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    Whip & Wander » Recipes » mains

    Published: Dec 6, 2017 · Modified: Dec 29, 2021 by Jenni · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Salmon with Whisky Cream Sauce and Cheddar Mashed Cauliflower

    This page may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
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    a white dish with mashed cauliflower, salmon, scotch whisky cream sauce over a copper plate rack with a glass of scotch whisky
    a closeup of a fork cutting through whisky cream sauce topped salmon and mashed cauliflower
    a hand using a fork to cut into a piece of salmon, cauliflower mash, and whisky cream sauce over a copper plate charger with a glass of scotch resting nearby
    a piece of salmon being cut into with a fork on a white plate with mashed cauliflower
    a low white bowl with salmon, cauliflower mash, whisky cream sauce, and chives on a copper charger on a wooden surface with a glass of scotch whisky next to the dish
    a white dish with mashed cauliflower, cheddar, chives, salmon, and whisky cream sauce
    a white bowl with cauliflower mash, salmon, whisky cream sauce, and chives resting on a light colored piece of fabric on a wooden surface
    a hand using a spoon to pour whisky cream sauce over a plate with salmon and cheddar mashed cauliflower

    a glass of whisky resting next to a white plate topped with salmon, mashed cauliflower, whisky cream sauce, and fresh chives

    Particularly good with a tipple of Scotch Whisky

    As much as I love the Pacific Northwest, Scotland is the place I experience tremendous longing for. While I plot my next visit, I've been enjoying creating a few dishes in ode to the lush rolling hills of green and heather I miss so much. This Salmon with Whisky Cream Sauce and Cheddar Mashed Cauliflower is a perfect tribute to Scotland and it's fine scotch whisky.

    Rich salmon is butter-seared in cast-iron until lightly crisp on the outside and tender within, then gets dressed in a Scotch whisky cream sauce that pours over into creamy mashed cauliflower blended with ribbons of cheddar cheese, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh chives. This rich and creamy dish is perfect for special occasions and particularly good with a tipple of good Scotch whisky.

    a wooden spatula resting in a cast iron pan filled with whisky cream sauce and chives

    a hand spooning whisky cream sauce over the top of a plate of salmon and mashed cauliflower with a cast iron pan resting nearby

    What kind of salmon is best to use?

    Where I live in the Pacific Northwest, rich red-orange Sockeye salmon, fat-rippled Chinook/King salmon, and delicate Coho salmon are our locally accessible favorites. It's also common to find Atlantic salmon available at our markets, which is generally all farmed and imported in. The majority of salmon available in Scotland is locally farmed Atlantic salmon.

    So what kind of salmon is best to use? In short, I suggest you use what is freshest and accessible wherever you live. Wild-caught salmon tends to yield a better flavor, but sustainably farmed salmon is also a great option that is more widely accessible.

    a spoon with whisky cream sauce hovering over a piece of salmon and whisky cream sauce on a white dish

    a spoon pouring whisky cream sauce over a piece of salmon and mashed cauliflower

    a cast iron pan filled with whisky cream sauce that has a spoon and a wooden spatula resting in the pan next to a dish with salmon and mashed cauliflower on a wooden surface

    Let's talk about the sauce + the Scotch whisky

    It would be fair to say that this dish has both French and Scottish influences. The base of the sauce is similar to that which would be used for Steak Au Poivre, but I've slightly limited the pepper and replaced the brandy with a good Scotch whisky from the Speyside region. We love the Aberlour 12 year Scotch whisky from the town we stayed in on our first visit, so that's what I usually use in the whisky cream sauce, but feel free to experiment with your favorite. I've always wanted to try it with a smoky Islay whisky like Lagavulin, but haven't attempted it, so let me know if you opt to do so!

    a white dish with salmon mashed cauliflower, and whisky cream sauce resting on a neutral colored fabric on a wooden surface

    whisky cream sauce on top of a piece of salmon on a pile of mashed cauliflower in a white dish over a wooden surface

    Swapping the cauliflower for potatoes

    If you're more of a mashed potato loyalist than a mashed cauliflower fan, that's okay, because this dish is perfectly lovely with either option. Prepare your mashed potatoes to your preference and don't forget to add the cheddar! Though, if you're following a low-carb diet, the cauliflower is a fantastic swap for higher-carb potatoes.

    a low white bowl with salmon, mashed cauliflower, whisky cream sauce, and chives resting on a copper colored rack witha. glass of whisky resting next to the dish and a piece of light colored cloth underneath the dish

    a hand cutting into a piece of salmon and whisky cream sauce with a forl

    What tools do I need to make this recipe?

