Keto Salmon on Leeks in Cream
This recipe uses frozen salmon fillet, thawed before baking, but fresh salmon works just as well. The leeks, gently braised in butter and cream, form a creamy bed for the fillet and turn into a classic French-inspired dish in the oven, with only 6 g of net carbs per serving.
Key facts at a glance
- Total time: approx. 35 minutes, 10 minutes braising leeks, 20 minutes in the oven.
- Approx. 6 g net carbs and 44 g fat per serving.
- Ingredients: salmon, leeks, cream, butter, thyme, Dijon mustard.
- Frozen salmon works straight from the freezer, fresh salmon works just as well.
- French-inspired, classic flavors without carb-heavy sides.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets on a shared leek bed
| Amount | Ingredient | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen salmon fillet (or fresh salmon) | thawed, 2 pieces of 200 g each | |||
| thawed, 2 pieces of 200 g each | ||||
| Leeks | in fine rings | |||
| in fine rings | ||||
| Cream | 30% fat | |||
| 30% fat | ||||
| Butter | - | |||
| Dijon mustard | - | |||
| Thyme | 1 tsp, dried | |||
| 1 tsp, dried | ||||
Frozen or fresh salmon?
For salmon on leeks, thawed fillet is best because it cooks more evenly in the oven and sits better on the leek bed. Place frozen salmon in a bowl in the fridge the night before, after 12 hours it is thawed. Pat dry before placing on the leeks. Fresh salmon works equally well, with the same cooking time of 15 minutes at 180 °C (355 °F). If you use frozen salmon without thawing first, add 5 minutes to the cooking time. When buying frozen salmon, look for MSC or ASC labels and choose fillets without glaze (added water).
Source: Bundeszentrum für Ernährung – Fisch richtig auftauen
Preparation
Slice the leeks into fine rings and braise them gently in butter. Stir in cream, thyme and Dijon mustard, then transfer to a baking dish. Place the salmon on top, dot with butter and bake at 180 °C (355 °F) for 20 minutes.
Why salmon on leeks in cream fits a keto diet
Leeks contain about 4 g of net carbs per 100 g, slightly higher than pure leafy greens, but still very keto-friendly in portions of up to 150 g per serving. Cream with 30% fat provides 30 g of fat per 100 ml with only 3 g of carbs. Combined with 25 g of butter and 200 g of salmon, you get a rich, satisfying meal. Compared to classic leek gratins with potatoes (25+ g of carbs), this version stays at around 6 g of net carbs.
Source: FDDB – Lauch (Porree)
Leeks and minerals
Leeks are a good source of potassium (180 mg/100 g), folate and vitamin K. On a ketogenic diet with an increased need for minerals, vegetables like this are valuable for supporting electrolyte balance.
How do I serve and vary the dish?
Transfer the salmon together with the leek bed straight onto a warmed plate and sprinkle with a little fresh chives or parsley. From experience, a simple endive salad with walnuts pairs perfectly as a side.
Variation with fennel
Instead of leeks, braised fennel (cut into fine strips) works just as well. Fennel has about 3 g of net carbs per 100 g and adds a delicate anise note to the dish.
Which tips help when braising leeks?
- Only use the white and light green parts of the leek, the dark green is fibrous.
- Slice the leeks into thin rings (3 mm) so they braise evenly.
- Wash thoroughly before braising, dirt often hides between the layers.
- Braise over low heat, do not fry, leeks should turn soft, not brown.
- Add the cream only after 5 minutes of braising so it does not simmer for too long.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving | Keto context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | approx. 175 kcal | approx. 590 kcal | A satisfying main meal with a high fat share. |
| A satisfying main meal with a high fat share. | |||
| Fat | approx. 13 g | approx. 44 g | About 67% of calories from fat, cream plus butter plus salmon. |
| About 67% of calories from fat, cream plus butter plus salmon. | |||
| Net carbs | approx. 1.8 g | approx. 6 g | From leeks and cream, at the upper end of the keto range. |
| From leeks and cream, at the upper end of the keto range. | |||
| Sugar | approx. 1.5 g | approx. 5 g | Natural sugars from leeks and lactose. |
| Natural sugars from leeks and lactose. | |||
| Protein | approx. 12 g | approx. 41 g | Salmon as the protein source. |
| Salmon as the protein source. | |||
| Salt | approx. 0.4 g | approx. 1.2 g | Added salt. |
| Added salt. | |||
Note: Nutrition values are estimated averages per 100 g and per serving and may vary depending on ingredients, brands, portion size, and preparation. They do not replace individual nutrition or medical advice.
FAQ
Can I use fresh salmon instead?
Yes. Fresh salmon works just as well, with the same cooking time of 20 minutes at 180 °C (355 °F) on the leek bed.
How do I thaw frozen salmon?
Place it in a bowl in the fridge the night before, after about 12 hours the salmon is thawed. Pat dry before using. Never thaw in warm water or at room temperature.
Are leeks keto-friendly?
Yes, in moderation. Leeks contain about 4 g of net carbs per 100 g, which is fine in portions of up to 150 g per person. On a strict keto plan (under 20 g of carbs per day), watch the portion size.
Can I prepare the dish in advance?
Yes. The leek bed can be prepared in the baking dish a day ahead. Place the salmon on top just before serving and slide it into the preheated oven.