Easy Grilled Salmon Steaks with Creamy Mustard Sauce
Experience the delightful flavors of tender Grilled Salmon Steaks with Creamy Mustard Sauce, a dish that brings together fresh herbs, smoky touches, and smooth plant-based cream into a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. This recipe balances the richness of grilled salmon with a zesty, velvety mustard sauce, transforming an everyday dinner into a memorable feast that you’ll want to share again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet flavorful: Every ingredient elevates the salmon without overwhelming its natural taste.
- Quick to prepare: On busy nights, this recipe delivers gourmet vibes in less than 30 minutes.
- Nutritious and wholesome: Salmon provides essential omega-3s, while fresh herbs add vibrance and antioxidants.
- Customizable: Adapt the creamy mustard sauce to fit your taste, making it your signature dish.
- Perfect for all seasons: Whether summer grilling or cozy dinners, it fits right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about keeping ingredients straightforward, natural, and essential to highlight the salmon’s delicate flavor paired with a luscious plant-based cream sauce. Each component from the fresh herbs to the mustard adds depth and a burst of color, making your plate as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Salmon steaks: Opt for fresh, firm-fleshed cuts for the best grilling experience and moisture retention.
- Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a subtle smoky crunch to complement the salmon’s texture.
- Fresh parsley: Brings bright, herbal notes and freshness to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard (natural): Offers tang and a smooth heat, the heart of the creamy mustard sauce.
- Plant-based cream: Creates the silky base for the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- Lemon juice: Adds zesty brightness to balance richness and enhance flavor layers.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Brings depth and umami to the sauce, rounding out the flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse a subtle aromatic warmth to the sauce and salmon marinade.
- Olive oil: For grilling and adding silkiness to the sauce with healthy fats.
- Natural gelling agent: Used minimally to achieve the perfect sauce consistency without heaviness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that sharpen every bite.
Variations for Grilled Salmon Steaks with Creamy Mustard Sauce
Feel free to make this recipe your own by mixing and matching ingredients, adjusting flavors for dietary needs, or simply experimenting with what you have on hand. The creamy mustard sauce is a wonderful canvas for creativity.
- Herb swap: Substitute parsley with dill or tarragon for a different herbal profile that pairs beautifully with salmon.
- Smoked turkey slices: Use these in place of smoked turkey bacon for a leaner, yet equally smoky, addition.
- Cream alternative: Try coconut cream (plant-based) or almond cream for a subtle nutty twist in the sauce.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a gentle heat that warms the palate.
- Acid switch: Use a splash of grape juice in the sauce instead of lemon juice for a hint of fruity sweetness.
How to Make Grilled Salmon Steaks with Creamy Mustard Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic cloves, and a dash of salt and pepper. Coat the salmon steaks evenly and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the zesty flavors.
Step 2: Grill the salmon steaks
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place salmon steaks on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, checking for a slightly opaque center and beautiful grill marks. Set aside once perfectly cooked.
Step 3: Cook the smoked turkey bacon
While the salmon grills, cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces to sprinkle over the finished dish.
Step 4: Make the creamy mustard sauce
In a small saucepan, combine plant-based cream, Dijon mustard (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), finely chopped parsley, and a pinch of natural gelling agent. Warm gently while stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
Step 5: Assemble and serve
Plate the grilled salmon steaks and generously drizzle the creamy mustard sauce on top. Sprinkle the crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces for added texture and smoky flavor. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Salmon Steaks with Creamy Mustard Sauce
- Choose the right salmon: Look for steaks that are firm and moist to ensure they hold up well on the grill.
- Don’t overcook: Salmon cooks quickly, so grill until just opaque to preserve juiciness and tenderness.
- Control sauce thickness: Add the natural gelling agent sparingly to avoid overly thick sauces that mask delicate flavors.
- Preheat your grill properly: A hot grill creates those gorgeous caramelized grill marks and prevents sticking.
