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A gourmet dish of salmon tartare topped with halved quail eggs, herbs, and edible flowers, surrounded by a drizzle of chive oil and crème fraîche on a white plate.

Salmon Tartare with Chive Oil & Crème Fraîche

There’s something truly special about a dish that blends fresh ingredients with bold Southern charm. This Salmon Tartare with Chive Oil & Crème Fraîche might sound fancy, but it comes together simply and brings a burst of flavor to the table.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Servings
Calories 2231 kcal

Equipment

  • Ring mold or small cylinder (for shaping the tartare)
  • Fine mesh strainer (for chive oil)
  • Squeeze bottle (optional, for chive oil presentation)

Ingredients
  

For the Tartare

  • 70 g fresh New Zealand king salmon small diced
  • 11 g red onion small diced
  • 11 g peeled and diced fresh cucumber
  • 16 g capers drained
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 5 small diced pieces of toasted rye bread
  • 1½ cooked quail eggs halved
  • 2 sprigs chervil for garnish
  • 2 sprigs dill for garnish
  • 1 tbsp chive oil see below
  • 2 tbsp crème fraîche see below

For the Chive Oil

  • 3 bunches chives
  • 1 cup high-quality oil like extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp salt

For the Crème Fraîche

  • Crème fraîche
  • Pinch of salt
  • Splash of milk

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Chive Oil

  • Rinse the chives well and pat them dry.
  • Add chives, oil, and salt to a blender.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Do not press.
  • Let the oil strain naturally for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Pour into a squeeze bottle or container. Store in the fridge.

Step 2: Prepare the Crème Fraîche

  • Spoon your crème fraîche into a bowl.
  • Add a pinch of salt and a splash of milk.
  • Stir until smooth and slightly thinned out.
  • Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Step 3: Mix the Tartare

  • Place diced salmon in a small bowl.
  • Add diced red onion, cucumber, and drained capers.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir gently to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Shape the Tartare

  • Place a ring mold on a plate or shallow soup bowl.
  • Spoon the salmon mixture into the mold.
  • Press down gently to pack the shape.
  • Lift the mold carefully to leave the tartare in place.

Step 5: Garnish and Assemble

  • Spoon small dollops of crème fraîche around the tartare.
  • Drizzle chive oil over and around the plate.
  • Top the tartare with rye bread pieces and quail egg halves.
  • Add sprigs of dill and chervil for a fresh look.
  • Finish with a pinch of pepper on the quail eggs.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve the dish right away while it's cold and fresh.
  • Add extra rye toast on the side if you like.
  • Enjoy with friends or family for a bright, satisfying treat.

Notes

Chef Patrick's Quotes:
Springtime calls for dishes that are bright, fresh, and elegant—just like our King Salmon Tartare. This dish is all about balance: the richness of the salmon, the crisp acidity of capers and cucumber, and the velvety smoothness of crème fraîche. A perfect pairing brings out those elements without overpowering them. For wine, I recommend a dry Riesling or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc—both offer a bright acidity that complements the tartare’s freshness while enhancing the delicate herbal notes of the chive oil. If you prefer something bubbly, a Brut Sparkling or a dry Prosecco adds a refined effervescence that lifts the dish beautifully. For cocktails, a classic gin-based French 75 or a citrus-forward vodka martini pairs well, as their botanical and citrus notes mirror the tartare’s vibrant flavors. Serve this dish well-chilled, allowing the flavors to meld while maintaining the delicate texture of the salmon. It’s the perfect way to start an evening of Southern hospitality, where food, friendship, and charm come together to inspire your kitchen adventures.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 2231kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 18gFat: 241gSaturated Fat: 35gPolyunsaturated Fat: 26gMonounsaturated Fat: 171gCholesterol: 167mgSodium: 5189mgPotassium: 556mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 624IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 4mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword crème fraîche, Salmon tartare, Salmon Tartare with Chive Oil & Crème Fraîche
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