Rillettes with two salmons, Joël Robuchon style

How to Make Rillettes with Two Salmons, Joël Robuchon Style

Step 1: Cook the Fresh Salmon

To start, you’ll need to cook the fresh salmon fillet. There are different methods for cooking salmon, but the most delicate and best suited for this recipe is poaching.

• Poach the Salmon: In a shallow pan, bring a small amount of water or white wine to a gentle simmer. Add the fresh salmon fillet and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through. The fish should still be tender and flaky.
• Cool the Salmon: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, flake the salmon into small pieces, being careful to remove any bones.

Step 2: Prepare the Smoked Salmon

While the fresh salmon is cooling, take the smoked salmon and chop it into small pieces. The smoky flavor of the salmon adds depth and richness to the rillettes, complementing the mildness of the poached salmon.

Step 3: Combine the Salmon

In a mixing bowl, combine the flaked poached salmon with the chopped smoked salmon. Gently mix the two types of salmon together, being careful not to break up the fish too much. You want to maintain a nice, chunky texture in the rillettes.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened butter and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. This will create the luscious, rich base that binds the salmon together and gives the rillettes its smooth texture. Add the lemon juice to the butter and cream mixture for a touch of acidity, which helps balance the richness of the dish.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Add the creamy butter and cream mixture to the salmon and gently fold everything together. You want the mixture to be creamy but still retain the integrity of the salmon. Add the fresh dill and chives, stirring them in to give the rillettes a bright, herby flavor.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Taste the rillettes and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If desired, add a little more lemon juice to enhance the freshness of the dish.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Transfer the rillettes mixture into a serving dish or individual ramekins. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the rillettes to firm up.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Before serving, garnish the rillettes with a little lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Serve the rillettes chilled with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks. It also pairs wonderfully with a crisp glass of white wine or champagne.

Tips for Perfect Rillettes

• Don’t Overcook the Fresh Salmon: Poaching the salmon gently is key to preserving its tender texture. Overcooking can result in dry fish, which won’t give you the creamy rillettes texture you want.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a richer texture, you can add more butter or cream. If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter and use less cream.
• Herb Variations: While dill and chives are classic, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like tarragon or parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: Rillettes are perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors improve as they sit in the fridge, and the texture becomes firmer, making it easier to spread.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe captures the essence of Joël Robuchon’s philosophy: simple ingredients elevated with technique and precision. The contrast between the fresh and smoked salmon provides complexity and depth, while the creamy base creates a luxurious mouthfeel. The herbs and lemon add brightness and freshness, balancing the richness of the dish. This is a perfect example of how French cuisine can transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Conclusion

Rillettes with Two Salmons, Joël Robuchon Style, is a refined yet simple dish that will impress any guest and elevate your appetizer game. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or preparing a gourmet spread, this recipe is sure to be a standout. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and delicate balance of fresh and smoked salmon, it’s a luxurious treat that reflects the genius of Joël Robuchon himself.

Try it today and enjoy the sophisticated flavors of French cuisine in the comfort of your home!