Salmon is beloved for its rich flavor and versatility in the kitchen. Whether you are preparing it on the grill, baking it in the oven, or poaching it gently, choosing the right toppings can take your salmon dish to new heights. But what should you top your salmon with to make it extra special? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the best toppings, sauces, and garnishes to complement your salmon, whether it’s grilled, baked, or poached.
Best Toppings for Grilled Salmon
Grilled salmon has a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with bright and zesty toppings. Here are some of the top choices to add flavor and texture to your grilled fish:
Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, and cilantro are excellent choices to sprinkle on top of grilled salmon. These herbs bring an aromatic freshness that enhances the smoky flavors from the grill. Just chop them finely and scatter them over the fish for an easy but flavorful touch.
In addition to their flavor, herbs are incredibly easy to incorporate into your dish. For those looking for specific herb combinations, you can find excellent tips in this herb-pairing guide from Serious Eats.
Citrus Slices
For a simple but effective topping, lay slices of lemon, lime, or orange over the salmon while it’s grilling. The citrus slices impart a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the fish, creating a balanced flavor. This topping is not only easy but also incredibly versatile.
Compound Butter
One indulgent option is topping your grilled salmon with compound butter. Garlic-herb butter or citrus-infused butter works especially well. As it melts, it creates a luxurious sauce that complements the smoky fish. This technique adds richness while still allowing the salmon’s natural flavors to shine.
For example, you might use lemon zest and herbs to create a flavorful butter that’s perfect for seafood. If you’re interested in making your own compound butter, Bon Appétit’s recipe offers simple steps for creating delicious butter combinations for seafood.
Glazes and Marinades
A sweet and savory glaze or marinade is another excellent choice for grilled salmon. Popular options include honey-soy glaze, maple-mustard glaze, or teriyaki sauce. These glazes caramelize on the grill, forming a sticky, flavorful crust that pairs wonderfully with the fish.
For those who prefer a more caramelized finish, you can brush the glaze on during the last few minutes of grilling. To explore more glaze and marinade options, visit BBC Good Food’s collection of salmon recipes, where you’ll find plenty of inspiration.
Toppings for Baked Salmon
Baking salmon in the oven helps retain moisture while allowing toppings to infuse the fish with flavor. Here are some top picks for baked salmon:
Breadcrumbs and Parmesan Crust
A crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust adds a delightful texture to the tender baked salmon. Simply mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan, olive oil, and seasonings, then sprinkle over the fish before baking. This crust turns golden and crispy in the oven, providing a satisfying contrast to the soft salmon underneath.
As a result, this topping is perfect for those who enjoy a crunchy texture in their dishes.
Pesto
For a vibrant and herbaceous topping, consider using pesto. Whether it’s classic basil pesto or an inventive variation using spinach or arugula, pesto adds a fresh, bold flavor that pairs beautifully with baked salmon.
Furthermore, pesto provides a great opportunity to add herbs to your dish in a flavorful and creative way. For more pesto ideas, visit Epicurious’ guide to making the perfect pesto, where you’ll find tips for customizing your pesto toppings.
Creamy Sauces
Creamy sauces such as dill yogurt, tartar sauce, or hollandaise sauce are excellent toppings for baked salmon. These sauces add richness and tang, balancing the fish’s natural oils and enhancing its flavors.
For instance, a dill yogurt sauce provides a light but flavorful addition, while hollandaise brings a luxurious texture to the dish. For more sauce inspiration, check out the sauce collection from Wild Alaskan Company, which offers a variety of easy-to-make sauces that pair perfectly with salmon.
Chimichurri
Chimichurri, a flavorful South American sauce made from parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, adds a bright and tangy element to baked salmon. It cuts through the richness of the fish and adds a zesty punch, perfect for anyone who enjoys bold flavors.
Additionally, chimichurri is a versatile sauce that pairs well with other grilled or baked proteins. Learn how to make chimichurri with this easy recipe from Delish, a great choice for any baked or grilled seafood.
Creative Toppings for Poached Salmon
Poached salmon is delicate and tender, making it ideal for light, flavorful toppings. Here are some creative options to enhance the subtlety of poached salmon:
Miso Glaze
A miso glaze adds an umami-packed punch to poached salmon. This Japanese ingredient, made from fermented soybeans, is a savory powerhouse that pairs beautifully with the mildness of poached fish. Combine miso with honey or maple syrup for a balanced sweet-salty glaze.
As a result, the glaze brings a complex layer of flavor to the dish without overwhelming the salmon’s natural taste.
Fruit Salsa
For a fresh and fruity topping, consider a salsa made from mango, pineapple, or peaches. Fruit salsa adds sweetness, acidity, and a pop of color, making it a perfect match for poached salmon. Mix the fruit with onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a bright, tropical flair.
In addition, fruit salsa is easy to make and brings a refreshing taste to the plate. To discover more salsa recipes, try this fruit salsa guide from Food Network, which includes plenty of creative combinations.
