Salmon Duo Rillettes Spread

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Salmon Duo Rillettes Spread

Rillettes are coarse, pâté-like French spreads typically made from duck or pork. They can also be done with oily fish and is excellent with fresh and smoked salmon, like this Salmon Duo in Rillettes recipe. It's also good with toasted baguette slices or sturdy crackers, and a nice cold flute of dry sparkling rosé wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Chill Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: French
Keyword: rillettes, salmon
Servings: 8
Calories: 90kcal

Ingredients

  • 9 oz fresh salmon, skinless and boneless
  • 3 oz smoked salmon, skinned and broken into chunks
  • 1 medium shallot finely chopped
  • 1.5 oz unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp tarragon leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp olive oil, extra virgin
  • 2 tsp cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Ricard pastis alcohol, or half tsp of ground anis seeds
  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground peppercorns, to taste 

Instructions

Prepare the salmon:

  • Cut the fresh salmon into 1-inch cubes and place it on a roasting tray covered with parchment paper. Season the fish with salt and pepper, and sprinkle it with olive oil, the vinegar, and the pastis.

Cook the salmon:

  • Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in a preheated oven at 420ºF/200ºC. After the salmon is cooked, transfer the cubes on a clean towel to absorb extra moisture and allow it to cool.

Finish the salmon rillettes:

  • With a chef knife, finely chop the smoked salmon and place it in a bowl, along with the finely chopped shallot and tarragon. Add the soft butter and the salmon (which you should have crushed with a fork). Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the rillettes in a small serving bowl and reserve refrigerated for at least 3 hours.

Serve the salmon rillettes:

  • Serve cold with Chardonnay wine and toasted bread.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Salmon Duo Rillettes Spread

  1. Choose Fresh, High-Quality Salmon
    For the best flavor, use fresh, wild-caught salmon if possible. Smoked salmon adds a wonderful depth of flavor, enhancing the spread’s taste profile.
  2. Cook the Salmon Just Right
    Avoid overcooking the fresh salmon, as it can become dry and impact the spread’s texture. Bake at 420ºF for 8–10 minutes until opaque and flaky.
  3. Mix Ingredients Smoothly
    Use softened butter at room temperature to ensure a creamy texture. Mix thoroughly to bind the fresh and smoked salmon, shallots, and tarragon together for a flavorful blend.
  4. Chill to Enhance Flavor
    Allow the rillettes to chill for at least 3 hours to deepen the flavors. For an even richer taste, prepare a day ahead, letting the ingredients meld overnight.
  5. Serve with the Right Pairings
    Toasted baguette slices or crackers provide a satisfying crunch. Pairing the spread with a crisp Chardonnay or sparkling rosé complements the salmon’s rich taste.
  6. Additional Tips and Related Recipes

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