What could make salmon even more perfect than a 15-second Dijon mustard sauce, accompanied with egg, avocado, tomato, and greens over seedy bread (or grainy grains!)? Read ahead for all the steps.
I can be pretty boring with salmon, it’s so easily mastered with just the bare-bones salt, pepper and a hot grill. So why mess with simple and perfect?
Well, because chef Marcus Samuelsson says so….and I agree. Marcus’ Sweet Mustard Sauce is a 15-second whisk of Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil and a squeeze of lemon that’s a perfect addition to grilled salmon.. In fact, whisk in a more olive oil and it turns into a fantastic honey mustard salad dressing if you want to ditch the sandwich idea and serve the salmon on a bed of lettuce instead.
Marcus Samuelsson on Blogging
A few weeks ago, my good friends at Be Everywhere social media agency (hey James, Danica and Tamara!) invited me to a Macy’s Culinary Council event in D.C. I couldn’t go, so I sent two bloggers to go my place, Mrs. Wheelbarrow and and the mysterious W. Mark Felt. Mrs. Wheelbarrow shot a quick video, asking Marcus about blogging (see below) and I’ll publish Felt’s article later this week.
Sooooo….Marcus, what do you think of blogging?
YES! Marcus blogs and tweets! Though, someone needs to tell him that he’d be much more successful at social media if he actually talks back with people once in a while. Open up comments on the blog! Respond to nice tweets! There’s a reason why the word “social” is in social media….it’s not soapbox media.
Okay, getting off my little rant and onto the recipe…simple ingredients…
And of course the sweet mustard sauce….
Turn this Open Face Salmon Sandwich into a Buddha Bowl!
Protein, veggies, healthy fats – this salmon sandwich has all the makings of a balanced meal. Why not make it last even longer by turning it into a Buddha bowl? If you have leftover mustard sauce – even more reason to do so!
Just replace the bread with some whole grains and load up on mixed greens if you wish!
Tips for the best Salmon Avocado Buddha bowl
- Here’s how to cook freekeh.
- Finish with a crunchy topping, such as almonds, or toasted quinoa if you’re using quinoa instead of freekeh.
Food Styling: Salmon Sandwich
If you’re interested in seeing my step-by-step food styling and photography leading up to the money shot, I’ve posted on Food Blog Forum.
I’ll show you the itty-bitty details that I notice when I’m looking through the lens as I’m taking the photo.
Open Face Salmon Sandwich with Sweet Mustard Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For the Sweet Mustard Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Sandwich
- 1 egg
- 4 4-ounce salmon fillets about 1 inch-thick, skin removed if desired
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 tablespoons Sweet Mustard Sauce (see above)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tomato, cut into four 1/2 -inch slices
- 1/4 red onion sliced thinly
- 8 slices dark rye bread or multi-grain bread
- Mixed leafy greens
- 1 avocado halved, pitted, and cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 2 teaspoons capers drained
Instructions
- To make the Sweet Mustard sauce, whisk together the mustard and honey in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking continuously. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
- To hard boil the egg, put the egg in a small pot and fill with water to cover the egg by 1-inch. Bring the water to boil and immediately turn the heat off. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for exactly 7 minutes. Drain, rinse under cool water and peel when cool enough to handle. Cut the egg into quarters, lengthwise.
- Heat a grill pan over high heat. Brush salmon fillets with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and grill for 2 minutes on each side.
- Wipe the grill pan clean, brush the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil on the bread and grill the bread for 30 seconds each side, until nicely toasted (or use a toaster)
- To assemble sandwiches, first cut each piece of salmon into 2 pieces. Layering leafy greens, tomato, avocado, egg, red onion, grilled salmon and capers on each bread slice. Spoon the sweet mustard sauce on top and serve, opened faced.
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comment section! I always appreciate your feedback and I know other readers do, too!
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Gosh – You sure know how to make food look GOOD!
My husband made the open faced salmon sandwich last night. First of all, the sandwich is so beautiful that you don’t want to eat it. But, when I took a bite, ohhhhhhhhh My! It was so good. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I know for sure that we will have this one again. It’s a light meal but it fills you up. I could only eat one piece.
