Salmon is like the wagyu cut of the seafood world. The raw, delicious flavor and nutrient greatness of these fish are unmatched. But paired with a great sauce? You have all the makings for a perfect salmon dish. Sushi sauces and different sauces for fish are great, but you only want the best. Well, I’ve rounded up some of the tastiest sauces for salmon that are simple and convenient to make.
Some salmon sauces you can make are a remoulade sauce, pesto sauce, hollandaise sauce, and lemon butter sauce. But these aren’t the only flavor combos I have for salmon are, so let’s jump right in!
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📌 Ways to Cook Salmon
Grilling: Grilling salmon over direct heat gives it a fantastic smoky flavor and crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender.
Baking: Baking salmon in the oven with herbs, spices, and a drizzle of olive oil gives a perfect moist fish.
Pan-Searing: Searing salmon in a hot skillet will give a crispy golden crust while keeping the juicy and flaky texture inside.
Poaching: Poaching salmon in a flavored liquid, such as broth or wine, will gently cook the fish and infuse it with the flavor and keep it moist.
Steaming: Steaming salmon helps lightly cook it while also keeping the natural flavors and nutrients.
🧑🍳 Popular Side Dishes for Salmon
Steamed Asparagus: The crisp and buttery texture of steamed asparagus is just perfect for the richness of salmon.
Quinoa: This is just what healthy lovers need. It’s nutritious and very versatile. It has a light and fluffy texture packed with a nutty flavor that goes really well with grilled salmon.
Mixed Green Salad: A classic mixed salad is a refreshing pairing for salmon. You can toss in any greens you want and layer it with a delicious dressing sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: Nothing can beat some fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a delicious comfort pairing for salmon.
💡 Best Sauces for Salmon
Remoulade Sauce
A Louisiana-style sauce never disappoints when it comes to spice. This delicious sauce is all you’d expect and more for the home of spice. Remoulade sauce has fantastic spiciness and creaminess in one bite. The mayonnaise base is packed with spices, horseradish, and hot sauce for that incredible flavor combo that oozes into salmon. You can even toss in some paprika substitutes and chili powder swaps for a delicious, smokier, and tastier experience.
Pesto Sauce
You can’t go wrong with the classics. Pesto sauce has always been the go-to sauces for salmon. It’s a vibrant and delicious sauce that’s so simple and convenient to make. The basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese combo is just what any salmon dish needs. The earth and tasty nutty flavor tastes so great with grilled and baked salmon. Adding a squeeze of lemon will tie up the dish perfectly.
Dill Sauce
If you want something subtle and cool for delicate and flaky salmon, a dill sauce is just what you need. The cool creaminess of this sauce paired with a dash of garlic and citrus is true perfection. The mayonnaise base can even be added with yogurt for an even creamier texture that drapes over the crust of salmon with flawlessness. The simple mixture of mayo, yogurt, fresh dill, and lemon is great for any home cook.
Maple Dijon Glaze
A sweet tooth never rests, so why not satisfy it with a delicious sweet salmon glaze! Maple Dijon glaze is a sweet and tangy blessing of flavor. Picture the sugary goodness of maple syrup spliced with the spicy kick of Dijon mustard. It’s a powerful flavor combination! The maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and splash of apple cider vinegar combo can make for one of the tastiest sauces for salmon.
Lemon Butter Sauce
A lemon butter sauce. It’s a classic that never fails to deliver. It has the best simplicity and taste for any salmon dish. The subtle melting of butter and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice coat grilled salmon in a creamy and tangy blanket of flavor. You can even toss in some garlic to create a tasty garlic lemon butter sauce that goes really well with the natural richness of salmon.
Beurre Blanc Sauce
The delicate smoothness and buttery finish a Beurre Blanc Sauce gives is why it’s a perfect sauce for salmon. Any formal dinner you have in mind can be completed with this classic butter sauce. The rich flavor fusion of white wine, vinegar, and butter gives its iconic acidic and rich creamy texture. The dash of white wine has that pleasant tartness that really helps bring the sauce together.
Tarragon Butter Sauce
What’s tastier than pure herby creaminess in one sauce? Tarragon Butter Sauce is the embodiment of herbal and vibrant flavors. It’s a delicious mixture of tarragon, butter, and white wine. This ingredient combo really does give a nice, smooth texture. This texture layers salmon with a gentle aniseed flavor, freshness, and subtle hints of licorice-like notes that are refreshing when soaked into the oiliness of the fish’s skin.
Hollandaise Sauce
You can always take a step back from the vivid flavor combinations and return to one of the best classic sauces for salmon. A rich and smooth sauce will complement any salmon dish, and a hollandaise sauce will give you that. It has the tastiest flavor fusions out there with tangy and creamy goodness. Whisked egg yolks, melted butter, and just that touch of lemon juice is all it takes to coat tasty salmon with layers upon layers of flavor.
Chimichurri Sauce
When in doubt, make a Chimichurri sauce! It’s the perfect all-rounder as its delicious flavor combo of tangy, herby, and spicy greatness pairs with any salmon dish. A dollop of this onto a pan-seared salmon will do just the trick. It’s a basic blend of finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, and a bit of chili for that splash of heat. What really ties it all together is that squeeze of lemon juice or a drop of red wine vinegar for that tangy and zesty burst.
Gremolata
The Italian shores are never short on flavor and refinement. This sauce is a prime example of that. Gremolata is a delicious herby sauce with a zesty flavor that can coat salmon with a moist layer of freshness. Who knew a simple combo of lemon zest, minced garlic, and fresh parsley could be this great! It’s one of the best sauces for salmon to make, with convenience, flavor, and versatility all in its pocket.
🧐 FAQs
Salmon is commonly served with a variety of side dishes, including steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. It even pairs well with starches like rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes.
Healthy sauces for salmon include simple options such as lemon herb vinaigrette, fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and herbs, and a light yogurt-based dill sauce. These sauces provide flavorful and nutritious options with minimal added fats and sugars.
The best herbs to use in a dill sauce for salmon are parsley and fresh dill, as it complements the natural flavors of the fish with its bright, slightly licorice-like taste.