Ina Garten’s Foolproof Poached Salmon Recipe for Beginners

Poached salmon whispers elegance on every plate, transforming simple seafood into a gourmet sensation.

Delicate and pure, this cooking method unlocks salmon’s subtle symphony of flavors with remarkable finesse.

Gentle simmering in aromatic liquid bathes each fillet with luxurious tenderness and depth.

Wine-infused broths and fragrant herbs dance around the fish, creating a sensory masterpiece that elevates home cooking.

Salt and precise temperature weave magic, ensuring every bite melts like butter against your palate.

Professional techniques meet home kitchen comfort, making this approach accessible to passionate food lovers.

Fall in love with a recipe that promises restaurant-quality results without intimidating complexity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes into Ina Garten’s Poached Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Select fresh, high-quality wild-caught salmon with firm, bright flesh and minimal fishy odor.
• Kosher Salt: Choose coarse-grain salt for even seasoning and enhanced flavor absorption.
• Fresh Dill Sprigs: Look for bright green, fragrant dill without wilting or browning edges.
• Lemon Slices: Pick firm, bright yellow lemons with smooth skin for maximum juice and zesty flavor.

• Water: Use filtered water for clean, pure taste.
• White Wine: Select a crisp, dry wine like Sauvignon Blanc for delicate seafood enhancement.
• Garlic Slices: Opt for fresh garlic cloves with tight, unblemished skin for robust flavor.

• Greek Yogurt: Choose full-fat, strained yogurt for rich, creamy consistency.
• Dijon Mustard: Select authentic French Dijon for sharp, tangy undertones.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for smooth, fruity depth.
• Fresh Dill: Pick vibrant, aromatic dill with no yellowing or wilting.
• Black Pepper: Grind whole peppercorns for intense, fresh spiciness.
• Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemons for bright, zesty sauce base.
• Garlic: Select plump, firm garlic cloves for maximum flavor punch.

Tools for Cooking Poached Salmon the Ina Way

• Large Deep Pan: Spacious cookware for poaching salmon and creating flavorful liquid.
• Stovetop: Cooking surface for heating poaching liquid to perfect temperature.
• Mixing Bowl: Vessel for combining creamy dill sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Fork: Used to check salmon doneness and flaking.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise measurements for salt, herbs, and seasonings.
• Lid: Tight-fitting cover to trap steam during salmon poaching.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing garlic, lemon, and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Serving Plates: Elegant dishes for presenting poached salmon.

How to Poach Salmon Like Ina Garten

Poach Salmon with Zesty Dill Sauce

• Prep Salmon Select fresh salmon fillets and season with salt. Let rest at room temperature to ensure even cooking and tender results.
• Craft Flavor Bath Combine water, white wine, dill, and garlic in a deep pan. This aromatic liquid will gently infuse the fish with delicate herbal notes.
• Create Poaching Environment Heat liquid over medium flame until small bubbles dance around the pan's edges. The goal is a soft, controlled simmer that will tenderly cook the fish without toughening its delicate texture.
• Cook Fish Slide salmon into the simmering liquid, nestling each fillet skin-side down. Top with a bright lemon slice to enhance the fish's natural flavors. Cover and cook until the salmon transforms from translucent to opaque and flakes effortlessly with a gentle touch.
• Whip Up Creamy Sauce Blend Greek yogurt with tangy lemon, sharp Dijon, fruity olive oil, and a sprinkle of dill. Whisk until smooth, creating a vibrant sauce that complements the delicate poached fish.
• Serve and Enjoy Transfer poached salmon to warm plates. Drizzle with the zesty dill sauce or serve it on the side for personalized dipping. Each bite promises a harmony of delicate fish and bright, creamy flavors.

