Keto Salmon in Mustard Cream Sauce
This recipe uses frozen salmon filet thawed in the fridge before pan-searing, fresh salmon works just as well. The creamy mustard cream sauce with Dijon and chives is ready in 20 minutes and delivers only 3 g of net carbs per serving.
Key facts at a glance
- Preparation time: approx. 20 minutes (plus thawing time for frozen salmon).
- Approx. 3 g net carbs and 45 g fat per serving.
- Ingredients: salmon filet, cream, Dijon mustard, chives, butter, lemon.
- Frozen salmon works directly, fresh salmon works just as well.
- Creamy one-pan dish, no flour as a thickener.
Ingredients
1 salmon filet (200 g) as a main course
| Amount | Ingredient | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen salmon filet (or fresh salmon) | thawed | |||
| thawed | ||||
| Cream | 30% fat | |||
| 30% fat | ||||
| Dijon mustard | - | |||
| Chives | finely chopped | |||
| finely chopped | ||||
| Butter | - | |||
| Lemon juice | approx. 1 tsp | |||
| approx. 1 tsp | ||||
| Salt | to taste | |||
| to taste | ||||
| Pepper | to taste | |||
| to taste | ||||
Frozen or fresh salmon?
For pan-seared salmon in cream sauces, it is best to thaw the frozen filet beforehand. Place the filet in a bowl in the fridge the night before, after approx. 12 hours it is perfectly thawed. Before searing, pat it thoroughly dry, otherwise it spatters in the pan and the salmon ends up steamed instead of seared. Fresh salmon works just as well, simply pat it dry and sear. The cooking time stays the same. When buying frozen salmon, look for MSC or ASC labels and choose filets without glazing (added water). Do not thaw in warm water, that ruins the fish's texture.
Preparation
Sear the salmon in butter on both sides and remove. In the same pan bring the cream to a boil, stir in the Dijon mustard and reduce for 2 minutes. Return the salmon to the sauce, warm briefly and sprinkle with chives.
Why salmon in mustard cream sauce fits keto well
Cream with 30% fat delivers about 30 g of fat per 100 ml with only 3 g of carbs. Dijon mustard (1 tbsp) contains approx. 0.5 g of carbs. Together with 200 g of salmon (40 g protein, 0 g carbs) and 20 g of butter you get a very fat-rich, satiating meal. Classic mustard cream sauces are often thickened with flour (5 to 8 g of carbs extra), here the cream reduces by itself to the right consistency.
How do I serve and vary the salmon?
Arrange the salmon with the mustard cream sauce on a pre-warmed plate and sprinkle plenty of fresh chives over the top. From personal experience, green beans, pan-fried leeks or a cauliflower puree are perfect side dishes, they soak up the sauce beautifully.
Mustard variation
Instead of classic Dijon, whole grain Dijon (with mustard seeds) also works and adds more texture. Avoid honey mustard, which contains added sugar. For more heat: stir in an extra 1 tsp of English mustard.
Which tips help with mustard cream sauce?
- Pat the salmon thoroughly dry before searing, a wet filet does not brown evenly.
- Use cream with at least 30% fat, light cream curdles.
- Stir in the mustard only after reducing the cream, otherwise it loses aroma.
- Do not boil the sauce, only simmer it, otherwise it curdles.
- Always use fresh chives and sprinkle them on only just before serving.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving | Keto context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | approx. 220 kcal | approx. 580 kcal | Satiating main meal with a high fat share. |
| Satiating main meal with a high fat share. | |||
| Fat | approx. 17 g | approx. 45 g | Approx. 70% of calories from fat, cream plus butter plus salmon. |
| Approx. 70% of calories from fat, cream plus butter plus salmon. | |||
| Net carbs | approx. 1.1 g | approx. 3 g | From cream and mustard, within the keto limit. |
| From cream and mustard, within the keto limit. | |||
| Sugar | approx. 1.0 g | approx. 2.5 g | Milk sugar from the cream. |
| Milk sugar from the cream. | |||
| Protein | approx. 15 g | approx. 41 g | High-quality protein from salmon. |
| High-quality protein from salmon. | |||
| Salt | approx. 0.5 g | approx. 1.3 g | From Dijon and added salt. |
| From Dijon and 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. Simply pat it dry and sear it as in the recipe, the cooking time stays the same.
How do I thaw frozen salmon for this recipe?
Place the frozen salmon in a bowl in the fridge the night before, after approx. 12 hours it is thawed. Pat it thoroughly dry before searing. Never thaw in warm water or at room temperature.
Which mustard is keto friendly?
Classic Dijon mustard and whole grain Dijon are very low in carbs (approx. 0.5 g per tbsp). Avoid honey mustard, sweet mustard or American yellow mustard, these contain added sugar.
Can I make the sauce with creme fraiche?
Yes. Creme fraiche (at least 30% fat) works like cream but is a little more tart. In that case leave out the lemon juice, otherwise the sauce becomes too sour.