Steaming Salmon: Foil-Wrapped Fillets In A Steamer

Steaming salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare the fish, and it can be done with or without foil. When steaming salmon in foil, the cook time is typically between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the size and cut of the fish. One source recommends steaming salmon without foil for about eight minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Another source recommends steaming salmon with foil for 20 minutes.

Can you cook salmon in a steamer with foil?

How to prepare salmon for steaming

Steaming salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this delicate fish. It is also practically foolproof and can be done in about 20 minutes.

First, decide whether you want to steam the salmon with the skin on or off. If you leave the skin on, it will be easy to peel off after steaming, but it is also fine to ask the fishmonger to remove it for you.

Next, check for pin bones. Many stores will remove these for you, but if not, you can take them out yourself with small pliers or tweezers.

Now it's time to prepare your steamer. You can use a stainless steel vegetable steamer, an Asian bamboo stackable steamer, a small steamer pan, a metal colander set inside a large soup pot, or a small round metal rack that fits inside a cast iron Dutch oven.

Add your steaming liquid to the pan. This can be a combination of cold water with fresh lemons, crushed garlic cloves, fresh or dried herbs, chopped leek, shallot or white onion, sliced fennel, and/or white wine or dry vermouth. Bring the liquid to a boil with the lid on, then turn down to a simmer.

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, and/or other seasonings of your choice. You can also add lemon slices and herbs to the steamer rack.

Place the salmon fillets on the steamer rack and lift the rack into the steaming pot. Make sure the liquid level is about one inch and comes just to the bottom of the rack.

Steam the salmon for about 8 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F. The salmon is done when it is light pinkish-orange and firm but not hard to the touch.

Once the salmon is steamed, move it to plates for serving or cooling. It can be served hot, warm, or chilled.

How to make a steaming liquid

To make a steaming liquid, you'll need a pot with a tight-fitting lid. The pot should be large enough to accommodate the food you're steaming, with a little room left over to avoid crowding.

Fill the pot with water, making sure the water level is below the steamer basket or rack you'll be using. The amount of water you need will depend on the length of the legs of your steamer, but it should not touch the food. You can use other liquids besides water, such as broth or wine, to add more flavour to your dish.

To create a steaming liquid with more flavour, you can add aromatics such as herbs or citrus slices to the water. Here are some specific ingredients you can use:

• Fresh lemons, sliced or juiced
• Crushed garlic cloves
• Fresh herbs like thyme sprigs, fresh tarragon, fresh parsley, or bay leaf
• Dried herbs like thyme, Italian seasoning, Herbs de Provence, dill, or bay leaves
• Chopped leek, shallot, or white onion
• Sliced fennel or fennel fronds
• White wine or white dry vermouth (optional)

How to steam salmon in an oven

Steaming salmon in an oven is a great way to cook this delicate fish, preserving its natural flavour and keeping it tender and moist.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Firstly, decide whether you want to steam the salmon with the skin on or off. If you leave the skin on, it will peel off easily after steaming, but it will be rubbery and not very nice to eat. If you want to remove the skin, use a thin, sharp-bladed knife, holding it parallel to the cutting board and pushing the blade away from you.

Next, check for pin bones. If you feel any small bones when you run your fingers over the salmon, remove them with tweezers or small pliers.

Step 2: Prepare the Steamer

You can use a variety of steamers to cook the salmon, including a stainless steel vegetable steamer, an Asian bamboo stackable steamer, a small metal rack inside a Dutch oven, or a collapsible vegetable steamer.

Add water to the pan so that it comes just to the bottom of the steamer unit and will not touch the fish. You can also use broth or wine for extra flavour. Bring the water to a boil with the lid on, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon for Steaming

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings you like. You can also add lemon slices, garlic, and fresh herbs to the steamer for extra flavour.

Step 4: Steam the Salmon

Place the salmon in the steamer, ensuring that the water does not touch the fish. Cover the pan and maintain a strong simmer. Steam the salmon for 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Check the salmon for doneness by inserting the tip of a sharp knife into the thickest part of the fish. It should be opaque on the outside and slightly translucent in the centre.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the salmon from the steamer and serve immediately with your choice of sides. Steamed salmon goes well with rice, quinoa, asparagus, broccolini, or a garden salad.

Tips:

• If your salmon fillet has a thick end and a thin end, you can either slice off the thin end and use it for another dish, or fold the thin end underneath to make the thickness even.
• Always add the salmon to the steamer after the water has started to boil and steam has begun to form.
• You can also steam salmon in foil packets in the oven. Simply wrap the salmon and your choice of seasonings and vegetables in foil and place in a frying pan or in the oven.

How to check if your salmon is cooked

There are several ways to check if your salmon is cooked. Firstly, you can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. For medium-rare salmon, the internal temperature should be between 120°F and 125°F. For medium to well-done salmon, the temperature range is between 125°F and 140°F.

Secondly, you can use your fingers or a fork to gently press down on the salmon fillet. If the flesh separates easily along the white lines (strips of fish fat) and the juices are translucent pink, the salmon is cooked.

Thirdly, you can use a cake tester or a sharp knife to poke or insert into the thickest part of the salmon fillet. If the tester or knife feels warm when touched to your bottom lip, the salmon is cooked.

Additionally, you can also examine the colour and texture of the salmon. Cooked salmon will have a translucent pink colour in the centre, while the outside colour can vary depending on the cooking method. The texture should feel firm near the centre and offer some resistance when poked.

Finally, you can also check for flakiness. When gently pressed with a fork, the cooked salmon should easily flake apart.

What to serve with steamed salmon

Steamed salmon is a healthy and delicious meal, and there are plenty of side dishes that can complement it. Here are some ideas for what to serve with steamed salmon:

Rice and Grains

Rice is a simple and versatile side dish that goes well with salmon. You can keep it basic with steamed white rice or add a twist of flavour with sesame oil. For something more exotic, try cilantro lime rice, lemon herb couscous, or farro with garlic and herbs.

Potatoes

Potatoes are another great option to serve with salmon. You can roast them with Parmesan, butter, or garlic, or smash them with garlic butter. Sweet potatoes also pair well with salmon and can be roasted, steamed, or mashed.

Pasta

Pasta is always a tasty option, and there are many types of pasta that can complement steamed salmon. Try lemon herb pasta, orzo, or fettuccine with garlic and pesto. For a lighter option, go for pasta salad, such as lemon herb pasta salad with green beans.

Vegetables

When it comes to vegetables, asparagus, broccolini, and green beans are all excellent choices to serve with salmon. You can steam, roast, or sauté them, and add a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of hollandaise sauce for extra flavour. Other veggie options include Brussels sprouts, carrots, and cucumber salad.

Salads

Salads are a refreshing side dish to accompany steamed salmon. Arugula salad, cucumber dill salad, and lentil salad are all tasty options. For something more substantial, try a white bean salad or a Mediterranean quinoa salad.

Sauces and Dressings

To add even more flavour to your steamed salmon, serve it with a variety of sauces and dressings. Aioli, lemon-dill aioli, and tzatziki sauce are all great choices. For an Asian-inspired twist, try a combination of toasted sesame oil and soy sauce.

With so many side dish options, you can easily create a well-rounded and delicious meal to enjoy with your steamed salmon!

Frequently asked questions