Finnish oven-baked salmon is tender, flaky, and full of natural flavor. Lightly seasoned with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, it’s served with creamy kermaviili (sour cream) sauce and a touch of fresh dill. Simple, comforting, and effortlessly delicious, this dish has been part of family dinners for as long as I can remember.
A Classic Combination with Kermaviili Sauce
What makes this dish special is the kermaviili sauce, a creamy and lightly tangy Finnish favorite. It pairs perfectly with oven-baked or smoked salmon, adding freshness with dill, mustard, and lemon.
Kermaviili is a Finnish cultured dairy product that sits somewhere between sour cream and yogurt. It’s smooth, mild, and slightly tangy. Outside of Finland, it can be hard to find, but it’s easy to make something similar at home. Mix plain yogurt with full-fat cream, or combine sour cream or crème fraîche with a bit of light cream (10–15%). The result is creamy but not too thick, with a delicate tang, close to kermaviili. This sauce also works beautifully with potato salad or roasted vegetables, making it a true Nordic staple.
Easy Sides for a Finnish Oven-Baked Salmon
When I bake salmon Finnish style, I like to keep the sides simple. Oven-roasted potatoes and carrots are always a favorite, especially when I brush the carrots with a little honey and balsamic vinegar before roasting. Steamed green beans, peas, or broccoli add freshness, and a small side salad rounds everything out. The whole meal feels light but cozy, perfect for a relaxed dinner any night of the week.
Ella, my Labrador and kitchen companion, never misses salmon day. She watches patiently from her spot, knowing she’ll get a few bites later. I usually give her pieces from the fattier part near the skin, full of those healthy oils that keep her coat shiny and soft.
Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a quiet weekend meal, this Finnish Oven-Baked Salmon with Kermaviili Sauce brings together simple ingredients, fresh flavors, and a touch of Nordic tradition.
If you enjoy salmon dishes, you might also like my Smoked Salmon or comforting Finnish Salmon Soup, both classic recipes that bring out the best of Nordic flavors. You can also explore more Finnish dishes here for inspiration straight from my kitchen.
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Finnish Oven-Baked Salmon with Kermaviili (Sour Cream) Sauce
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 1 salmon fillet about 1 kg
- 1 – 2 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Kermaviili (Sour Cream) Sauce
- 200 g kermaviili or 100 g sour cream and 100 g light cream
- 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
- 1-2 tsp lemon juice to taste
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper and place the salmon fillet skin-side down on top.
- Sprinkle evenly with salt and let it rest for about 1 hour at room temperature.
- Just before baking, drizzle with lemon juice and add a light grind of black pepper on top.
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Bake the salmon for 25–30 minutes, depending on thickness, until just cooked through but still moist.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Make the Kermaviili Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine kermaviili, mustard, lemon juice, dill, salt, sugar, and pepper.
- Mix gently until smooth.
- Taste and adjust, add more lemon for brightness or mustard for a bit more depth.
- Serve the salmon warm with the Kermaviili Sauce on the side. It pairs beautifully with oven-baked potatoes, honey-roasted carrots, and steamed green beans for a colorful Nordic-inspired meal.
Notes
What is Kermaviili?
Kermaviili is a Finnish cultured dairy product, similar to sour cream but with a slightly lighter texture and milder flavor. It’s made from fermented cream and often used as a base for sauces, dips, and dressings in Finnish cooking.Substitutions:
If you don’t have kermaviili, you can make a good substitute by mixing:- 100 g sour cream or crème fraîche
- 100 ml light cream (10–15%)