Cucumber Dill Salad
A cucumber dill salad is a refreshing and crunchy topping for poached salmon. Thinly sliced cucumbers combined with fresh dill and a yogurt-based dressing create a light, summery topping that complements the tender texture of the fish.
Moreover, this topping is ideal for a light lunch or summer dinner. For additional light salad ideas, visit BBC Good Food’s summer salad recipes, which offer fresh and flavorful topping ideas for fish.
Healthy Topping Options for Salmon
If you’re looking for healthier toppings that don’t compromise on flavor, here are some nutritious choices that complement salmon beautifully:
Avocado
Avocado is a nutrient-rich, creamy topping that pairs well with salmon. Whether mashed or sliced, avocado adds a buttery texture and healthy fats to your dish. Add a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance its flavor.
Additionally, avocado is an easy and versatile option for adding richness to any salmon dish.
Greek Yogurt Sauce
For a light and tangy alternative to heavier sauces, Greek yogurt sauce is a great option. Mix plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley to create a healthy and delicious topping that works well on both grilled and baked salmon.
Greek yogurt also adds protein and creaminess to the dish without extra calories.
Olive Tapenade
Olive tapenade, made from finely chopped olives, capers, and olive oil, offers a Mediterranean-inspired topping that’s full of flavor. The briny and savory notes of the tapenade complement salmon’s richness while adding heart-healthy fats to the dish.
In addition to its bold flavor, tapenade is a great option for those seeking a simple yet flavorful topping. For more Mediterranean-inspired seafood dishes, check out The Mediterranean Dish for topping and sauce ideas.
Toppings for Smoked and Cured Salmon
Smoked and cured salmon has a strong, distinctive flavor that pairs well with both traditional and creative toppings. Here are some of the best choices for enhancing smoked or cured salmon dishes:
Cream Cheese and Capers
One classic combination for smoked salmon is cream cheese and capers. This pairing works particularly well on bagels or crostini. The creaminess of the cheese balances the saltiness of the salmon, while the capers add a briny, tangy element.
Moreover, this combination is ideal for brunch dishes or appetizers.
Pickled Onions
Pickled onions add a sharp, tangy contrast to the rich flavor of smoked or cured salmon. You can easily make pickled onions at home or buy them pre-made. They provide a crisp texture and a bright acidity that elevates the dish.
For a quick pickled onion recipe, check out this guide from The Kitchn, perfect for pairing with smoked fish.
Mustard Dill Sauce
Mustard dill sauce is another excellent topping for smoked or cured salmon. The combination of tangy mustard, fresh dill, and a touch of honey adds complexity and enhances the fish’s flavor without overpowering it.
Mustard-based sauces are particularly well-suited for cold-smoked salmon dishes. For more mustard sauce ideas, visit Epicurious’ collection of mustard-based sauces.
Seasonal and Occasion-Based Toppings With Salmon
Different occasions and seasons call for different flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or preparing a summer barbecue, here are some seasonal topping ideas to match your event.
Winter Toppings
In the colder months, richer toppings like brown sugar glaze or bourbon sauce add warmth and sweetness to your salmon dishes. These hearty toppings pair well with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, making them perfect for a winter meal.
Summer Toppings
For a lighter, more refreshing option, opt for toppings like cucumber salad or citrus salsa. These pair beautifully with grilled salmon and are ideal for summer picnics and barbecues.
As a result, these toppings bring a burst of freshness to your salmon during the warmer months.
Holiday Toppings
During the holidays, festive toppings such as cranberry glaze or rosemary and garlic butter add a touch of elegance to your salmon dishes. These flavors bring out the richness of the fish and make it the star of any holiday spread.
FAQs With Salmon:
What is the healthiest thing to put on salmon?
Toppings such as fresh herbs, avocado, and Greek yogurt sauces are some of the healthiest options. They provide flavor without excessive fats or calories and add essential nutrients like healthy fats and proteins.
What flavors go best with salmon?
Salmon pairs well with a variety of flavors, including citrus, fresh herbs, garlic, and umami-rich ingredients like miso or soy sauce. These toppings enhance the fish’s natural richness.
What sauce goes well with salmon?
Popular sauces for salmon include hollandaise, dill yogurt, teriyaki, and chimichurri. These sauces add flavor and complement the fish’s texture, offering a range of savory, tangy, and creamy elements.
What are good toppings for smoked salmon?
For smoked recipe, classic toppings include cream cheese, capers, and pickled onions. These ingredients add a balance of creamy, salty, and tangy flavors that complement the smoky fish.
Conclusion
This recipe is a versatile and flavorful fish that pairs beautifully with a wide range of toppings. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or poaching, adding the right combination of herbs, sauces, and garnishes can elevate your salmon dish. From fresh herbs and citrus to creamy sauces and savory toppings, there’s something for every taste and occasion. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find the best topping for your recipe.
For more topping ideas, check out this salmon topping guide for creative ways to enhance your next meal.