Inkokt Lax
Swedish Poached Salmon
A classic Swedish dish of salmon gently poached in a flavorful court bouillon. This method results in incredibly tender and moist fish, perfect served either warm or cold. It's an elegant yet simple dish, ideal for summer gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Salmon fillet(Skin on or off, preferably a thick, even fillet.)
- 100 ml White wine vinegar(Adds a subtle tang to the poaching liquid.)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(Peeled and quartered.)
- 1 large bunch Fresh dill(Stems and fronds, divided. Reserve some fronds for garnish.)
- 1 tablespoon Peppercorns(Whole black peppercorns.)
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
- 1.5 liters Water(Or enough to cover the salmon.)
- 1 tablespoon Salt(For the poaching liquid.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the court bouillon: In a large pot or deep pan wide enough to hold the salmon in a single layer, combine the water, white wine vinegar, quartered onion, dill stems (reserve fronds), peppercorns, bay leaves, and salt. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Infuse the bouillon: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the bouillon gently infuse for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. The liquid should be fragrant but not boiling.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Add the salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillet into the simmering court bouillon. Ensure the liquid covers the salmon; add a little more water if necessary. The liquid should be hot but not bubbling vigorously. If it is, reduce the heat slightly.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Poach the salmon: Gently poach the salmon, uncovered, maintaining a very low simmer (barely bubbling). Poach for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh has turned opaque. Avoid boiling, as this will toughen the fish.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 5
Cool the salmon: Once cooked, carefully remove the pot from the heat. Allow the salmon to cool completely in the poaching liquid. This step is crucial for keeping the salmon moist and tender.
⏱️ Minimum 1 hour, or until completely cool - 6
Serve: Gently lift the cooled salmon from the liquid using a fish spatula or by carefully draining the pot. Discard the poaching liquid and aromatics. Serve the salmon cold or gently reheat it. Garnish generously with fresh dill fronds.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Do not boil the salmon; maintain a gentle simmer to ensure tenderness.
- ✓Cooling the salmon in its poaching liquid is key to its moist texture.
- ✓This dish is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics or summer buffets.
- ✓For a more intense flavor, you can add a few sprigs of parsley or a slice of lemon to the court bouillon.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve warm with a hollandaise sauce or a simple lemon-butter sauce.
- Serve cold with a creamy dill sauce, mayonnaise, or a vinaigrette.
- Add a splash of aquavit or a bay leaf to the poaching liquid for extra flavor.