This post was created in an ongoing partnership with Copper River Salmon, where the finest wild salmon in the world comes from.
Wild salmon is a delectable treat that should be savored as often as possible. Its versatility allows for diverse preparations, making it a true culinary delight. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
The combination of wild Alaskan salmon and Meyer lemon farro risotto creates a dining experience that is both satisfying and memorable. The rich, buttery salmon pairs exquisitely with the citrusy risotto, creating a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your palate.
How to sous vide the salmon filets
When you have a beautiful ingredient like wild salmon, you want to treat it with all the respect it deserves. Cooking it with the sous vide method gives it that respect and guarantees that it will come out perfect every time.
- Start by brining the salmon filets. This important step not only seasons the inside of the fish, but it keeps the white liquid from seeping out during the cook. Rinse and pat dry the filets once they are finished
brining . - Pre-heat the sous vide water bath to 125°F (or your desired temperature. Place the salmon in a vacuum seal bag or a ziplock bag and drizzle on a little extra virgin olive oil along with some
Meyer lemon zest and fresh thyme. - Sous vide the salmon for 45 minutes to 1 hour, then remove from the water bath and then from the bag.
- Pat dry and sear the skin side down in a very hot skillet with olive or canola oil to crisp up the skin for no more than 30 seconds.
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How to make the Farro Risotto
While the salmon is cooking, make the risotto.
The technique of making risotto is pretty much the same no matter what type of rice or grain you are using. It is the process of adding a flavorful liquid a little at a time until it is fully absorbed, then repeating until the grain is fully cooked.
We start by sautéing chopped onion, then add in the farro to lightly toast it. A little dry white wine is the first liquid added which kicks off the cooking process and adds a little acidity to the risotto. After the wine is absorbed, chicken or vegetable stock is added about 1 cup at a time while stirring every few minutes. Once the stock is absorbed, more is added and the process continues until the farro is fully cooked.
The risotto is finished by adding freshly grated parmesan cheese, a little butter, Meyer lemon zest, Meyer lemon juice and some freshly chopped basil. It’s super important to taste it (be careful, it will be hot) and season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper once all the ingredients are added.
More Delicious Salmon Recipes
Sous Vide Salmon with Farro Risotto
Ingredients
- 1 quart cold water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 2 6 oz wild Alaskan Salmon filets
- zest from 1 Meyer lemon
- chopped fresh thyme
- olive oil
- canola oil for searing
For the farro risotto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 cup farro
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock low sodium
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- zest from 1 meyer lemon
- 2 tablespoons meyer lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
To Sous Vide the Salmon
- Make the brine by dissolving 1/4 cup salt in 1 quart of cold water in a medium bowl.
- Place the salmon filets in the bowl and brine for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Pre-heat the sous vide water bath to 125°F.
- Rinse the salmon with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Place the filets in a ziplock bag with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon zest and chopped fresh thyme.
- Use the water displacement method to remove air from the air and seal the bag and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove from the water bath then remove the salmon from the bag and pat dry with paper towels.
- To sear the salmon skin: Heat a skillet over high heat with a drizzle of olive or canola oil. Sear the skin side for 30 seconds.
To make the risotto
- Bring the chicken or vegetable stock to a boil in a small saucepan. In a separate large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion + 1/2 teaspoon salt and saute the onion until it is soft and translucent but not browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the farro and cook for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the farro.
- Pour in the wine and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the liquid is almost fully absorbed.
- Start adding the boiling stock 1 cup at a time, stirring every few minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding stock until the farro is cooked (you will need to taste frequently to know when it is ready).
- Finish the risotto by removing from the heat and stirring in the parmesan, butter, meyer lemon zest, lemon juice and the freshly chopped basil. Taste for seasoning and add more salt or lemon juice as needed.
Notes
- Since the salmon is brined before it is cooked, it’s not necessary to season it with salt before cooking.
This is the best salmon I have ever cooked. I used to pan fry the salmon and always ended up with the salmon crispy gold outside and raw inside. With your recipe the salmon was cooked to perfection and full of flavor. The only problem I had was the searing, the salmon fell apart, so no crispy skin, but nobody minded.
So glad to hear it was the best salmon you have ever cooked! Agree about the skin with this method being difficult to get crispy. I have seen the idea where you remove the skin from the salmon before vacuum sealing it, and then you crisp the salmon skin separately either in a skillet or on a sheet pan in the oven. Then you can serve the sous vide salmon with the crispy skin. I have tried it and it works great. The salmon skin is a little like bacon. 🙂