Salmon Rillettes (French spread recipe)  (2024)

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ByGéraldineupdate

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5 of 20 votes

Prep time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes minutes

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Salmon Rillettes (French spread recipe) (1)

I love serving these salmon rillettes as a starter or as an appetizer on toast. This recipe is super easy, delicious and rich in flavor.

These salmon rillettes recipe can be prepared in less than 20 minutes, or in advance if you prefer. Lighter than traditional pork rillettes, these salmon rillettes are an elegant spread, ideal to serve for dinner parties.

Try thisgreen olive tapenade and theseoeufs cocotte(French baked eggs) for more starter ideas. I would also recommend trying this aromatic French onion soup or mushroom bourguignon, which make a wonderful French first course.

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List of Ingredients

  • Fresh salmon:Opt for high-quality fresh skinless salmon fillet for salmon rillettes.
  • Smoked salmon: Smoked salmon adds a delightful smoky flavor to the rillettes.
  • Cream cheese:I like to use cream cheese for a creamy texture. But you can also make these rillettes with crème fraîche, sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can also combine these alternatives (50 % Greek yoghurt and 50 % crème fraîche is a great combination too).
  • Dill:Fresh dill adds a key herby taste in rillettes.
  • Parsley:I like to use curly parsley, easier to chop in small pieces. Flat parsley is fine too.
  • Lemon:Lemon is a great balance to the richness the salmon. I prefer freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled. Lime juice is a fine alternative. Keep a little lemon zest aside as a pretty garnish.
  • Shallot:I use a shallot to poach the salmon. Shallots are milder and sweeter than onions, better to pair with the delicate flavors of the salmon.
  • Dry white wine:Choose a wine you enjoy drinking, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. You only need a small glass to poach the salmon.

You can find the exact quantities in the recipe card.

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How to Make Salmon Rillettes ?

  1. Poach the fresh salmon.Combine wine, water, 2 sprigs of dill, and sliced shallot in a skillet.Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.Place the fresh salmon fillet in the center of the skillet, cover it with a lid, and let it cook (poach) on medium heat for 15 minutes. Remove the poached salmon from the poaching liquid with a slotted spoon. Dry them gently on a paper towel if needed.
  2. Chop. Use a fork to flake the cooked salmon into small pieces. Chop the smoked salmon into small bits. Finely chop the dill and parsley.
  3. Mix the remaining ingredients.Combine the flaked salmon, smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, parsley, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl.Mash with a fork, mixing until you obtain a spreadable consistency. You can use food processor. However, I like to leave a few large chunks of salmon. Season with salt and pepper. If you like, sprinkle lemon zest and fresh herbs on top of the rillettes.
  4. Store. If you need to store the spread before serving, cover it with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge until ready.
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What To Serve With Salmon Rillettes ?

Here’s what I recommend you serve with your salmon rillettes:

  • Toasted baguette slices:As a French girl, I love to serve crispy, toasted baguette slices or crostini alongside salmon rillettes. The crunchy texture of the bread complements the smoothness of the rillettes.
  • Crackers:Choose a variety of high-quality crackers with different flavors and textures, such as whole wheat, rosemary, or black pepper.
  • Veggies: For a healthier version, service these salmon rillettes in small cucumber boats (see picture below) or in smallendive leaves.
  • Pickles and cornichons:Serve with cornichons(pickles) or red onion pickles on the side to provide a contrasting tangy and acidic flavor.
  • Mixed greens:If you want to create a more substantial meal, or as a first course, serve salmon rillettes on a bed of mixed greens, such as arugula or watercress with vinaigrette.
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FAQ: Salmon Rillettes

What is rillettes in French?

In French cuisine, rillettes refer to a preparation method where meat, typically pork or poultry (try the famous duck rillettes!), is slowly cooked in its own fat until it becomes tender and easily shredded. The term rillettes comes from the French word “rille,” which means to shred or pull apart. Salmon rillettes are a variation of this traditional French preparation, using salmon instead of pork or poultry.

Can I make salmon rillettes ahead of time?

Yes, salmon rillettes can be prepared ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious spread. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

Can I use frozen salmon instead of fresh salmon?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon instead of fresh salmon for this recipe. Thaw the frozen salmon completely before poaching it, and ensure it is well-drained before flaking and mixing with the other ingredients.

Can I make these rillettes with different type of fish instead of salmon?

While salmon is traditionally used in rillettes, you can experiment with other types of fish like trout or mackerel. However, keep in mind that the flavors and textures may differ from the original recipe.

Are rillettes served cold?

Yes, rillettes are typically served chilled or at room temperature. After preparing the salmon rillettes, I recommend to refrigerate them for at least an hour to allow the flavors to develop and the spread to firm up slightly. This cooling process enhances the texture and allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a more enjoyable taste experience.

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5 of 20 votes

These delicious salmon rillettes can be prepared injust 20 minutes, or in advance if you prefer. One of my favorite dip for special occasions!