- Fresh herbs matter: Use fresh parsley or chosen herbs instead of dried for maximum flavor brightness.
How to Serve Grilled Salmon Steaks with Creamy Mustard Sauce
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or a small sprinkle of smoked paprika creates a colorful and fragrant garnish that completes the presentation and adds subtle flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve with roasted baby potatoes tossed in olive oil and fresh rosemary, or a crisp green salad with vine-ripened tomatoes and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
For a WOW factor, present the salmon steaks on a bed of quinoa or wild rice mixed with chopped smoked turkey slices and fresh herbs, then drizzle the creamy mustard sauce artistically on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover grilled salmon steaks and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep freshness and flavor intact.
Freezing
Freeze any remaining salmon sans sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month, then thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat salmon gently on low heat in a covered pan or oven to prevent drying, and warm the creamy mustard sauce separately before combining for serving.
FAQs
Can I use salmon fillets instead of steaks?
Absolutely. Salmon fillets work wonderfully with this recipe, though cooking times may need to be slightly adjusted due to thickness differences.
Is the creamy mustard sauce suitable for plant-based diets?
Yes, using plant-based cream and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) makes the sauce fully compatible with plant-forward and flexitarian diets.
Can I prepare this dish without a grill?
Definitely! Use a grill pan or even a hot skillet to cook the salmon steaks; they’ll still develop a lovely crust and great flavor.
What’s the best way to get smoky flavor without smoked turkey bacon?
Smoking the salmon briefly over wood chips or adding smoked paprika to the sauce can enhance smokiness naturally if you prefer no bacon.
How long does the sauce keep in the fridge?
The creamy mustard sauce will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Salmon Steaks with Creamy Mustard Sauce is one of those dishes that brings a burst of fresh, smoky, and tangy flavors to your table without fuss or compromise. Its ease and elegance make it a go-to recipe you’ll reach for time and again, especially when you want to impress with minimal effort. Give it a try, and enjoy a meal that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen.
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Grilled Salmon Steaks with Creamy Mustard Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy tender grilled salmon steaks served with a smooth and zesty creamy mustard sauce made from fresh herbs, plant-based cream, and natural seasonings. This quick and flavorful recipe combines smoky notes, vibrant herbs, and a luscious sauce for a wholesome and customizable meal perfect for any season or occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 4 fresh salmon steaks (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Smoky Crunch
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Creamy Mustard Sauce
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic cloves, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Coat the salmon steaks evenly with this mixture and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the zesty flavors.
- Grill the salmon steaks: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the salmon steaks on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, checking for a slightly opaque center and beautiful grill marks. Remove from heat once perfectly cooked and set aside.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: While the salmon is grilling, cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan and chop into bite-sized pieces to sprinkle over the finished dish.
- Make the creamy mustard sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the plant-based cream, Dijon mustard (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), finely chopped parsley, and natural gelling agent. Warm gently over low heat while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
- Assemble and serve: Plate the grilled salmon steaks and generously drizzle the creamy mustard sauce on top. Sprinkle the crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces over the fish for added texture and smoky flavor. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Choose firm, moist salmon steaks for the best grilling results.
- Grill salmon until just opaque to retain juiciness; avoid overcooking.
- Add natural gelling agent sparingly for perfect sauce thickness without overwhelming flavor.
- Preheat the grill properly to achieve good caramelization and prevent sticking.
- Use fresh parsley or substitute with dill or tarragon for varied herbal notes.
- Serve with roasted baby potatoes tossed in olive oil and rosemary, or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freeze leftover salmon (without sauce) for up to 1 month, thaw overnight before reheating gently.
- Reheat salmon over low heat in a covered pan or oven and warm sauce separately before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon steak with sauce
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: grilled salmon, mustard sauce, plant-based cream, smoked turkey bacon, healthy seafood, quick dinner, creamy sauce, omega-3, fresh herbs