Elevate Your Meal: The Ultimate Open-Face Salmon Sandwich with Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Sweet Mustard Sauce

Imagine a dish so effortlessly elegant and bursting with flavor that it transforms your everyday meal into a gourmet experience. This isn’t just any salmon dish; it’s an exquisite open-face salmon sandwich, crowned with a remarkable 15-second Dijon mustard sauce, perfectly complemented by creamy avocado, tender hard-boiled egg, ripe tomato, and crisp greens, all served atop wholesome seedy bread. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, promising a culinary delight that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Get ready to dive into the steps that will make your next salmon meal truly unforgettable.

For many home cooks, salmon is a culinary staple, often prepared with minimalist flair. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper, followed by a quick grill, is usually enough to bring out its inherent deliciousness. There’s a certain beauty in this simplicity, a perfection that often makes one question the need to deviate. Why complicate something that’s already so inherently good?

The answer, in this case, comes directly from the renowned culinary world: because acclaimed Chef Marcus Samuelsson shows us how to elevate perfection. And once you taste his ingenious creation, you’ll wholeheartedly agree. Chef Samuelsson’s Sweet Mustard Sauce is a game-changer – a harmonious blend of Dijon mustard, golden honey, rich olive oil, and a vibrant squeeze of lemon, all whisked together in a mere 15 seconds. This quick-to-prepare condiment is more than just an accompaniment; it’s a star player that brightens and enhances the natural richness of grilled salmon. Its versatility is also remarkable; by simply adjusting the olive oil content, it effortlessly transforms into a fantastic honey-mustard salad dressing, offering an elegant alternative if you prefer to serve your salmon over a bed of fresh, crisp lettuce instead of bread. This sauce truly proves that sometimes, a little “complication” can lead to extraordinary flavors.

Marcus Samuelsson’s Culinary Philosophy and the Power of Digital Engagement

Chef Marcus Samuelsson is not just a culinary master; he’s a visionary who understands the evolving landscape of food communication. His approach to cooking blends global influences with innovative techniques, always with an emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients and vibrant flavors. This philosophy extends beyond the kitchen and into the digital realm, where Samuelsson has embraced modern media to connect with a broader audience.

A few years ago, my colleagues at Be Everywhere, a leading social media agency, had the distinct pleasure of hosting Chef Samuelsson for a Macy’s Culinary Council event in Washington D.C. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend, but I eagerly sent two exceptional food bloggers in my stead: the highly respected Mrs. Wheelbarrow and the enigmatic W. Mark Felt. Mrs. Wheelbarrow captured a fascinating video during the event, where she engaged Marcus Samuelsson in a discussion about the burgeoning world of food blogging. His insights offered a valuable glimpse into how top chefs perceive and interact with the digital food community.

While the original video is no longer embedded here due to technical considerations, Chef Samuelsson’s take on blogging and social media was insightful. He himself is a prolific blogger and an active presence on platforms like Twitter. This engagement underscores a crucial aspect of modern culinary influence: the ability to connect directly with an audience. Samuelsson’s digital presence exemplifies how chefs can share their passion, recipes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, fostering a deeper connection with food enthusiasts worldwide. It’s a testament to the idea that great food isn’t just about what’s on the plate, but also about the stories and connections it creates.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its exquisite flavor but also in the simplicity of its core components. Gathered below are the fresh, high-quality ingredients that form the foundation of this delightful dish:

And, of course, the star component that brings it all together: the bright, tangy, and subtly sweet mustard sauce, meticulously crafted to perfection by Chef Samuelsson himself:

Transforming Your Open-Face Salmon Sandwich into a Vibrant Buddha Bowl!

This open-face salmon sandwich is already a powerhouse of nutrition, boasting a balanced profile of lean protein from the salmon, essential vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from avocado and olive oil. It truly has all the makings of a complete and satisfying meal. But what if you’re looking for an alternative to bread, or simply want to extend the enjoyment of these incredible flavors in a different format?

The solution is simple and incredibly delicious: transform this delightful meal into a vibrant Buddha bowl! This is an especially fantastic idea if you happen to have any leftover sweet mustard sauce, as its zesty flavor makes an unparalleled dressing for a grain bowl. To adapt the recipe, simply replace the bread with a generous serving of your favorite whole grains and load up on an abundance of mixed greens. The result is a customizable, nutrient-dense bowl that’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, offering endless possibilities for variation.

