Salmon Flowers

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
12 Min Read

Salmon Flowers Recipe

Hello! We are going to prepare some beautiful and delicate salmon flowers, a dish that combines elegance and simplicity. This recipe is ideal for those who want to impress with a spectacular presentation without complicating things in the kitchen. Salmon flowers are perfect as an appetizer or snack, providing freshness and a mild flavor that fits many occasions.

Preparation time

I share with you the time you will need for this simple but exquisite recipe:

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Cooking: No cooking required
  • Total: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the salmon flowers

  • 200 grams of fresh skinless salmon fillet
  • 1 ripe tomato
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Basil leaves (optional)

For the sauce

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • Cayenne pepper (optional)

If you don't have fresh salmon, you can use smoked salmon of good quality, although the flavor and texture change a bit, and you'll have to adjust the salt due to its stronger flavor. For tomatoes, if you can't find ripe ones, cherry tomatoes cut in half work well for garnish.

Utensils we will use

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small pan or bowl for mixing sauce
  • Spoon for mixing and serving
  • Plate for presentation
  • Optional: a rolling pin or tomato press

Preparation

1. Prepare the salmon for the flowers

  1. Wash and dry the salmon:
    • Wash the salmon fillet under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This prevents it from being wet and falling apart when cut.
  2. Wash the salmon fillet under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This prevents it from being wet and falling apart when cut.
  3. Cut the salmon into thin slices:
    • With a very sharp knife, make thin cuts of about 2 millimeters. This will allow you to fold the slices without breaking them and form the waves.
  4. With a very sharp knife, make thin cuts of about 2 millimeters. This will allow you to fold the slices without breaking them and form the waves.
  5. Form the waves and roll to create the flower:
    • Place a slice, make small waves with your hands, and start rolling to form «layers» that simulate petals.
    • Repeat to create several flowers, using 3 or 4 layers per rose to give it volume.
  6. Place a slice, make small waves with your hands, and start rolling to form «layers» that simulate petals.
  7. Repeat to create several flowers, using 3 or 4 layers per rose to give it volume.

2. Prepare the tomato base

  1. Wash and cut the tomato:
    • Wash the tomato, then cut it into thin slices, approximately 3 to 4 mm thick.
  2. Wash the tomato, then cut it into thin slices, approximately 3 to 4 mm thick.
  3. Brush with olive oil:
    • With a brush or a spoon, spread olive oil over the slices to give shine and a smooth texture.
  4. With a brush or a spoon, spread olive oil over the slices to give shine and a smooth texture.
  5. Place the slices on the plate:
    • Arrange the tomato slices to form the base where you will assemble the salmon flowers.
  6. Arrange the tomato slices to form the base where you will assemble the salmon flowers.

3. Prepare the accompanying sauce

  1. Mix the ingredients:
    • In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and mustard.
    • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a spicy touch.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and mustard.
  3. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a spicy touch.
  4. Taste and adjust:
    • Taste the sauce and adjust acidity or spiciness according to your taste.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust acidity or spiciness according to your taste.

4. Assemble the salmon flowers

  1. Place the flowers on the tomato slices:
    • On the tomato base, carefully arrange the salmon flowers to maintain their shape.
  2. On the tomato base, carefully arrange the salmon flowers to maintain their shape.
  3. Add the sauce on top:
    • Use a spoon to put a little sauce on each flower to add a touch of flavor and presentation.
  4. Use a spoon to put a little sauce on each flower to add a touch of flavor and presentation.
  5. Decorate with basil leaves:
    • If you chose to include them, place a few fresh basil leaves for aroma and color.
  6. If you chose to include them, place a few fresh basil leaves for aroma and color.

To finish and serve

Check that all the flowers are stable and that the sauce does not overflow. This dish is served cold, ideal for maintaining the freshness of the salmon. You can accompany it with artisanal bread or a fresh salad to complement it. The contrast between the delicate texture of the salmon and the tomato provides a fresh and delicious balance.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Proteins: 22 g
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g

Values are approximate estimates per serving.


5 keys to make it perfect

  • Use fresh, well-cut salmon: Freshness ensures better texture and flavor.
  • Cut thin and uniform slices: So that the flowers are flexible and form well.
  • Handle the rolling carefully: Do not squeeze too much to avoid breaking the salmon.
  • The tomato should be firm but ripe: So that it holds the structure and doesn't get squashed.
  • Prepare the sauce with balance: So that it doesn't overpower the salmon's flavor, but does provide creaminess and acidity.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

Salmon flowers are perfect as an appetizer at elegant dinners, family celebrations, or special events when you want to surprise with something sophisticated yet easy to prepare. They are also ideal for summer events, thanks to their freshness and lightness, combining very well with cold dishes and refreshing drinks. Additionally, they work as healthy snacks to share at informal gatherings.


Comparison of recipes related to Salmon Flowers

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Salmon FlowersFresh salmon, tomato, mayonnaiseElegant presentation, no cooking
Salmon TiraditoSalmon, lemon, chili pepperMore acidic and spicy, thin slices in sauce
Salmon CevicheSalmon, lemon, red onionPreparation with marinating and firmer texture
Beet CarpaccioBeetroot, goat cheese, vinaigretteVegetarian version, with sweet and sour flavor
Sea Bass Fillet in Pistachio CrustSea bass, pistachio, citrusOven-baked, crispy flavor
Goat Cheese Snacks and FigGoat cheese, figs, walnutsOption for sweet and savory snacks

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)


Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. Leave your comment and share your own tips for making salmon flowers! Tell us how they turned out, if you made variations, or how you combined the recipe.


Culinary glossary

  • Slices: Very thin and flat cuts that facilitate handling in delicate preparations.
  • Brush: Apply a thin layer of oil or sauce to add shine and flavor.
  • Roll: Fold or twist ingredients to form a shape, in this case, flowers.
  • Slices: Circular cuts, generally with a uniform thickness.
  • Firm texture: Solid consistency that maintains its shape when cut or handled.
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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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