Citrus-Cured Salmon on Dill Blinis

Posted on

Citrus-Cured Salmon on Dill Blinis

Looking for an elegant dish to impress your guests this New Year’s? This Citrus-Cured Salmon on Dill Blinis is a showstopper that combines vibrant flavors with stunning presentation. The vibrant orange-pink salmon cured with citrus and herbs sits beautifully atop mini dill blinis, making it a perfect choice for festive appetizers.

Imagine garnishing these delightful bites with fresh dill, pink peppercorns, and edible flowers. Not only does it create a beautiful color contrast, but it also adds a touch of sophistication to your New Year’s spread.

Elevate Your New Year’s Appetizers with Citrus-Cured Salmon

The combination of tangy citrus and fresh dill brings a refreshing taste to the cured salmon, while the blinis offer a light and airy base. It’s a delightful balance of flavors that will leave your guests wanting more.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
  • 1/2 cup sea salt
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
  • 1 cup crème fraîche
  • 24 mini dill blinis
  • Fresh dill for garnish
  • Pink peppercorns for garnish
  • Edible flowers for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cure: In a bowl, mix the sea salt, sugar, orange zest, lemon zest, dill, and crushed peppercorns.
  2. Cure the Salmon: Place the salmon fillet in a dish and evenly cover it with the cure mixture. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.
  3. Rinse and Dry: After curing, rinse the salmon under cold water to remove the cure, then pat it dry with paper towels.
  4. Slice the Salmon: Use a sharp knife to slice the salmon thinly at an angle.
  5. Prepare the Blinis: If not using store-bought, prepare the dill blinis according to your favorite recipe or package instructions.
  6. Assemble: Place a slice of cured salmon on each blini. Top with a dollop of crème fraîche.
  7. Garnish: Finish with fresh dill, pink peppercorns, and edible flowers if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cure Time: 1-2 days
  • Total Time: 1-2 days 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 24 pieces
  • Calories: 90kcal
  • Fat: 5g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g

Tips for Success

You are about to elevate your culinary skills with a stunning appetizer that will impress your guests and look beautiful on any dining table. Citrus-Cured Salmon on Dill Blinis is not only a visual feast with its vibrant colors but also a treat for the palate. The citrus notes coupled with fresh herbs create a flavorful salmon dish, while the dill blinis provide a perfect base. Follow this guide to create this elegant dish that embodies freshness and sophistication.

To begin, gather the ingredients you will need for the salmon cure. Look for a high-quality salmon fillet, preferably skinless, to ensure your dish turns out beautifully. You’ll need zest and juice from citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, along with some sea salt, sugar, and fresh herbs such as dill or coriander for that aromatic touch. Mixing these ingredients creates a flavorful curing blend that enhances your salmon’s natural taste.

Start the curing process by combining the sea salt, sugar, citrus zest, and herbs in a bowl. Mix these well, ensuring that the salt and sugar are evenly distributed. Lay your salmon fillet flat in a container and evenly spread the curing mixture over the top. Cover the salmon with plastic wrap, pressing down slightly to ensure the cure adheres. Refrigerate this for at least 24 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the fish while it firms up and takes on a delightful zing from the citrus.

While your salmon is curing, you can prepare the mini dill blinis. Gather your ingredients which include all-purpose flour, baking powder, milk, eggs, and fresh dill. Mixing these together will yield a batter that is light and fluffy yet packed with flavor. Start by whisking together the dry ingredients and then mix in the wet ingredients until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped dill for an aromatic twist.

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Pour small amounts of batter onto the skillet, creating little pancakes. Cook until you see bubbles starting to form on the surface, then flip them over to achieve a golden-brown color on both sides. Continue this process until you have a lovely stack of dill blinis. Keep them warm in a low oven while preparing the finishing touches.

Once your salmon is ready and the curing process is complete, take it out of the refrigerator and rinse off the curing mixture under cold water. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel and slice it thinly into even strips. This will ensure each bite is delicate and easy to enjoy. Now, layer your dill blinis with a generous dollop of crème fraîche. This tangy creaminess pairs perfectly with the citrus-cured salmon.

To assemble each serving, place the thinly sliced salmon on top of the crème fraîche-topped blinis. For an extra touch of visual flair, garnish with fresh dill, pink peppercorns, and edible flowers. The combination of colors and textures creates an eye-catching presentation that’s worthy of any celebration or gathering.

Enjoy your Citrus-Cured Salmon on Dill Blinis as a stunning appetizer, sharing your culinary creation with friends and family. With this recipe, you not only create an unforgettable dish but also encourage conversations around your beautifully crafted flavors and presentation.