Introduction
As someone who absolutely loves creating memorable brunch experiences, I can confidently say that this Smoked Salmon and Avocado Eggs Royale recipe has become my go-to dish for special occasions. Moreover, this luxurious combination transforms simple ingredients into something truly spectacular that never fails to impress my family and guests.
The silky hollandaise sauce perfectly complements the rich, buttery smoked salmon, while the creamy avocado adds a fresh, modern twist to this classic dish. Furthermore, the perfectly poached eggs create that magical moment when the golden yolk flows out, bringing everything together in perfect harmony.
What makes this recipe particularly special is how it balances indulgence with freshness. Additionally, the combination of textures – from the crispy English muffin base to the tender salmon and creamy sauce – creates an unforgettable dining experience. The vibrant colors also make this dish incredibly Instagram-worthy, which is always a bonus when entertaining.
This dish works wonderfully for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, celebrating a special anniversary, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary. Subsequently, I’ve discovered that the key to success lies in timing and using the freshest ingredients possible, especially when it comes to the eggs and salmon.
Perfect for:
- Special occasion brunches
- Romantic weekend mornings
- Holiday breakfast celebrations
- Impressing dinner guests
- Treating yourself to luxury at home
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s exactly why this Smoked Salmon and Avocado Eggs Royale will become your new favorite:
Rich and Creamy: The homemade hollandaise sauce is velvety and luxurious, creating the perfect base for all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Fresh and Balanced: The avocado provides a creamy, fresh contrast that balances the richness of the salmon and sauce perfectly.
Restaurant Quality: This dish delivers five-star restaurant quality right in your own kitchen, making any morning feel special and indulgent.
Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe with different salmon varieties or add your favorite herbs and seasonings.
Impressive Presentation: The beautiful layers and garnish make this dish look professionally prepared and absolutely stunning.
Prep and Cook Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 520-580 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 32g, Fat: 35g
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for this incredible Smoked Salmon and Avocado Eggs Royale:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 English muffins, split and toasted
- 8 large eggs (freshest possible for best poaching)
- 200g smoked salmon slices (premium quality)
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Fresh dill for garnish
For the Hollandaise Sauce:
- 3 large egg yolks (room temperature works best)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights:
Smoked Salmon: Premium smoked salmon provides the luxurious, silky texture and rich flavor that makes this dish truly special.
Fresh Avocados: Perfectly ripe avocados add creamy freshness and beautiful color contrast while providing healthy fats.
Farm-Fresh Eggs: The freshest eggs possible ensure the best poaching results with firm whites and perfectly runny yolks.
Hollandaise Sauce: Made from scratch, this sauce elevates the entire dish with its rich, buttery flavor and velvety texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create perfect Smoked Salmon and Avocado Eggs Royale:
Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce:
Make the Base: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and fresh lemon juice until well combined and slightly thickened.
Create Double Boiler: Place the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, ensuring the bottom doesn’t touch the water. Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (approximately 3-4 minutes).
Add Butter Gradually: Remove from heat and gradually add the melted butter in a thin stream while whisking constantly. This prevents the sauce from breaking and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
Season Perfectly: Add salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. The sauce should be rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced. Keep warm by covering and setting aside.
Prepare the Poached Eggs:
Set Up Poaching Water: Fill a wide, shallow saucepan with about 3 inches of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the white vinegar, which helps the egg whites stay together.
Crack Eggs Individually: Crack each egg into a small bowl or cup first. This makes it easier to slide them gently into the water and ensures better control.
Poach with Precision: Create a gentle whirlpool in the simmering water with a spoon, then carefully slide each egg into the center. Poach for 3-4 minutes for perfectly runny yolks.
Drain and Rest: Remove each poached egg with a slotted spoon and briefly drain on paper towels to remove excess water.
Assembly Process:
Prepare Base: Place the toasted English muffin halves on warmed plates, ensuring they’re golden and crispy for the best texture contrast.
Layer Salmon: Arrange the smoked salmon slices generously over each muffin half, creating beautiful ribbons and folds for an elegant presentation.
Add Avocado: Layer the fresh avocado slices over the salmon, fanning them out for visual appeal and even distribution.
Top with Eggs: Carefully place one poached egg on top of each assembled stack, positioning it centrally for the best presentation.
Finish with Sauce: Spoon the warm hollandaise sauce generously over each poached egg, allowing it to flow naturally down the sides.
Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh dill sprigs and serve immediately while everything is warm and the eggs are perfectly runny.
How to Serve
This elegant dish pairs beautifully with various accompaniments:
With Fresh Salad: A light mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, acidic contrast to the rich hollandaise sauce.
With Roasted Potatoes: Crispy breakfast potatoes or hash browns add heartiness and complement the luxury of the salmon and eggs.
With Fresh Fruit: A colorful fruit salad featuring berries and citrus helps balance the richness and adds natural sweetness.
With Sparkling Water: Serve with sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber for a refreshing, palate-cleansing beverage.
With Herbed Cream Cheese: A small dollop of herbed cream cheese on the side adds another layer of creamy richness.
Additional Tips
Here are professional tips to ensure your Eggs Royale turns out perfectly every time:
Use Fresh Eggs: The fresher the eggs, the better they’ll hold together during poaching, resulting in neater, more professional-looking results.
Control Water Temperature: Keep the poaching water at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent the eggs from breaking apart.
Make Sauce Ahead: Hollandaise can be made up to 30 minutes ahead and kept warm in a thermos or over barely warm water.
Toast Timing: Toast the English muffins just before serving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
Salmon Quality: Invest in high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor and texture – it makes a significant difference in the final dish.