    • A cutting board
    • A chef's knife
    • A large microwave-safe bowl
    • A kitchen scale or measuring cups
    • Measuring spoons
    • A food processor
    • A rubber spatula
    • A cast-iron pan
    • A fish spatula
    • A wooden spatula or a whisk

    Are you looking to upgrade to your cooking tools or replenish your pantry? Check out my kitchen tools shop page and pantry staples shop page to find my must-have kitchen tools, pantry items, and other Whip & Wander favorites.

    a fork cutting through a piece of salmon with whisky cream sauce and cheddar mashed cauliflower

    a hand holding a fork which is cutting through a piec eof salmon covered in whisky cream sauce over a scoop of mashed cauliflower resting on a copper rack on a wooden surface with a glass of whisky next to the rack

    A note for special diets

    This recipe for Salmon with Whisky Cream Sauce and Cheddar Mashed Cauliflower is friendly for low-carb, keto, grain-free, gluten-free, and nightshade-free diets.

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    a glass of whisky resting next to a white plate topped with salmon, mashed cauliflower, whisky cream sauce, and fresh chives

    Salmon with Whisky Cream Sauce and Cheddar Mashed Cauliflower

    ★★★★★ 5 from 26 reviews
    • Author: Whip & Wander
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes
    • Total Time: 45 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x
    • Category: Mains
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: Scottish
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    This Salmon with Whisky Cream Sauce and Cheddar Mashed Cauliflower is a perfect tribute to Scotland and it's fine scotch whisky.


    Ingredients

    Scale

    for the salmon:

    • 24 oz salmon filet, cut into 4 (6oz) portions
    • 1 tsp Kosher salt
    • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
    • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

    for the whisky cream sauce:

    • ⅓ cup Scotch whisky (I like Aberlour 12 year or anything from the Speyside region)
    • 8 oz (about 1 cup) heavy cream
    • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
    • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
    • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

    for the cheddar mashed cauliflower:

    • 1 large head (about 6 cups) cauliflower, roughly chopped
    • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
    • 2 oz (about 4 tbsp) heavy cream, divided
    • 6 oz (about 1 ½ cups) sharp white cheddar, shredded
    • ½ tsp Kosher salt, plus more to taste
    • ¼ tsp of cracked black pepper, plus more to taste

    Instructions

    For the salmon:

    1. Melt butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
    2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
    3. Add salmon fillets, cooking for about 3-5 minutes on each side until the internal temperature has reached 145 degrees F (63 C) and the salmon flesh flakes when tested with a fork. Cast-iron conducts heat really well so if you feel that your salmon is browning too quickly before reaching this internal temperature you can turn the heat down a bit. Remove salmon from the pan with your fish spatula and set to the side.

    For the whisky cream sauce:

    1. Turn heat down to medium-low as the cast iron skillet should be piping hot at this point. Deglaze the pan with the whisky, scraping up any bits of salmon and pepper with your fish spatula as the alcohol cooks down.
    2. Allow the whisky to reduce by half then add the heavy cream to the pan and stir vigorously with a wooden spatula or a whisk to incorporate.
    3. Add the butter and Dijon mustard and continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken, then remove from heat.

    For the cheddar mashed cauliflower:

    1. In a large, microwave-safe bowl combine chopped cauliflower, butter, and 2 tablespoon of heavy cream.
    2. Microwave for 6 minutes. Remove from heat, stir, and microwave for an additional 6-7 minutes. The cauliflower should be easily speared with a fork at this point.
    3. Add cauliflower, the remaining 2 tablespoon of heavy cream, and the shredded cheddar cheese to your food processor. Pulse until well-blended and creamy. If you do not have a food processor, this can be done in a blender or even with a hand mixer, though I find it turns out creamiest in a food processor.
    4. Add salt and pepper to taste, blending to incorporate.

