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Poached Salmon with Asparagus, Herbs, and Baby Greens

This basic poaching recipe yields salmon that can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Here, salmon and a few hard-cooked eggs provide protein to a colorful salad composed of fresh vegetables and mixed herbs from the farmers’ market.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

1 skin-on wild Alaskan salmon fillet (about 1 1/2 pounds and 1 inch thick)
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
Coarse salt
1 bunch medium-thick asparagus (about 1 pound), tough ends trimmed
1 shallot, thinly sliced into half moons
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest plus 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
2 teaspoons champagne vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 cups mixed baby greens, such as spinach and tatsoi
1/4 cup mixed fresh herb leaves, such as mint, basil, and tarragon
12 radishes, trimmed and halved
4 hard-cooked eggs (page 61), peeled and halved lengthwise

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Fill a saucepan wide enough to hold salmon with 2 to 3 inches cold water. Stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice and 2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer and gently place salmon in pan, skin side down. Reduce heat and cook at a bare simmer until salmon is just opaque throughout, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with a piece of parchment paper to prevent surface from drying, and let cool 20 to 30 minutes. Once cool, salmon can be refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days.

    Step 2

    Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare an ice-water bath. Blanch asparagus until crisp-tender and color brightens, 45 to 60 seconds. With a slotted spoon, immediately transfer asparagus to ice-water bath to stop the cooking; once cool, drain and pat dry with paper towels.

    Step 3

    Combine shallot, lemon and orange zests, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, the orange juice, vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.

    Step 4

    Assemble asparagus, greens, herbs, radishes, and eggs on a platter. Break salmon into large pieces, arrange on top, and drizzle with vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 5

    (Per Serving)

    Step 6

    Calories: 480

    Step 7

    Saturated Fat: 5.3g

    Step 8

    Unsaturated Fat: 22.7g

    Step 9

    Cholesterol: 306mg

    Step 10

    Carbohydrates: 7.9g

    Step 11

    Protein: 42.2g

    Step 12

    Sodium: 303mg

    Step 13

    Fiber: 3g

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