Yes! Finally someone writes about Dead on TV.
This looks so delicious, I could really just go out, get the ingredients and start up the dough for some bread. I really enjoy the way it is served on the page.
Perfect pictures and what a dish 🙂 Salmon with Dijon..
Best Regards
Soren
These were really good. My teenager loved them! Somehow mine looked much more loaded up than yours did, though and I didn’t even try.
They made a great summer meal.
Hi Jaden,
Thanks for the food photography and styling tips. That is really helpful. The picture of sandwich got me drooling. It looks fantastic.
I love salmon! It is so versatile–cook it simply, or dress it up. It is good almost any way you prepare it. This sandwich looks wonderful.
You have a nice shot! I love sandwich a lot, but always fail to prepare a delicious one:( Gonna ask my wife to try this out during next weekend:)
Simon
Terrific photo. The sandwich looks so delicious. Thank you for sharing your step by step food styling photos.
We made this for dinner last night, and it was fantastic. The mix of simple flavors was wonderful. We enjoyed a pinot noir with it, but thought it would also be lovely with champagne!
That is so funny, I must have eaten about a pound of salmon today…I love it. Pure happy food 🙂 Was thinking of doing a mustard/maple sauce and lookie what I found here. This looks great Jaden! Fab pics too, will check out your secrets at FBF. xo
love it!
mamma mia… 🙂
Love the picture and am loving this recipe (it is going on my “to eat” list for the week)!
P.S. Amen to the meaning of social in social media, can’t agree more!
Oh, yeah…that is NOT boring salmon! Looks delicious! Love your soapbox on social media! It always makes my day when I get a tweet back from a famous blogger…like YOU!
Jaden I saw the step by step on FBF it was amazing, your pictures are beautiful. I wanted to jump right through the screen and take a bite. I have never been much of a salmon eater but I would make the exception with this sandwich, it’s so tempting. Just wanted to mention that your FBF site has been so, so helpful, what a great community you’ve started. All the tips and how to you provide are essential when blogging and I don’t know where I’d be without the guidance and support from FBF. This is a great big thank you!!!!
I am a fan of yours from Tasty Kitchen! I love your blog and I am sending you some Link Love from Midchix.com…….you are posted up in the “Flock” or group named Mama Can Cook! Feel free to come over and post up about your cookbook etc…..free advertising at it’s best……it is a women’s only networking site! I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve next!
Have a great day!
Same problem with salmon, just so good don’t really think to do something new with it. This gives me loads of inspiration!!!!
Enjoy seeing the behind the scenes…and the fact that you are just a woman of many talents 🙂
I’m going to show my seafood shop owning husband that picture and will try to convince him to make it for me. You know it’s wild king salmon season. See if you can find some down in Tampa. Talk soon!!
PS – I see you’ll be at TechMUNCH. I may be seeing you there finally.
Yum-O! Love this simple yet delicious recipe 🙂 And thanks for the photography tips over at your FBF. It was handy!
Beautiful looking sandwich. Being a veg I’m wondering what I could substiute for the salmon because it sounds delicious! Loved the tutorial on shooting the picture. Best one I’ve seen. I have such trouble with my point and shoot taking anything less than a horrible picture. If you have any point and shoot tips, I’d be so appreciative.
Looks fantastic as always! Salmon’s one of my favorite fish, always tasty no matter what you do to it. I’m a huge fan of keeping it simple too, the mustard sauce looks like it goes perfectly (and it’s ALSO simple, props++)
Thanks for the post!
I have to tell you, this looks unbelievably amazing. I just want to eat this. I am trying to work on acquiring my food photography skills, they are rudimentary at best. I love your components here; they really come together to make a liaison of flavor. I am going to start following you- you come highly recommended by the food blogging community. Thanks for this recipe!
The recipe looks marvelous and your photos are terrific.
I’m pretty new to your blog and really enjoying your posts and the recipes looks divine. Thanks for the pointer, Twitter!
Wow, great photos. The sandwich looks quite refreshing!
