Steam Cooking Salmon: A Healthy, Delicious Method

Steaming salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook the fish, preserving its natural flavour and moisture. It is also a versatile dish that can be served hot, warm, or chilled, and paired with a variety of sauces and dressings. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets, but on average, it takes about 20 minutes to steam salmon.

How long to steam salmon for

Steaming salmon is a quick and easy way to cook the fish, and it usually takes around 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For a one-inch-thick salmon fillet, it will take 6 to 8 minutes to steam, and the fish will be moist, flavorful, and delicious. If you are steaming thicker fillets, add another 3 to 4 minutes of cooking time for every additional half-inch thickness of salmon.

To check if the salmon is cooked, you can use an instant meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be between 120°F and 125°F. For medium to well-done, the temperature range is between 125°F and 140°F. The salmon will be a light pinkish-orange color and firm (but not hard) to the touch when it is done.

When steaming salmon, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the method and equipment used. Some recipes call for wrapping the salmon in parchment paper, while others use a steamer basket or rack. Additionally, the type of steaming liquid used can also affect the cooking time. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the salmon while it is steaming to ensure it does not overcook.

What to serve with steamed salmon

Steamed salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be served hot, warm, or chilled. It is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes to enhance its flavour and make it a more substantial meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with steamed salmon:

Rice and Grains

Rice is a simple and popular side dish to serve with salmon. It can be served plain or with herbs, spices, or other ingredients mixed in. Some specific types of rice that go well with salmon include brown rice, white rice, and cilantro lime rice. Other grains that can be served with salmon include quinoa, farro, and couscous.

Vegetables

There are many vegetables that make great side dishes for salmon. Asparagus, broccolini, and green beans are all good choices and can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as roasted, sautéed, or steamed. Other vegetable side dish options include Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, and cabbage.

Salads

Salads are a refreshing option to pair with steamed salmon. Some specific salad ideas include a simple arugula salad, a cucumber dill salad, a fennel salad with Parmesan, or a lentil salad.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be prepared in many different ways. Some specific potato side dish options to serve with salmon include roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, French-inspired potato salad, and garlic butter smashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes also go well with salmon and can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as roasted, steamed, or mashed.

Pasta

Pasta is another option for a side dish to serve with salmon. Some specific pasta side dish ideas include orzo, lemon herb pasta salad, creamy spinach Parmesan orzo, and gnocchi.

How to prepare salmon for steaming

Steaming salmon is a great, healthy option that is quick and easy to prepare. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare salmon for steaming:

Step 1: Skin On or Off?

Firstly, decide whether you want to steam the salmon with the skin on or off. It is entirely up to you, but keep in mind that steamed salmon skin can be rubbery and gummy, and not very pleasant to eat. If you do decide to leave the skin on, it will peel off easily after steaming. You can ask your fishmonger to remove the skin for you, or you can do it yourself with a thin, sharp-bladed knife.

Step 2: Check for Pin Bones

Many stores remove pin bones for you, but if not, you will need to do this yourself. Gently rub your fingers over the sides and top of the fish, and if you feel any pin bones, remove them with small pliers or tweezers.

Step 3: Seasoning and Set-up

You will need a large cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid, such as a Dutch oven, and a steamer basket. The steamer basket can be made of stainless steel, silicone, or bamboo. For the steaming liquid, combine cold water with aromatics such as lemon, garlic, fresh or dried herbs, white wine, or broth. Bring the liquid to a boil, then turn down the heat and let it simmer.

Step 4: Prepare the Salmon

Cut the salmon fillet into four equal pieces, and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like granulated garlic, lemon pepper, or a dry rub.

Step 5: Steam the Salmon

Spray the steamer basket with non-stick spray, and place the salmon fillets inside. Make sure the water level in the pot is about one inch deep and reaches just the bottom of the steamer basket. Place the lid on the pot, and steam the salmon for about 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 120-145°F. It should be opaque on the outside and slightly translucent in the center.

What to season salmon with

Steamed salmon is a great, healthy option for a quick and easy meal. Seasoning salmon is a matter of personal preference, but there are some simple and classic combinations that work well.

A good place to start is with salt and pepper. From there, you can add granulated garlic, lemon pepper, or a blend like 'everything but the bagel'.

For a Mediterranean twist, try a combination of cumin, coriander, and Aleppo pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and add lemon slices, white wine, and fresh herbs like parsley.

If you're after a mild lemon, garlic, and dill flavour, add those ingredients to the steaming liquid. You can also use broth or wine to add extra flavour to the salmon.

For an Asian-inspired dish, try a toasted sesame oil and soy sauce combination, sprinkled with green onions.

So, to summarise, the following seasonings work well with salmon:

• Salt and pepper
• Granulated garlic
• Lemon pepper
• 'Everything but the bagel' blend
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Aleppo pepper
• Olive oil
• Lemon slices
• White wine
• Fresh herbs (e.g. parsley)
• Dill
• Toasted sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Green onions

What to cook salmon in

Steaming salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this delicate fish. There are several ways to steam salmon, each requiring different cooking equipment.

Steamer Basket

You can steam salmon using a steamer basket, placed in a large cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid. The water level should just reach the bottom of the steamer basket, about an inch of water. You can use a stainless steel vegetable steamer, a bamboo steamer basket, or a silicone basket.

Dutch Oven

A cast iron Dutch oven with a heavy lid is a great option for steaming salmon. You can use a metal rack with 1-inch legs that fits nicely inside the Dutch oven. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper to wrap the salmon and create a pouch for steaming. The parchment paper traps the steam and cooks the fish evenly.

Steamer Tray

Another option is to use a steamer tray placed in a large pot filled halfway with water. You will need a heatproof plate or pan that fits inside the steamer tray and can hold the salmon fillets. The plate or pan catches the sauce and prevents it from spilling into the steaming water.

Other Options

You can also use a regular metal colander set inside a large soup pot, or an Asian bamboo stackable steamer.

Frequently asked questions