Peppercorn Crusted Salmon with White Wine Butter Sauce

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Peppercorn Crusted Salmon with White Wine Butter Sauce, a gourmet dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender, flaky salmon fillets are enrobed in a bold cracked peppercorn crust, seared to golden perfection, and paired with an indulgent white wine butter sauce infused with sautéed shallots, a splash of cream, and a touch of bright lemon juice. The combination of textures and flavors—crispy, rich, tangy, and creamy—creates a restaurant-quality experience in just 35 minutes. Perfectly complemented by roasted vegetables or buttery mashed potatoes, this elegant dish is ideal for date nights, dinner parties, or anyone looking to add a little sophistication to their table.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on, about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons cracked black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons shallots (finely minced)
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Place the salmon fillets on a clean surface, skin-side down. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Season the flesh of the salmon fillets evenly with salt. Press the cracked black peppercorns onto the flesh side to create a crust, ensuring even coverage.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Once the oil shimmers, place the salmon fillets in the skillet, flesh-side down. Sear for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms.

Step 5

Carefully flip the fillets to the skin side and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside, keeping them warm.

Step 6

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and translucent.

Step 7

Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Let the wine reduce by about half, which should take approximately 4-5 minutes.

Step 8

Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and the butter is fully incorporated.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt, if needed.

Step 10

To serve, place each salmon fillet on a plate and drizzle generously with the white wine butter sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Step 11

Pair with roasted vegetables or a side of creamy mashed potatoes to complete the meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1080.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2467.4

Total Fat 174.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 56.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 590.0mg	0%
Sodium 2692.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 18.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.1g	0%
Total Sugars 3.2g
Protein 158.4g	0%

Vitamin D 3260.0IU	0%
Calcium 176.8mg	0%
Iron 5.9mg	0%
Potassium 2384.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.0%

Protein: 27.8%

Carbs: 3.2%