    To assemble:

    1. Portion the mashed cauliflower onto each plate and layer with a salmon fillet. Spoon whisky cream sauce liberally over the top and garnish each plate with chopped chives.

    Notes

    Nutritional information on Whip & Wander is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.


    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 926
    • Sugar: 3 g
    • Sodium: 1026 mg
    • Fat: 69 g
    • Saturated Fat: 38 g
    • Carbohydrates: 8 g
    • Fiber: 3 g
    • Protein: 58 g
    • Cholesterol: 286 mg

    Keywords: salmon, whisky cream sauce, cheddar mashed cauliflower, whisky, mashed cauliflower

    Did you make this recipe?

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dianna says

      October 24, 2018 at 3:10 pm

      This recipe sounds so interesting and delicious. I love the fact that you have used whiskey in the recipe.

      Reply
    2. Natalie says

      October 22, 2018 at 7:43 am

      You got me at cheddar mashed cauliflower. Really, how awesome and delicious that sound... AND looks! I'm such a huge fan of salmon. I can't wait to make this. It's super delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Swathi says

      October 21, 2018 at 8:46 pm

      Love this purple mashed cauliflower looks salmon is perfect with Whisky cream sauce. I need to Get some Scottish Whiskey.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. michelle says

      October 21, 2018 at 7:08 pm

      That sauce sounds sooo good! I bet that scottish whiskey adds some great flavor, I wonder if it's available online

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Eileen Kelly says

      October 21, 2018 at 4:09 pm

      i am super excited about this meal! from the cauliflower to salmon to the whiskey cream sauce! Amazing flavors that combine to a fantastic meal! I love sauces that use liquor,they tend to be the most flavorful! your scotch sauce is mouthwatering! Can't wait to give this a go!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Catherine says

      October 21, 2018 at 3:13 pm

      The sauce and the cauliflower is a perfect combination for this salmon dinner...I'd love to try this and I know my family would absolutely love it too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. Marisa Franca says

      October 21, 2018 at 11:51 am

      What a beautiful meal. The pink of the salmon and the purple of the cabbage -- truly inviting the eyes first to enjoy and then the mouth. I bet that sauce is simply amazing. We love our salmon and this recipe would be great the next time we fix it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Noel Lizotte says

      October 21, 2018 at 8:15 am

      So traditional yet so modern! And never mind how pretty this is on the plate! I'll bet it's delicious...perfect for a date night supper for sure.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Dan Zehr says

      October 21, 2018 at 12:56 am

      Oh God, the recipe of this salmon looks so delicate and fragrant. Great idea for dinner. I really like the presentation of this recipe. This is really a great job. Very nice! Cannot wait to try this! Love! Thank you for sharing this great recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    10. Pavani says

      October 20, 2018 at 6:17 pm

      Wow, what an inviting dish that is. Whiskey cream sauce sounds exotic and delicious. Mashed cauliflower with cheese is the perfect base for this dish.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    11. Lauren Vavala says

      October 20, 2018 at 4:50 pm

      Whiskey is my favorite type of alcohol, but I've never cooked with it! Can't wait to try this sauce and I love the purple cauliflower with it all too - such good flavor combinations!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    12. Gloria says

      October 20, 2018 at 2:58 pm

      Love the colour of that purple cauliflower. Salmon is a great protein...and delicious too. We like to have it at least once a week. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    13. Claudia Lamascolo says

      October 20, 2018 at 2:48 pm

      I love this recipe it really sounds like something everyone here would love and great job on those photos!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    14. Veena Azmanov says

      October 20, 2018 at 2:13 pm

      I love purple cauliflower especially because it looks so attractive. This looks so good. Love Slamon and whiskey cream sauce sound delicious.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    15. Sara says

      January 22, 2018 at 6:23 am

      What a colorful meal! I can't wait to make this for my family!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    16. Kushi says

      January 22, 2018 at 2:15 am

      Sauce sounds amazing and dish looks so beautiful. Yum!

      Reply
    17. Tatiana says

      January 21, 2018 at 10:21 pm

      What a unique dish! The combination of flavors must be outstanding, and that whiskey finish just really cought my eye .

      ★★★★★

      Reply
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