This exquisite recipe is a home-cook replication of Le Bernardin's iconic salmon dish, designed to bring a touch of fine-dining elegance to your kitchen. It captures the sophisticated balance of perfectly cooked salmon, seasonal vegetables, and a vibrant citrus reduction.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for the vegetables.
**Prepare the Vegetables:** On the lined baking sheet, toss the trimmed asparagus and cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer. Roast for 10-12 minutes, or until asparagus is tender-crisp and tomatoes just begin to burst. Remove from oven and set aside.
**Start the Citrus Butter Sauce:** In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced shallot and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Do not brown.
Pour in the white wine (or broth), orange juice, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and reduce the liquid by about half, which should take 5-7 minutes. If using, stir in the honey or maple syrup. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter, one cube at a time, until the sauce is smooth, emulsified, and slightly thickened. This process is called 'monté au beurre'. Do not bring to a boil after adding the butter, or the sauce may break. Keep warm.
**Cook the Salmon:** While the sauce is reducing, pat the salmon fillets very dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet.
Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. The salmon will cook about halfway up from the skin side.
Flip the salmon fillets and immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for another 4-6 minutes, or until the salmon reaches your desired doneness (internal temperature of 125-130°F / 52-54°C for medium-rare).
**Plate the Dish:** Divide the roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes between two plates. Place one salmon fillet on each plate, skin-side up. Spoon a generous amount of the warm citrus butter sauce over and around the salmon. Serve immediately.
550 kcal
Calories
45g
Protein
18g
Carbs
35g
Fat