Salmon Rillettes (French spread recipe) (11)

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Side dish

Cuisine French

Servings 8

Calories 122 kcal

Ingredients

  • 7 oz fresh salmon (200 g)
  • 4,5 oz smoked salmon (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese (100 g)
  • 8 sprigs dill
  • 6 sprigs parlsey
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 shallot
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (125 ml)
  • 1/2 cup water (125 ml)
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  • In a skillet, combine wine, water, 2 sprigs of dill, and sliced shallot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

  • Place the fresh salmon fillet in the center of the skillet, cover with a lid, and let it cook (poach) on medium heat for 10-15 minutes.

  • Remove the poached salmon from the skillet with a slotted spoon.

  • Use a fork to flake the cooked salmon into small pieces.

  • Chop the smoked salmon into small bits.

  • Finely chop the dill and parsley.

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, parsley, and lemon juice.

  • Mash with a fork, mixing until you obtain a spreadable consistency . However, I like to leave a few large chunks of salmon.

  • Mix the ingredients well and season with salt and pepper.

Video

Notes

If you need to store the spread before serving, cover it with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge until ready.

Nutrition

Calories: 122kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 9gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 183mgPotassium: 209mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 233IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Tag @la.cuisine.de.geraldine on Instagram and let me know how it was!

Salmon Rillettes (French spread recipe)  (2024)

FAQs

What are salmon rillettes made of? ›

Homemade Salmon Rillettes is a decadent holiday appetizer! Poached salmon fillets and smoked salmon are mixed with softened butter, sour cream, lemon, capers, sautéed shallot, and fresh herbs. Chill in a fridge to help setup, then serve spread on crackers, bread, or endive leaves.

What is salmon spread made of? ›

Process cream cheese in a food processor to soften completely. Add smoked salmon, capers, green onion, dill, cream, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and lemon juice. Process the mixture again until creamy and smooth.

Is Rillette healthy? ›

Gizzard Rillettes are a great source of protein. (Along with a host of vitamins and minerals, and cholesterol to boot.) Plus, a slow and low braise gives plenty of time to break down this tough organ into the tender goodness it should be.

What does rillettes mean in French? ›

The French word rillettes is first evidenced in 1845. It derives from the Old French rille, meaning a slice of pork, which is first attested in 1480. This is a dialect variation of the Old French reille, meaning a lath or strip of wood, from the Latin regula.

What is the difference between pâté and rillettes? ›

While rillette has a chunky texture, pâtés have a smoother texture. Another difference is in the type of meat that is found in rillettes and pâtés. Pâtés are made from meat such as liver, while rillette is made from chunks of meat harvested from a leg, breast, rib, or thigh.

What are the ingredients in salmon paste? ›

Ingredients. Minced Salmon (Fish) (67%), Water, Rusk (Wheat Flour, Water, Salt, Raising Agent (E503), Soya Protein Concentrate, Minced Cod (Fish) (3%), Barley Malt Vinegar, Potato Starch, Concentrated Tomato Paste, Salt, Concentrated Lemon Juice, Sugar, Yeast Extract, Colour (Paprika Extract).

What is the white paste coming out of salmon? ›

It's called albumin. And it lives in your salmon whether it's cooked or not, no matter where it's from, how it's raised, or how much you paid for it. Albumin is a liquid protein that solidifies when the fish is cooked, seeping out as the muscle fibers contract under heat, becoming thick and a bright white.

What are the ingredients in argeta salmon spread? ›

Ingredients: cooked salmon, water, sunflower oil, milk proteins (sodium caseinate, whey powder, potato starch, defatted soy flour, onion, salt, spices, spices extracts, autolyzed yeast extracts, smoke flavoring, paprika extract.

What is the best way to eat rillettes? ›

You can pull the jars out the day before, or even up to a few hours ahead of time for a quick delicious snack that will surely impress your friends. Rillettes are best served at room temperature spread thickly on toasted bread. Don't forget to eat with cornichon and a smear of Dijon mustard.

What is the most unhealthy meat you can eat? ›

try to limit processed meat products such as sausages, salami, pâté and beefburgers, because these are generally high in fat – they are often high in salt, too.

What do rillettes taste like? ›

Rillettes has a rich, fatty flavor that is offset by a touch of acidity. The texture is smooth and creamy, with a slight graininess from the shredded meat. There is also a hint of smokiness from the cooking process. Overall, rillettes is an intensely flavorful experience that is sure to satisfy anyone's hunger.

What is salmon rillette made of? ›

For the rillettes: Add the salmon into the bowl of your food processor along with the cream cheese, sour cream, mustard, horseradish, lemon zest and lemon juice. Pulse 5 to 6 times or until well combined and the mixture is a spreadable consistency.

What is the fat on top of salmon? ›

That white goo is called albumin, which is a protein that exists in all salmon. Cooking the fish causes muscle fibers in the fillet to contract, essentially squeezing the albumin out of the fillet to collect on the surface.

What are rillettes made of? ›

Rillettes are pork, chicken, or duck meat (it can also be fish) that's been chopped or shredded, cooked in its own fat, minced, and mixed with some of the fat from the cooking process. Rillette's texture is loose with threads of meat visible.

What is salmon terrine made from? ›

Flake salmon into a large bowl, discarding skin, and toss with smoked salmon, green onion, parsley, and tarragon. Whisk together butter, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Add mayonnaise mixture to salmon mixture and gently stir until well combined. Cover and chill 3 hours.

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