Description
This pan-fried salmon with braised Little Gem is a simple yet elegant dish combining perfectly cooked salmon fillets with tender, braised Little Gem lettuce and a creamy dill pea sauce. It’s a light, flavorful meal ideal for a healthy dinner that feels both comforting and fresh.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 4 Little Gem lettuces, halved lengthways
- 200ml vegetable stock
- 4 x 130g salmon fillets
- 200g fresh or frozen peas (defrosted if frozen)
- ½ small bunch of dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp half-fat crème fraîche
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Braise the Little Gem Lettuce: Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a large lidded frying pan over medium heat. Place the lettuce halves cut-side down and fry for 2 minutes until they start to brown. Pour in the vegetable stock, cover with the lid, and cook for 6 minutes to braise the lettuce until tender but still holding shape.
- Pan-Fry the Salmon: While the lettuce cooks, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil in a second frying pan over medium heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and fry for 3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Add Peas and Dill: Add the peas and chopped dill to the pan with the braised lettuce. Cover and cook for another 2 minutes until the peas are warmed through and the lettuce is tender yet structured.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir the half-fat crème fraîche and Dijon mustard into the lettuce and pea mixture in the pan. Warm the sauce gently over low heat to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the salmon fillets alongside the braised Little Gem lettuce. Spoon the creamy pea and dill sauce over the lettuce and salmon to finish.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen peas; just ensure frozen peas are fully defrosted before adding.
- Be careful when flipping the salmon to avoid breaking the fillets; a fish slice or spatula works best.
- Half-fat crème fraîche keeps the sauce creamy but lighter than full-fat versions.
- Keep an eye on the lettuce to avoid overcooking; it should be tender but still have some texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: pan fried salmon, braised Little Gem lettuce, dill pea sauce, healthy salmon recipe, quick salmon dinner, light dinner ideas
