Easy Red Wine Poached Pears and Salmon
Looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dinner at home? This Red Wine Poached Pears with Salmon recipe delivers the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and sophisticated. Tender pears are gently poached in red wine, honey, and warm spices, then paired with perfectly seared salmon and finished with a rich reduction sauce. It’s a luxurious dish made easy—ready in just 40 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines fruity sweetness and savory richness
- Elegant enough for holidays and date nights
- Easy to prepare with make-ahead options
- Customizable with alternative proteins and poaching liquids
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups red wine
- 4 firm pears, peeled and cored
- 1 cup orange juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 salmon fillets
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 8 whole cloves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for searing
How to Make Red Wine Poached Pears with Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Poaching Liquid
In a large saucepan, combine red wine, orange juice, and honey. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 2: Poach the Pears
Add peeled and cored pears along with cinnamon sticks and cloves. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until pears are tender but hold their shape.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear them in olive oil for 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky.
Step 4: Reduce the Poaching Liquid
Remove the pears and strain the liquid to discard the spices. Return the liquid to the saucepan and boil over medium-high heat until reduced by half and slightly thickened (about 10–15 minutes).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate each salmon fillet with a poached pear on top. Drizzle with the warm red wine reduction and serve immediately.
Substitutes and Variations
What Other Proteins Can I Use?
- Chicken breast – pan-seared or roasted
- Steak – grilled or pan-fried
- Scallops – for a lighter, elegant pairing
- Tofu – a vegetarian option that soaks up flavor beautifully
Can I Use a Different Poaching Liquid?
Yes! If you’d like to skip red wine, try:
- White wine – for a lighter, fruitier taste
- Apple cider or fruit juices – like pomegranate or apple for added sweetness
- Tea (Earl Grey or Jasmine) – for a delicate and aromatic twist
What Else Can I Do with the Poaching Liquid?
Don’t toss it—repurpose it! Try these ideas:
- Reduce into a syrupy glaze for meats
- Use as a base for pan sauces
- Drizzle over roasted vegetables or even dessert
Is This Recipe Make-Ahead Friendly?
Yes! This dish is perfect for prep:
- Poach the pears and cook the salmon ahead of time
- Store separately in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheat gently before serving and prepare the reduction fresh for best flavor
Other Ways to Poach Pears
Besides stovetop simmering, try:
- Sous vide – for precision poaching
- Pressure cooker – for speed
- Slow cooker – for hands-off cooking
All methods yield tender, flavorful pears!
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Final Thoughts
This Red Wine Poached Pears with Salmon dish is where elegance meets simplicity. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or hosting guests, this sweet-and-savory entrée delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
