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Baked Salmon in Puff Pastry with Lemon Cream delight

Baked Salmon in Puff Pastry with Lemon Cream Delight

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine European, French
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large sauté pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry Brush
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon Wellington

  • 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each, skinless, preferably center-cut
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika optional, for smokiness
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Spinach Herb Filling

  • 8 oz fresh baby spinach leaves washed and tough stems removed
  • 1 small shallot finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese or mascarpone
  • ½ tsp lemon zest
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper

Puff Pastry Wrap

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry about 8×8 in, thawed
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)

Lemon Cream Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice plus more to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste

To Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh dill sprigs or chopped chives
  • Thin lemon slices

Instructions
 

Prep the Spinach Filling

  1. In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add the shallot and cook until translucent (about 2 minutes), then stir in garlic until fragrant (30 seconds). Add spinach and cook until just wilted. Season with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and nutmeg. Stir in the cream cheese until the mixture is creamy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Season the Salmon

  1. Pat the fillets dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Set aside.

Assemble the Pastry Wrap

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to smooth seams but keep roughly original dimensions.
  2. Place a salmon fillet on the pastry. Spoon a quarter of the spinach filling over the top (optional: layer salmon spinach underneath or over the fish). Fold the pastry up around the fillet, sealing seams by pinching or folding under. Brush with egg wash. Repeat for all fillets.

Bake to Flaky Perfection

  1. Transfer each parcel to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until pastry is puffed and golden and fish registers 125–130°F internally. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes (residual heat finishes cooking).

Prepare the Lemon Cream Sauce

  1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Whisk in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer gently until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Plate and Serve

  1. Place the baked salmon wellington on warmed plates. Spoon lemon cream sauce alongside or drizzle on top. Garnish with dill or chives and a lemon slice. Serve immediately with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad.