• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home About Contact

The Cooking Jar

Cooking made easy

  • Recipe Index
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Casseroles
    • Dips and Sauces
    • Main Dishes
    • Quick and Easy
    • Sides and Salads
    • Soups and Stews
  • Ingredient
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Pasta
    • Seafood
  • Method
    • Air Fryer
    • Oven
    • Sheet Pan
    • Slow Cooker
    • Stovetop
Home About Contact
  • Appetizers
  • Breakfast
  • Casseroles
  • Dips
  • Main Dishes
  • Quick and Easy
  • Sides
  • Soups
Home » Exclude

Exclude

Seared Salmon with Creamy Leek Sauce

Published: June 16, 2014   |   Updated: July 23, 2022   |   7 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more details.

5 from 1 review
Pin128
Share
Email
128 Shares

Seared Salmon with Creamy Leek Sauce

This seared salmon is something you really need to try. For one, it’s crispy. And when I say crispy, I mean holy wow is it crispy. I had no idea regular salmon could crisp up and be so good like that. All I did was season it with salt and pepper and the salmon and oil took care of the rest. This is the kind of food that will earn you a cold stare across the dinner table if you ask for some from your companion(s) after gobbling down your own portion. There will be no sympathy for you. There will be no charitable salmon sharing. So make enough for yourself or get used to wishful thinking. And while it’s perfectly good on its own, there’s also some creamy leek sauce to dip into. Just in case you want to.

Seared Salmon with Creamy Leek Sauce

But let’s talk about how I came to sear my salmon in the first place. If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s wasted food. And yet, unless you’re a super organizer planner kinda person, sometimes it can’t be helped. There’s that little bit of plain yogurt that expired after you’re done trying to use it all up making tandoori chicken, kurma chicken, palak paneer or butter chicken. Because they come in big tubs I tend to round all these Indian themed dishes using plain yogurt together to make full use of it. And all because I can’t see it go to waste, even if it was just a couple of bucks.

There’s also the inevitable store bought green onions wilting and getting all icky after you’re done using a few of them for garnishes. I tried the trick where you immerse them in water to grow roots then plant them, but it didn’t work for me. After a few weeks in the planter my precious green onions started bending over like old men and becoming limp. So it’s back to store bought ones for me till I figure out what I’m doing wrong. And when it comes to gardening and me, there’s a whole range of possibilities.

Seared Salmon with Creamy Leek Sauce

My point is waste. After Vichyssoise, I had some leftover leeks. Two to be exact. Two lonely leeks just sitting in the crisper waiting to be used. And while those only cost a couple of bucks, I couldn’t find it in my heart to see them go to waste. Enter Google and a quick search for other leek uses.

So I came about a seared salmon recipe with creamy leek sauce from Martha Stewart and I think the sauce is the perfect amount of volume for those leftover leeks. Not to mention the thought of seared and crispy salmon sounds absolutely delicious. You can sear it with just salt and pepper and be a happy camper but even better with some sauce and lemon! The original recipe calls for heavy cream but I think you can also use yogurt if you want it all healthy-fied. As for the salmon, the trick to searing it well is to get your pan really, really, REALLY hot to the point of it almost smoking before you start cooking. This stops the salmon from sticking to the pan.

Seared Salmon with Creamy Leek Sauce

I used to make that mistake back in the days of young adult impatience where the idea of waiting 5 minutes for the pan to get hot was pure torture. So I dumped in my fish and lo behold, it stuck to the pan. All the skin and some of the meat came off when I tried flipping it. Don’t be like past me. Wait and sear.  While you’re waiting, you can take this time to pat the salmon really dry with paper towels. The drier it is, the crispier it gets. When the pan is ready and hot, gently lay the salmon down away from you so the final letting-go-before-your-fingers-touch-the-hot-oil doesn’t result in a splash of pain all over your vulnerables. Let your backsplash take the damage. And use a splatter guard! It saves cleanup time and accidental burning of your toes or fingers from feisty hot oil. I bought this splatter guard from Amazon and never regretted it.

Seared Salmon with Creamy Leek Sauce

Last trick: it may seem tempting to lift or move the salmon around while it cooks but restrain yourself! Leaving it be is the best thing for getting it nice and crisp without breaking it apart from being fidgety and anxious. It should take 3-5 minutes for the salmon to cook on one side and you’ll see a golden brown crust on the bottom. Flip it then and do the other side. For really thick pieces of salmon, you can all stand them up on their the sides to cook those down too. Aaaand you’re done!

Seared Salmon with Creamy Leek Sauce

Sometimes I amaze myself with how long winded I can be talking technique. I should start a cooking class. I could go on and on and on. I didn’t discover this part of me until I was cooking for my in-laws this year. My mother-in-law was hovering about wanting to learn techniques of Asian cuisine and the different sauces. Somehow I managed to stir-fry 3 five minute dishes while blabbing on and on about the difference between thin and thick soy sauces, sesame oil as a finisher, oyster sauce, fried shallots, how to make good egg strands and cooking vegetables till bright green al dente. I think I cooked black pepper chicken, shrimp in lobster sauce and stir-fried green beans. Anyway, I was surprised when I realized how much I enjoyed it and that I was a pretty decent teacher.

