Salmon Tartare Recipe

Salmon: Fresh salmon is the star of this dish, providing a tender texture and rich flavor.

Capers: These little buds add a salty, tangy kick that balances the richness of the salmon.

Dijon mustard: A smooth mustard that adds a gentle spice and depth to the mix.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings brightness and a bit of acidity.

Olive oil: Adds a silky texture and subtle fruity flavor.

Chives: Mild onion flavor that freshens up the dish.

Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to bring all the flavors together.

One of the most important steps in this Salmon Tartare Recipe is dicing the fresh salmon into small cubes. Getting the size right helps the flavors mix better and makes the dish more enjoyable to eat. Here’s a simple way to dice your salmon like a pro:

1. Start with a sharp knife—this makes cutting easier and safer.
2. Cut the salmon into thin slices, about half an inch thick.
3. Stack a few slices carefully, then cut them into strips.
4. Turn the strips and cut across to make small cubes.

Doing this step carefully means each bite has a nice texture, and the dijon mustard, lemon juice, and other ingredients coat the salmon evenly. If the pieces are too big, the flavors won’t blend as well, and it might feel a bit chunky when you eat it.

When I first tried this, I didn’t use a sharp knife and ended up squishing the salmon instead of cutting clean cubes. It made the dish look messy and less fresh. Now, I always make sure my knife is sharp before starting. Also, if you’re in a hurry, you can ask your fishmonger to cut the salmon into cubes for you—that’s a neat shortcut!

Taking a little extra time to dice the salmon properly really makes a difference. It helps the capers, chives, and other flavors mix in nicely, giving you a fresh, tasty salmon tartare that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.

• diced fresh salmon - Substitute with diced fresh tuna: Tuna has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for tartare.

• chopped capers - Substitute with chopped green olives: Green olives provide a similar briny and tangy flavor that complements the dish well.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard offers a similar tangy taste with a slightly different texture.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a comparable acidity and freshness to the dish.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and similar health benefits, making it a good alternative.

• chopped chives - Substitute with chopped green onions: Green onions offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used in the same way.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the tartare.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.

• Ensure the salmon is as fresh as possible before preparing the tartare. Freshness is key to maintaining the best flavor and texture.
• If you plan to store the salmon tartare for a short period, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it immediately. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• To prevent the salmon from oxidizing and changing color, cover the surface of the tartare with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the fish before sealing the container.
• For longer storage, freezing is an option. However, freezing may slightly alter the texture of the salmon. To freeze, place the tartare in a freezer-safe container, ensuring there is minimal air space to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date of preparation. Frozen salmon tartare can be kept for up to one month.
• When ready to use, thaw the salmon tartare in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain food safety.
• Once thawed, give the tartare a gentle mix to redistribute the lemon juice and olive oil before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Always check the smell and appearance of the salmon before consuming. If there is any off smell or discoloration, it is best to discard it.

• Gently warm the salmon tartare by placing it in a heatproof dish and setting it over a pot of simmering water. This method, known as a double boiler, ensures even, gentle heating without cooking the delicate salmon.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the salmon tartare in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat on low power in 10-second intervals. Stir gently between intervals to ensure even warming.

• For a more gourmet touch, consider reheating the salmon tartare by placing it in a vacuum-sealed bag and submerging it in a sous-vide bath set to a low temperature (around 100°F or 38°C). This method preserves the texture and flavor of the salmon.

• If you prefer a slight sear, you can quickly pan-sear the salmon tartare in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil. Cook for just a few seconds on each side to warm through without overcooking.

• For a unique twist, consider incorporating the leftover salmon tartare into a warm dish, such as folding it into a creamy risotto or using it as a topping for a freshly baked pizza. This way, the salmon is gently warmed by the residual heat of the dish.

• Knife: A sharp knife is essential for dicing the fresh salmon into small, even cubes.

• Cutting board: Use a clean cutting board to safely dice the salmon and chop the capers and chives.

• Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is needed to combine all the ingredients together.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons ensure you add the correct amounts of capers, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil.

• Spoon: A spoon is useful for mixing the ingredients thoroughly.

• Refrigerator: If you choose to chill the tartare, a refrigerator is necessary to keep it fresh before serving.

• Serving dish: A serving dish is used to present the salmon tartare attractively.

• Plastic wrap: If chilling, plastic wrap can cover the mixing bowl to keep the tartare fresh in the refrigerator.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Dice the fresh salmon and chop the capers and chives ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to mix.

Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife makes dicing the salmon quicker and more precise, saving you time and ensuring uniform pieces.

Measure ingredients beforehand: Measure out the dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil before you start. This makes the mixing process faster and more efficient.

Chill serving dishes: Chill your serving dishes in the refrigerator while preparing the tartare. This keeps the salmon tartare fresh and cool when served.