Steaming Salmon: How Long Before It's Ready?

Steamed salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be served hot, warm, or chilled. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon fillets. A one-inch-thick salmon fillet will take around 6 to 10 minutes to cook, and thicker fillets will need an additional 3 to 4 minutes for every extra half-inch of thickness. To check if the salmon is cooked, insert a knife into the thickest part of the flesh – it should go in easily, and the salmon should be opaque on the outside and slightly translucent in the centre.

How to prepare the steamer

To prepare your steamer, you'll need a pot with a tight-fitting lid. A cast-iron Dutch oven works well, as it has a heavy lid to keep the steam inside. You can also use a regular metal colander inside a large soup pot, an Asian bamboo stackable steamer, or a small, round, 8-inch metal rack with 1-inch legs that fits inside your pot.

Once you've chosen your steamer, fill the pot with water, broth, or wine to a level that will reach just below the steamer when placed inside. You want to ensure that the liquid does not touch the fish, as this will affect the cooking process.

Next, add your choice of aromatics to the liquid. This could include fresh or dried herbs, citrus slices, garlic, or spices. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer while you prepare the salmon.

Before adding the salmon to the steamer, it's important to remove its skin. The skin can be easily peeled off after steaming, but removing it beforehand allows the steam to better penetrate the flesh. Use a thin, sharp-bladed knife to remove the skin, or ask your fishmonger to do this for you.

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 purpose, or fold it underneath to create an even thickness. This will help the salmon cook more evenly.

Now, you're ready to add the salmon to the steamer. Place the salmon fillets in or on your steamer unit, ensuring that they are not submerged in the liquid. Re-cover the pot and maintain a strong simmer. For a 1-inch thick salmon fillet, steam for 6 to 8 minutes for moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked salmon. If you're steaming thicker fillets, add another 3 to 4 minutes of cooking time for every additional half-inch of thickness.

How to prepare the salmon

Preparing salmon for steaming is a quick and easy process. First, decide whether you want to steam the salmon with the skin on or off. If you opt to remove the skin, you can either do it yourself using a thin, sharp-bladed knife or ask your fishmonger to do it for you. It's worth noting that steamed salmon skin can be rubbery and gummy, so it might not be something you want to eat.

Next, check the salmon fillets for pin bones. If you find any, remove them using small pliers or tweezers. This step ensures that your salmon is smooth and free of any unwanted bones.

After that, it's time to season the salmon. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add other seasonings like granulated garlic, lemon pepper, or a dry rub blend. You can also rub the salmon with a mixture of spices like coriander, cumin, and Aleppo pepper for a Mediterranean twist. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour profile.

Once your salmon is seasoned, it's time to set up your steamer. You can use a variety of steamers, such as a stainless steel vegetable steamer, an Asian bamboo stackable steamer, or even a simple metal colander placed inside a large soup pot. Just make sure that the steaming liquid in the pan comes just to the bottom of the steamer unit and doesn't touch the fish.

Now, it's time to create your steaming liquid. While water is the most basic option, you can also use broth, wine, or a combination of ingredients like lemon slices, garlic, fresh herbs, and white wine for added flavour. Bring the steaming liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Finally, it's time to steam the salmon. Place the salmon fillets in the steamer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded, as this will affect cooking time. Cover the pot and steam for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F to 145°F, depending on your desired doneness.

And that's it! You now have perfectly steamed salmon that is moist, flavourful, and healthy. Serve it with your favourite sides and enjoy!

How to prepare the steaming liquid

When preparing to cook salmon in a steamer, it is important to consider the liquid that will be used to generate the steam. This liquid will not only provide the moisture necessary for cooking but also impart flavor to the salmon. Here are some guidelines on how to prepare the steaming liquid:

Firstly, decide on the type of liquid you want to use. Water can be used as a basic steaming liquid, but for added flavor, you might consider alternatives such as broth, wine, or a combination thereof. If using water, it is best to opt for filtered water to avoid any off-flavors that may be present in tap water.