Back to the recipe, I know I’m gonna have this on a bed of rice with some stir-fried veggies. It’s a quick and simple dinner to make when you have salmon laying around. And one or two leeks.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Seared Salmon with Creamy Leek Sauce

Seared Salmon with Creamy Leek Sauce


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author: The Cooking Jar
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 small leeks, sliced
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • 4 (6 oz.) salmon fillets
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Over medium heat, melt butter and add leeks, simmering for 5 minutes until the leeks cook down
  2. Add cream and 2 tablespoons chives and stir to combine
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste
  4. Add chicken stock and transfer to a blender. Puree until it is smooth
  5. Put in refrigerator to chill
  6. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels then season with salt and pepper
  7. Heat oil in a pan over medium high heat until hot, about five minutes
  8. Cook the salmon, skin side down until golden brown, about 5 minutes
  9. Turn over and sear the other side about 3-4 minutes until crisp
  10. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels
  11. Dish and serve hot, with chilled leek sauce and lemon wedges

Notes

Adapted from Martha Stewart

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know how you liked it, what substitutions you made, or what you paired it with in the comments below. If you enjoyed it, help me out with a  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating!

Leave A Review

posted in: Exclude

Previous
Vichyssoise (Potato and Leek Soup)
Next
Mango Lassi

Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Share your thoughts and rate the recipe!
    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    Comments & Reviews

  1. The Cooking Jar says

    June 25, 2014

    Very welcome, Dina! Hope people enjoy it.

    Reply
  2. Rita says

    June 25, 2014

    During wild salmon season, we make salmon several times a week, so I’m always looking for interesting options that don’t mask the lovely flair of fresh wild salmon. this sounded grand, though we typically making our salmon on the grill, skin on to add moisture and flavor. I made this tonight, to serve with our grilled wild salmon, with a few additional variations… I used 0% fat Greek yogurt instead of the heavy cream. the only chicken stock I had on hand was frozen in larger quantities (Note to self: In the future, freeze chicken stock in ice cube tray for easier use in small amounts), so I used some dry white wine. I used my imersion blender, one of my favorite kitchen tools. Voila! Delish!

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      June 25, 2014

      I wish I had an immersion blender! Glad you liked the sauce, Rita and thanks for stopping by to comment! 🙂

      Reply
      • Rita says

        June 26, 2014

        You MUST get yourself an immersion blender! So handy and easy to use and clean (for me, much easier than a food processor or blender). Mine is a Braun that I probably bought at Bed, Bath and Beyond (thank you, 20% off coupons). I especially like it when I make soups during winter squash season.

        Reply
        • The Cooking Jar says

          June 26, 2014

          I just watched a video of it being used and I’m in love! It’s like magic in a stick!

  3. Nagi says

    June 16, 2014

    WOW, you must have read my mind, I have a leek sitting in my fridge and I was wondering what to make with it! Gorgeous photos too. Great use of light. I’m making this for dinner tonight!! Thanks so much for sharing this – and all the amazing tips. PINNING!

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      June 17, 2014

      One leek should work fine too, just a smaller portion of sauce. Happy you liked the tips and I hope it helps people from hurting themselves while searing!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Grilled shrimp on plate.
Farah - Author of The Cooking Jar.

Here at The Cooking Jar you'll find recipes that focus on practical everyday food using everyday ingredients. Each recipe is tried and true from my kitchen to yours. Happy cooking!

More About Me
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.

FREE eCookbook!

Subscribe to the newsletter + get a free copy of our most popular recipes!

Thank you!

Check your email to confirm and activate your subscription.

Kitchen Essentials - The Basics.

Warm up with these winter favorites!

  • A close up photo of slow cooker chicken and dumplings in a crockpot.
    Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
  • Sour cream beef noodle casserole in a white casserole dish.
    Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
  • A generous ladle of white chicken chili with shredded chicken, beans, corn and chopped cilantro.
    White Chicken Chili
  • Baked Parmesan crusted chicken on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
    Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken
  • Spinach and artichoke ravioli bake in a white casserole dish.
    Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli Bake
  • Creamy sausage pasta in a stainless steel skillet.
    Creamy Sausage Pasta
  • Featured On
  • Buzzfeed Logo.
  • the kitchn Logo.
  • delish Logo.
  • The Huffington Post Logo.
  • CountryLiving Logo.
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.

FREE eCookbook!

Subscribe to the newsletter + get a free copy of our most popular recipes!

Thank you!

Check your email to confirm and activate your subscription.

The Cooking Jar Logo

Recipes

  • Appetizers
  • Beef
  • Breakfast
  • Chicken
  • Casseroles
  • Dips and Sauces
  • Main Dishes
  • Pasta
  • Seafood
  • Sides and Salads
  • Slow Cooker
  • Soups and Stews
©2025, The Cooking Jar. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Nutrition Disclaimer
Back To Top
×
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.

FREE eCookbook!

Subscribe to the newsletter + get a free copy of our most popular recipes!

Thank you!

Check your email to confirm and activate your subscription.

128 Shares
Pin128
Share
Email