Baked Salmon with Dill and Shrimp Sauce

This baked salmon dish feels like a warm hug from the coast—rich, comforting, and subtly elegant. The herbs dance with the fish in a way that feels effortless, while the creamy sauce adds a luxuriously smooth finish without overpowering the natural flavor. It's the kind of meal that works just as well for a quiet dinner as it does when you're trying to impress. I've made it for friends and family more times than I can count, and it never fails to bring a pause to the room—a quiet moment of appreciation before the forks start moving again.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) salmon fillet, skin and bones removed
8 oz (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup (225 g) crème fraîche
1/2 cup (50 g) grated aged cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (30 g) tomato purée
2 tbsp (6 g) chopped fresh dill, plus extra for garnish
1 tsp (5 g) salt
1/2 tsp (1 g) cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp (1 g) paprika
1/4 tsp (0.5 g) black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Cut the salmon fillet into four equal portions and arrange them in an ovenproof dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine crème fraîche, 150 g chopped shrimp, grated cheddar cheese, tomato purée, chopped dill, cayenne pepper, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.

4. Spread the crème fraîche mixture evenly over each piece of salmon.

5. Place the dish in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.

6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes.

7. Serve the salmon warm with your choice of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes and green peas. Garnish with the reserved whole shrimp and extra dill, if desired.

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