Steaming Salmon: Bamboo Style

Cooking salmon in a bamboo steamer is a healthy and flavourful way to prepare this fish. Bamboo steamers are a traditional way to cook in China, and they are a cheap and easy way to cook salmon without drying it out. The moist heat from the steamer, coupled with the flavours of herbs, wine, and seasonings, infuses the salmon with taste without the need for oil. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillet and whether you are cooking a whole fish or individual portions.

Steamer basket setup

To set up a steamer basket, you'll need to fill the steamer baskets with food, fill a pot with water, and then place the steamer basket over the pot.

First, line the bottom of each tray with lettuce, cabbage leaves, or parchment paper to prevent the food from sticking to the basket. Then, add the food you want to cook in a single layer. Make sure the top layer is covered with a lid. It's important to put the food that needs more heat on the bottom and the food that needs more gentle heat on the top. For example, if you're cooking vegetables with salmon, the veggies should go on the bottom.

Next, fill a pot with about two inches of water and place it on a stove. Bring the water to a simmer. Make sure your steamer basket fits snugly in the pot and isn't in danger of tipping over. Also, ensure that the bottom layer of food will sit above the waterline and doesn't get submerged. A wok or a shallow skillet or sauté pan can be used for this step.

Once the water is simmering, carefully place the steamer basket over the pot. Keep an eye on the water level and add more water if the pot starts to dry out. Check your food periodically until it is cooked to your liking.

Wok preparation

To cook salmon in a bamboo steamer using a wok, first, place the wok on the stove burner on top of a cooking ring to keep it level. Pour 1 to 2 inches of water into the wok. You can replace half of the water with wine, soy sauce, or Worcestershire sauce, depending on your recipe. Place the bamboo steamer in the wok, ensuring that the water does not reach the bottom rack of the lowest steamer basket.

Line the bamboo basket racks with Napa cabbage leaves, parchment paper, or green leaf lettuce to prevent them from absorbing the fish smell and seasonings. You can also add herbs, wine, and your choice of seasonings to infuse the salmon with flavor. Put the seasoned salmon on top of the liner.

Turn the burner to medium and wait for the water in the wok to come to a boil. If using a steamer with multiple racks, put the top on the highest steamer basket and place it in the wok. Reduce the heat to a simmer.

Steam one-inch-thick salmon fillets for 5 to 8 minutes. The salmon is done when it turns a pale pink color and flakes easily with a fork.

For a whole fish, steaming will take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on its weight. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Seasoning salmon

Salmon is a versatile fish that can be seasoned and cooked in a variety of ways. Seasoning salmon is a crucial step in enhancing its flavour and can be done using various ingredients and methods. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning salmon before cooking it in a bamboo steamer:

Simple Seasoning:

A basic approach to seasoning salmon is to stick to the classics: salt and pepper. Sprinkle some sea salt and ground black pepper on the salmon fillets before placing them in the bamboo steamer. This simple seasoning lets the natural flavour of the salmon shine through while adding a subtle savoury touch.

Herbs and Spices:

To add more depth of flavour to your salmon, consider using herbs and spices. Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, dill, thyme, tarragon, or Italian seasoning can be placed directly onto or under the salmon in the steamer. For a bolder kick, try spices like red pepper flakes, or a blend like everything but the bagel seasoning.

Citrus:

Adding a splash of citrus can brighten up the flavour of steamed salmon. Lemon is a popular choice, and you can use lemon slices or juice in the steaming liquid, or even sprinkle some lemon pepper on the salmon fillets.

Marinades and Sauces:

For a more intense flavour, you can marinate the salmon before steaming. Try a marinade of soy sauce, sake or dry white wine, Asian sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chives. Alternatively, you can brush the salmon with a sauce like a mixture of mayo, fresh dill, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, or a soy sauce and toasted sesame oil combination.

Aromatics:

Creating an aromatic steaming liquid can add subtle flavour to your salmon. In the water or steaming liquid, combine ingredients like garlic, lemon, herbs, white wine, or broth. This infuses the salmon with flavour as it cooks in the bamboo steamer.

When seasoning salmon, feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, aromatics, and sauces to find your favourite flavour profiles. Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to enhance the natural flavour of the salmon without overwhelming it. Happy steaming!

Cooking time

The cooking time for salmon in a bamboo steamer depends on the type of salmon being cooked, whether it is a fillet or a whole fish, and the thickness of the salmon.

For example, one source recommends steaming one-inch-thick fillets for 5 to 8 minutes. Another source suggests that salmon fillets be steamed for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is a pale pink colour and flakes easily with a fork. This is echoed by another source that recommends steaming salmon for 10 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked (still translucent in the centre).

On the other hand, a whole fish will take longer to cook, with one source recommending a cooking time of 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the weight of the fish.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may also depend on the recipe and the desired level of doneness. For example, one source recommends steaming salmon for about 8 minutes or until the desired doneness is achieved.

Serving suggestions

There are several ways to serve salmon cooked in a bamboo steamer. You can place the salmon on a bed of vegetables, such as spinach or pak choy, and top it with sliced onions, chives, or green onions. You can also drizzle a sauce or dressing over the salmon. Some sauce options include a syrup made from boiling the marinade, a mixture of honey, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger, or a simple combination of sesame oil and soy sauce.

Salmon cooked in a bamboo steamer can be served with a variety of side dishes. Steamed rice, especially jasmine rice, is a popular choice, and you can also serve the salmon with noodles or roasted vegetables, such as bok choy and red peppers.

When it comes to wine pairings, a lusty, fruity California Chardonnay or a full-bodied Merlot can complement the rich salmon and other bold ingredients.

Frequently asked questions