Tips to Keep Poached Salmon Tender and Flavorful

• Enhance Your Salmon Poaching Technique: Expert Tips & Flavor Twists
• Customize Liquid Base: Experiment with different liquids like vegetable broth, coconut milk, or light beer to create unique flavor profiles that complement the delicate salmon.
• Master Temperature Control: Use a digital thermometer to ensure precise poaching temperature between 160-170°F, preventing overcooking and maintaining the salmon's silky, tender texture.
• Elevate Herb Combinations: Swap fresh dill with alternatives like tarragon, thyme, or basil to introduce unexpected aromatic dimensions that transform the classic poaching method.
• Explore Sauce Variations: Replace Greek yogurt with alternatives like crème fraîche, sour cream, or plant-based yogurt to accommodate dietary preferences while maintaining the creamy, tangy sauce essence.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten’s Poached Salmon

• Pair with Crisp Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with cucumber, radish, and light vinaigrette to complement the salmon's delicate flavor and provide refreshing contrast.
• Create Elegant Wine Pairing: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that echoes the poaching liquid's white wine notes and enhances the dish's herbal undertones.
• Add Textural Garnish: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy capers over the salmon to introduce a delightful crunch that balances the fish's soft, tender texture.
• Complete Mediterranean-Style Plating: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or quinoa pilaf to round out the meal with nutritious, complementary accompaniments that celebrate the dish's light, clean profile.

Storing Leftover Ina Garten Salmon the Smart Way

• Savor Smart: Salmon Storage Solutions
• Store leftover poached salmon in an airtight container, keeping it refrigerated for maximum freshness. Consume within 2-3 days to enjoy optimal taste and texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Advance Preparation
• Prepare creamy dill sauce up to 3 days before serving, storing it sealed in the refrigerator. This strategy saves time and enhances flavor development for a more robust sauce.
• Freezing Finesse: Preservation Techniques
• Wrap individual salmon fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen salmon maintains quality for up to 1 month when properly sealed, allowing convenient future meals.
• Reheat with Care: Moisture Maintenance
• Gently warm refrigerated salmon by placing it in a covered dish with a splash of water. Use low microwave settings or warm in an oven at 275°F to prevent drying out, ensuring tender, succulent fish.

Elegant Ina Garten Poached Salmon Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s poached salmon delivers elegant simplicity with delicate flavors from classic French cooking techniques. Herb-infused liquid gently cooks salmon to flaky perfection, creating a memorable dinner experience you will savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) fresh salmon, cut into 4 fillets
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 4 dill sprigs
• 4 lemon slices
• ¾ cup (177 ml) water
• ¾ cup (177 ml) dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or non-oaky Chardonnay)
• 1 ½ tbsps (22.5 ml) minced fresh dill
• ½ cup (120 g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ tsp (7.5 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, grated on a microplane
• 1 tsp (5 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp (0.6 g) kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp (0.3 g) ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Salmon Preparation: Extract salmon fillets from refrigeration and season uniformly with kosher salt, allowing them to approach room temperature.
2. Poaching Liquid Setup: Combine water and white wine in a large, high-sided pan, incorporating fresh dill sprigs and thinly sliced garlic to create an aromatic poaching environment.
3. Liquid Activation: Position pan over medium heat, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer with delicate bubbles emerging around the edges, maintaining a temperature just below boiling.
4. Salmon Immersion: Gently lower salmon fillets into the simmering liquid, positioning them skin-side down and garnishing each with a vibrant lemon slice to enhance flavor profile.
5. Cooking Process: Cover pan with a tight-fitting lid, allowing salmon to poach for 5-10 minutes until fish becomes translucent and effortlessly flakes with minimal fork pressure.
6. Sauce Composition: Simultaneously whisk Greek yogurt with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper, incorporating finely chopped dill and grated garlic until achieving a smooth, herbaceous consistency.
7. Plating and Presentation: Transfer poached salmon to serving plates, artfully drizzling the herbed yogurt sauce over the fish or presenting it as an accompaniment, creating a visually appealing and flavorful dish.

Notes

• Precise Poaching Technique: Monitor liquid temperature carefully to maintain a gentle simmer, preventing tough or overcooked salmon by avoiding rapid boiling.
• Fish Freshness Matters: Select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets with firm flesh and minimal odor for the most delicate and flavorful poaching results.
• Temperature Timing: Check salmon doneness by gently pressing the fish; it should flake easily and appear opaque with a translucent center for perfect moisture and texture.
• Sauce Balancing Tip: Adjust yogurt sauce seasoning gradually, tasting as you blend to ensure a harmonious mix of tangy, herbal, and creamy flavors that complement the delicate salmon.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Poaching
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg