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Salmon Bagel Sandwiches

This recipe creates flavorful salmon bagel sandwiches featuring gently steamed salmon infused with aromatics. They are assembled with a tangy herb and radish cream cheese spread, fresh arugula, red onion, and cucumber on everything bagels.
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Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine nordic
Servings 4 people
Calories 3661.5 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot or Pan with Lid For steaming salmon
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Sharp Knife
  • 1 Medium Bowl For mixing cream cheese spread
  • 1 Spoon or Spatula

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 4 lemongrass stalks bruised and cut into 4-inch pieces
  • 1 fennel bulb about 14 oz., sliced
  • 4 scallions halved crosswise
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 1 2-lb. center-cut, skin-on salmon fillet
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 3 tablespoons sliced fresh chives
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped radishes
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 everything bagels split
  • 1 cup arugula
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced English cucumber

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the steaming base by combining bruised lemongrass, sliced fennel, and halved scallions with water and white wine in a large pot or pan.
  • Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  • Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper and carefully place it in the simmering liquid.
  • Cover the pot and steam the salmon for 8-12 minutes, or until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  • While the salmon steams, prepare the cream cheese spread by mixing softened cream cheese with sliced chives, chopped radishes, chopped dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl.
  • Remove the salmon from the steaming liquid and let it cool slightly before flaking it into large pieces.
  • Split the everything bagels and lightly toast them if desired.
  • Spread a generous layer of the prepared cream cheese mixture on both halves of each bagel.
  • Layer fresh arugula, thinly sliced red onion, thinly sliced English cucumber, and flaked salmon onto the bottom half of each bagel.
  • Top with the other bagel half to complete the sandwiches.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened for easy mixing with herbs and lemon. When steaming the salmon, avoid overcrowding the pan and monitor closely to prevent overcooking, which can dry out the fish. The steaming liquid provides excellent flavor to the salmon, so don't discard it immediately; it can be strained and reduced for another use if desired. Toasting the bagels lightly before assembly adds a pleasant textural contrast to the creamy filling and tender fish.