Recipe Variations
Here are 10 delicious variations to customize your Smoked Salmon and Avocado Eggs Royale:
- With Capers: Add brined capers on top of the salmon for a traditional, tangy burst of flavor.
- With Spinach: Layer fresh spinach leaves between the salmon and avocado for added nutrients and color.
- With Cream Cheese: Spread herbed cream cheese on the English muffins before adding toppings for extra richness.
- With Tomatoes: Add thin slices of ripe tomatoes for freshness and additional layers of flavor.
- With Different Herbs: Try chives, parsley, or tarragon instead of dill for varied aromatic profiles.
- With Lemon Zest: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the finished dish for bright, citrusy notes.
- With Turkey Bacon: Add crispy turkey bacon strips for extra protein and smoky flavor.
- With Microgreens: Top with delicate microgreens for a restaurant-style presentation and peppery taste.
- With Hot Sauce: Drizzle a small amount of sriracha or hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
- With Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top for added texture and savory flavor.
Essential Equipment
Here are the key tools you’ll need for perfect Eggs Royale preparation:
- Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl: Essential for making smooth, lump-free hollandaise sauce without scrambling the eggs.
- Wire Whisk: A good whisk ensures proper incorporation of ingredients and smooth sauce consistency.
- Wide Shallow Saucepan: Perfect for poaching multiple eggs simultaneously with proper water circulation.
- Slotted Spoon: Necessary for carefully removing poached eggs from water without breaking the yolks.
- Small Bowls: For cracking eggs individually before poaching, ensuring better control and success.
- Sharp Knife: Essential for cleanly slicing avocados and achieving professional-looking presentation.
- Cutting Board: A stable surface for safely preparing all ingredients and garnishes.
- Paper Towels: Important for draining poached eggs and cleaning up during preparation.
- Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent sauce and perfect flavor balance.
- Warming Plates: Pre-warmed plates keep everything at the optimal serving temperature.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Components: While this dish is best served immediately, individual components can be prepared ahead for easier assembly.
Hollandaise Storage: Fresh hollandaise can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently rewarmed over low heat with constant whisking.
Poached Eggs: Poached eggs can be stored in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and rewarmed in simmering water.
Salmon Storage: Unused smoked salmon should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated, lasting up to 5 days past opening.
Assembly Note: For best results, always assemble the complete dish fresh, as the combination of warm and cold elements is essential.
Reheating Tips: If reheating individual components, be gentle to maintain textures and prevent overcooking.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the hollandaise sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare hollandaise sauce up to 30 minutes before serving. Keep it warm in a thermos or over barely warm water, whisking occasionally. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to make it fresh when possible.
2. What if my hollandaise sauce breaks or curdles?
If your hollandaise breaks, don’t panic! Remove it from heat immediately and whisk in one tablespoon of hot water. Alternatively, start with a fresh egg yolk in a clean bowl and slowly whisk the broken sauce into it.
3. Can I use store-bought hollandaise sauce?
While homemade is always best, you can use high-quality store-bought hollandaise sauce in a pinch. Look for brands that use natural ingredients and warm it gently before serving for the best results.
4. How do I know when my poached eggs are perfectly cooked?
For runny yolks, poach eggs for 3-4 minutes. The whites should be set but the yolk should still jiggle slightly when gently shaken. For firmer yolks, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. What type of smoked salmon works best?
Choose cold-smoked salmon over hot-smoked for this recipe. Look for wild-caught varieties when possible, and avoid overly salty options. Norwegian or Scottish salmon typically offer excellent quality and flavor.
6. Can I substitute the English muffins?
Absolutely! Try toasted brioche, sourdough bread, croissants, or even bagels. Just ensure whatever you choose is sturdy enough to support all the toppings without becoming soggy.
7. How ripe should the avocados be?
Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy. They should be creamy but still hold their shape when sliced. If they’re too hard, they’ll be difficult to slice and won’t have the right texture.
8. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter in the hollandaise with vegan butter or olive oil, though the flavor and texture will be different. Alternatively, use a dairy-free hollandaise sauce or skip it entirely and use avocado oil-based dressing.
9. What should I do if I don’t have white vinegar for poaching?
You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. The acid helps the egg whites coagulate faster, creating neater poached eggs with less feathery edges.
10. How can I prevent the English muffins from getting soggy?
Toast the muffins until they’re golden and crispy, and serve immediately after assembly. You can also lightly butter the muffins before toasting for an additional moisture barrier.
Easy Printable Recipe
SSmoked Salmon and Avocado Eggs Royale
Ingredients
- 4 English muffins, split and toasted
- 8 large eggs
- 200g smoked salmon slices
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Fresh dill for garnish
For the Hollandaise Sauce:
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
Execution
1
Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks and lemon juice. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens.
2
Add Butter to Sauce: Gradually add melted butter to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and thick. Season with salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Set aside.
3
Poach the Eggs: Fill a wide saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add white vinegar. Carefully crack each egg into a small bowl and slide it into the simmering water. Poach for 3-4 minutes for runny yolks. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
4
Assemble the Dish: Place a slice of toasted English muffin on each plate. Top with slices of smoked salmon and avocado.
5
Add Poached Eggs: Gently place poached eggs on top of the salmon and avocado.
6
Pour Hollandaise Sauce: Spoon hollandaise sauce generously over each poached egg.
7
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately.
Additional tips
Serve with a side of mixed greens or a light fruit salad to balance the richness of the dish.
For a shortcut, you can use store-bought hollandaise sauce, but preparing it from scratch adds an authentic touch.
Experiment with different types of smoked salmon for varied flavors, such as dill-infused or peppered varieties.
Ensure your eggs are as fresh as possible for the best poaching results.
If you prefer a non-traditional twist, consider adding a sprinkle of capers or a dash of hot sauce for extra zing.