peppercorns, fresh dill sprigs, and bay leaves. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes to allow the wine to absorb the aromatic flavors.
  2. Poach: Add the fresh salmon pieces to the infused wine. Simmer gently for just over 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the salmon turns opaque on all sides. Remove the salmon from the liquid, cover it, and chill in the refrigerator for about an hour to cool completely.
  3. Flake: Once chilled, gently flake the cooked salmon into a medium bowl, breaking it into small, flaky pieces while maintaining some texture.
  4. Mix: Add the chopped smoked salmon, minced fresh dill, chopped chives, lemon juice, sour cream, and salt and pepper to the flaked salmon. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
  5. Chill: Cover the salmon mixture and refrigerate for at least one hour to meld the flavors and allow the rillettes to firm up slightly.
  6. Serve: Spread the chilled salmon rillettes generously onto toasted baguette slices and serve as an elegant appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Ensure not to overcook the salmon during poaching to keep it tender and moist.
  • Using both fresh and smoked salmon creates a complex flavor profile.
  • The sour cream adds creaminess, but you can substitute with crème fraîche for a richer taste.
  • For added texture, finely chopped capers or shallots can be incorporated.
  • Salmon rillettes can be prepared a day in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator.

Keywords: Salmon Rillettes, Salmon Spread, French Appetizer, Poached Salmon, Smoked Salmon Spread, Easy Salmon Recipe, Elegant Appetizer