Essential Tips for Crafting the Best Salmon Avocado Buddha Bowl

• **Master Your Grains:** For a truly outstanding Buddha bowl, the base grain is key. If you’re using freekeh, a smoky and nutty ancient grain, you’ll want to ensure it’s cooked to perfection. Many online resources provide step-by-step guides on how to cook freekeh, ensuring it’s tender yet retains a slight bite. Alternatively, quinoa is another excellent choice, offering a complete protein and a delightful texture. Learn to prepare quinoa easily in the microwave for a quick option.
• **Add a Crunchy Element:** Texture contrast is vital in a satisfying Buddha bowl. Elevate your dish by incorporating a crunchy topping. Toasted almonds provide a wonderful nuttiness, or if you’re using quinoa as your base, consider making crispy quinoa for an extra layer of textural delight. Other fantastic crunchy additions include toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or even a sprinkle of crumbled baked chickpeas.
• **Customize Your Greens:** While mixed leafy greens are a great start, feel free to experiment. Spinach, kale, arugula, or even shredded cabbage can add different flavor profiles and nutritional benefits to your bowl.
• **Incorporate More Vegetables:** Beyond the tomato and red onion, consider adding roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, spiralized cucumber, or bell peppers for extra color, flavor, and nutrients. Pickled vegetables, like quick-pickled red onions or radishes, can also provide a wonderful tangy counterpoint.
• **Perfect Your Salmon:** Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, ensure your salmon is cooked to your preferred doneness – flaky and moist is ideal. Season it well before cooking to enhance its natural flavors.
• **Don’t Forget the Herbs:** A sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro can brighten the entire bowl and add a burst of freshness.

The Art of Food Photography and Styling: Bringing Recipes to Life

In the vibrant world of culinary arts and food blogging, presentation is almost as crucial as taste. A beautifully styled dish, expertly captured through the lens, can inspire countless home cooks and food enthusiasts. My journey in creating this particular salmon sandwich recipe involved not just culinary exploration but also a dedicated dive into the nuances of food styling and photography. If you share an interest in the intricate details that go into transforming a delicious meal into a visually stunning photograph, I’ve documented my step-by-step process on the Food Blog Forum.

In that detailed feature, I illuminate the seemingly minor, yet critically important, elements I meticulously observe through the camera’s lens. From the precise placement of each ingredient to the play of light and shadow, every decision is aimed at creating that “money shot” – a photograph that not only entices but also tells the story of the dish. Understanding these subtle visual cues can significantly elevate your own food presentations, whether for personal enjoyment or for sharing with a wider audience.

Open Face Salmon Sandwich with Sweet Mustard Sauce Recipe

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.

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 448 kcal

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 (from above recipe)
• 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

1. To make the Sweet Mustard sauce, whisk together the mustard and honey in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking continuously until emulsified. Stir in the lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. To hard boil the egg, place the egg in a small pot and cover with water by 1 inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately turn the heat off. Cover the pot and let the egg sit in the hot water for exactly 7 minutes. After 7 minutes, drain the hot water, rinse the egg under cool water to stop the cooking process, and peel once cool enough to handle. Cut the egg into quarters lengthwise.
3. Heat a grill pan over high heat until very hot. Lightly brush the salmon fillets with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Place the salmon on the hot grill pan and cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your desired doneness and easily flakes with a fork.
4. Wipe the grill pan clean or use a toaster. Brush the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil on one side of each bread slice. Grill the bread for about 30 seconds per side, or until nicely toasted and golden brown.
5. To assemble the open-face sandwiches, first cut each salmon fillet into 2 pieces for easier handling. On each toasted bread slice, layer a generous amount of leafy greens, followed by slices of tomato, avocado, quartered egg, thinly sliced red onion, and then the grilled salmon pieces. Finish by scattering capers over the top and spooning a generous amount of the Sweet Mustard Sauce over each sandwich. Serve immediately, open-faced.

Notes

Nutrition information provided includes the full values for the Sweet Mustard Sauce. The actual amount consumed may vary depending on individual serving sizes and preferences.

Nutrition

Calories: 448 kcal
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Protein: 9 g
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 41 mg
Sodium: 666 mg
Potassium: 458 mg
Fiber: 8 g
Sugar: 8 g
Vitamin A: 389 IU
Vitamin C: 10 mg
Calcium: 66 mg
Iron: 3 mg

Keywords

salmon recipe, sandwich recipe, open face salmon, sweet mustard sauce, healthy salmon, buddha bowl

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was! Share your experience and tips in the comments below.