For a simple and subtle enhancement, try using a vegetable or chicken broth as your steaming liquid. This will add a gentle savory note to the salmon without overwhelming its delicate flavor. Ensure you opt for a low-sodium variety to prevent the dish from becoming too salty. Alternatively, white wine can be used to impart a crisp, bright flavor to the fish. Go for a dry variety to balance the richness of the salmon.

If you want to get creative, you can even infuse your steaming liquid with additional aromatics. Consider adding herbs such as dill, parsley, or thyme, or spices like peppercorns, bay leaves, or sliced ginger. These ingredients will lend their unique flavors to the steam, thus enhancing the overall taste of your salmon dish.

When preparing the liquid, it is important to use the right amount. Ensure there is enough liquid to generate sufficient steam to cook the salmon through, but be careful not to add too much, as this could lead to a soggy bottom or diluted flavors. As a general rule, aim for around 2-3 inches of liquid in your steamer, depending on the size of your setup and the intensity of flavor you desire.

Preparing the steaming liquid is a crucial step in cooking salmon in a steamer, and with the right choices, you can elevate this simple dish into something truly delicious. Experiment with different liquids and aromatics to find your favorite combination, and don't be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!

I hope this was helpful! Let me know if you would like more information or guidance on any of the topics mentioned.

How long to steam the salmon for

The cooking time for salmon in a steamer depends on the thickness of the fillets. A one-inch-thick salmon fillet will take around six to eight minutes to cook. If your fillets are thicker, you should add an extra three to four minutes for every additional half-inch of thickness. For example, if your fillets are one and a half inches thick, they will take around nine to twelve minutes to cook.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your steamer setup and the intensity of the heat source. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the doneness of your salmon before serving. You can do this by inserting a knife into the thickest part of the fillet – if the salmon is cooked, the knife should be inserted easily. Another way to check is to measure the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer – for medium-rare, the temperature should be between 120°F and 125°F, and for medium to well-done, it should be between 125°F and 140°F.

Some recipes suggest that you cover the salmon with parchment paper while steaming, which helps to trap the steam and cook the fish more evenly. If you are using this method, it is important not to remove the cover while the salmon is cooking. Additionally, it is recommended to let the salmon rest for a few minutes after removing it from the heat, as it will continue to cook due to residual heat.

In conclusion, steaming salmon is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. By following the guidelines above and adjusting the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets, you can ensure that your salmon is cooked to perfection.

How to serve the salmon

There are many ways to serve steamed salmon. It can be served hot, warm, or chilled, and paired with a variety of sauces and dressings. Here are some ideas for serving this delicious and healthy dish:

• Salmon Salad: Flake the steamed salmon and serve it over a bed of mixed greens with your favourite vegetables and a light vinaigrette.
• Rice Bowl: Serve the steamed salmon over a bed of brown or white rice, with some steamed vegetables on the side.
• Quinoa Bowl: Similar to the rice bowl, but with quinoa instead. This option is great for those looking for a gluten-free or higher-protein option.
• Salmon Caesar Salad: This is a classic combination. Flake the steamed salmon and serve it over a bed of romaine lettuce, croutons, and your favourite Caesar dressing.
• Nicoise Salad: Another classic combination. Serve the steamed salmon over a bed of mixed greens, boiled eggs, green beans, potatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing.
• Lemon-Dill Aioli: For a tangy and creamy option, serve the steamed salmon with a lemon-dill aioli on the side.
• Creamy Citrus Mango Sauce: For a sweet and fruity option, serve the steamed salmon with a creamy citrus mango sauce.
• Basil Pesto: For an herbal and nutty option, serve the steamed salmon with a dollop of fresh basil pesto.
• Pineapple-Mango Salsa: For a tropical option, serve the steamed salmon with a pineapple-mango salsa.
• Tzatziki Sauce: For a Greek-inspired option, serve the steamed salmon with a tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt.
• Asian Accent: Try a combination of toasted sesame oil and soy sauce, sprinkled with green onions.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. The great thing about steamed salmon is that it is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. So feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavours and combinations!

Frequently asked questions