Dairy Free Herb-Poached Salmon

Total time30 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time20 min

4.5

(28)

Poaching salmon in a fragrant bath of garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and a splash of apple cider vinegar is one of those techniques that feels fancy but is genuinely low-effort and nearly foolproof. The gentle, barely-trembling liquid keeps the fish incredibly moist and tender without any butter or cream in sight — making this a naturally rich-tasting dish that happens to be completely free of dairy. That bright herb oil drizzled on top — fresh parsley, chives, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon — does all the heavy lifting in the flavor department, adding a grassy, vibrant finish that makes every bite feel restaurant-worthy. Salmon can sometimes feel like a weeknight splurge, but this method is forgiving enough for a beginner and impressive enough to serve to guests. The whole thing comes together in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner. Serve it with lemon wedges on the side and you have a clean, elegant plate that nobody would ever guess was this simple to pull off.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the poaching liquid

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
4 cups water
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ lemon, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, smashed
½ small onion, roughly chopped
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh parsley
1 bay leaf
1 tsp fine sea salt

For the herb oil

¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
¼ tsp fine sea salt

For serving

lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1
In a large skillet or wide saucepan, combine the water, apple cider vinegar, lemon slices, garlic, onion, thyme sprigs, parsley sprigs, bay leaf, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, until the liquid is fragrant.
2
While the poaching liquid simmers, stir together the chopped parsley leaves, chives, olive oil, lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

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