Just purchased your book, Jaden. Love the pics. It is such a good read as well. I wish though I could take photos as good as you. Anyways, tried some of your recipes. I like the idea of simplicity without ruining the flavors. More power!
I never eat my left over salmon, but now I have this great idea to remember.
This sandwich looks amazing, all of the colors and textures are all so inviting!
Ohhh, holy cow! These look awesome!
I always feel boring with salmon too. This is a great change of pace.
Mmmm. Mustard is salmon’s best friend.
Loved your tips on FBF- they are so helpful- and this sandwich looks super fabulous!
Looks like a great lunch to me. Enjoyed the piece on FBF too! Thanks for the photo tips!
I love salmon & this looks absolutely delicious!
I bet the sauce would be equally good on the lox I have sitting in the fridge. I’ll go find out now.
This looks so great. I like the color combo and the drizzle of mustard sauce makes my mouth water. Too bad I couldn’t go to this event … was in my back yard. I’m going to have to make a point to get out there in the world to attend local events.
The sweet mustard sauce sounds sooo good! I also love your photos in this post, they’re so professional!
Jaden, that looks fantastic. It also looks pretty easy to do. I’d love that with a nice, light Pinot Noir. I think I’ll be making this after I get home from my trip!
Beautiful colours and ingredients, mmm, everyting is well-balanced! I want it right now!!
Mmmm! This is looking delicious. BTW, I always enjoy your little rants. 🙂
I love salmon with mustard, especially with a mustardy crust and some sesame seeds sprinkled on top. Great colors in the photo!
Being a Swede myself i know this dish very well. But usually you eat the Sweet Mustard (Hovmastarsas) sauce over gravlax. Marcus has taken his Swedish roots and just done many twist and turns with it. Some of good some are not. I went to his restaurant in NYC Aquivit and it was good but a little too much twist and turns to the basic of Swedish food.
If these are open-faced sandwiches, why are there eight slices of bread?
Gorgeous pics as always my dear! I’ll be checking out your play by play; aager to learn some tips. Great to see you at CBS Seafood on Saturday; hope you enjoyed the Dim Sum! 🙂
Gorgeous pictures! I’ll go check out your step by step on FBF.
Hello…first time visit.
I often have some left over salmon for which I’ve sandwiched in many ways.
I will certainly add these ingredients the next time around.
I make salmon at least once per week and in so many ways that I’ve lost count. One of my very favorites is with a little plain yogurt, crushed capers, Dijon, selected dry herbs and lots of Parmesan cheese (Reggiano)…smothered all over…and into the oven she goes. Delicious ;o)
Thanks for sharing your lovely recipe and gorgeous photos.
I’ll be back for more visits. Flavourful wishes, Claudia
The final picture is beautiful. I watched the progression of shots on Food Blog Forum. I am sure the sandwich is yummy, too! 🙂
by just a glance i know this is truly a very desireablle Sweet Mustard Sauce which you can’t stop me from making!
Oh, funny, this reminds me of the sandwich we made 2 years ago to save the tea-smoked salmon that I botched up while testing your recipe! (My fault, not your recipe’s.) We made it into a sandwich with sweet Dijon sauce as well. Marcus S stole our idea! ;P
http://www.eatingclubvancouver.com/2008/11/tea-smoked-salmon-sandwich-with-sweet.html
LOL I’ll send him a bill for you! 😉
You’re back! With another brand new and delicious idea! Thanks! Our salmon is so boring compared to this!
This is a beautiful sandwich. I like the sweetness of the sauce with the saltiness of the capers. Great points about putting the “social” in social media!
Oh wow, this sandwich looks so easy to make and delicious. Definitely will make this someday, once I get my hands on some good salmon 🙂
What a beautiful sandwich!!
Great great photo Jaden! Love the post
WOW. First, before my mind can think about all the delicious ingredients I am blown away by how strikingly beautiful this dish is. Beautiful picture – should be on a mag cover! Sounds delicious!
Thanks Lissa! I will post every photo leading up to the money shot on foodblogforum later today.