Honey Free Herb-Poached Salmon
Gently poached in a fragrant bath of lemon, garlic, fresh thyme, and parsley, this salmon comes out silky, tender, and deeply flavorful without a drop of added sweetener. So many glazed or marinated fish recipes lean on honey for balance, but here the brightness comes entirely from apple cider vinegar, citrus, and aromatics — no substitutions needed, no label-checking required. The technique is low and slow, keeping the heat just barely trembling so the fillets stay moist all the way through rather than turning rubbery or dry. Once the fish is plated, a quick herb oil made from chopped parsley, chives, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice gets spooned right over the top, adding a grassy, vibrant finish that feels genuinely restaurant-worthy. It's a clean, elegant dish that proves you don't need anything sweet to make salmon taste absolutely spectacular.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!