This salmon risotto is a comforting yet elegant dish, with tender flakes of salmon folded through creamy, softly cooked rice. The flavour is gentle and well balanced, with a hint of lemon and herbs lifting the richness. It is a straightforward recipe that suits confident beginners and experienced cooks alike. From start to finish, it takes around 35 minutes, making it ideal for a relaxed supper.
Ingredients
For the risotto
- 300g arborio risotto rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 30g unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 150ml dry white wine
- 900ml hot vegetable or fish stock
For the salmon
- 250g salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
To finish
- 40g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
How to Make Mary Berry Salmon Risotto
- Prepare the base: Heat the olive oil and half the butter in a wide saucepan over a gentle heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft but not coloured. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the rice: Tip in the risotto rice and stir well so each grain is coated in the butter. Cook for 1 minute until the edges of the rice look translucent.
- Pour in the wine: Add the white wine and simmer, stirring, until it has almost completely evaporated.
- Cook the risotto: Begin adding the hot stock a ladle at a time, stirring gently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue for about 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender with a slight bite.
- Add the salmon: Gently stir the salmon pieces into the rice and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until just cooked through and beginning to flake.
- Finish and rest: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the remaining butter, Parmesan, lemon juice, and herbs. Season to taste, cover, and leave to stand for 2 minutes before serving.

Tips
How do I keep the risotto creamy?
Stir gently and regularly, and make sure the stock is hot before adding it to the rice. This helps release the starch slowly.
Can I use leftover cooked salmon?
Yes, simply flake it in at the end when you add the cheese and butter, allowing it to warm through without overcooking.
What if the risotto becomes too thick?
Add a splash of hot stock or boiling water just before serving to loosen it to a soft, flowing consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad and lemon dressing.
- Pair with steamed asparagus or tenderstem broccoli.
- Finish with extra Parmesan at the table.
Storage
Room temperature
This dish should not be kept at room temperature for more than 1 hour.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or stock.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the rice and salmon can suffer.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated fat: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I bake this as a loaf instead?
Yes, divide the mixture between two loaf tins and increase the baking time slightly. Check for doneness with a skewer.
What size tray bake tin works best?
A tin around 23 x 30cm gives the ideal depth and even baking.
Can I use wholemeal flour?
You can replace half the flour with wholemeal, but the cake will be slightly denser.
Is this cake suitable for children?
Yes, it is mildly spiced and naturally sweet, making it ideal for all ages.
Mary Berry Salmon Risotto Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesCreamy salmon risotto with tender flakes of salmon, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. A comforting yet elegant main course.
Ingredients
300g arborio risotto rice
1 tbsp olive oil
30g unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
150ml dry white wine
900ml hot vegetable or fish stock
250g salmon fillet, skinned and cubed
40g Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
Salt and black pepper
Extra stock or water, if needed
Directions
- Heat oil and butter, then soften the onion in a wide pan.
- Add garlic and risotto rice, stirring to coat the grains.
- Pour in wine and let it evaporate.
- Gradually add hot stock, stirring, until rice is tender.
- Stir in salmon and cook until just done.
- Finish with butter, Parmesan, lemon juice, and herbs, then rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Keep the stock hot for best texture.
- Do not overcook the salmon.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest result.
