Steaming Salmon Perfection: Bamboo Steamer Timing

Steaming salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare the fish. It is also a simple cooking method that yields tasty results. The length of time it takes to cook salmon in a bamboo steamer varies depending on the thickness of the fillets and the heat level. On average, it takes between 10 to 20 minutes to steam salmon in a bamboo steamer.

Steamer basket preparation

Before using your bamboo steamer for the first time, it's a good idea to wash and soak it. This will help to remove any dust, debris or manufacturing odours. To do this, place the steamer in a pot of cool water and gently scrub it with a soft brush. You can also use hot, soapy water for this step if you prefer. Rinse the steamer with hot water, then soak it in hot water for around 30 minutes.

After soaking, the steamer should be steamed while empty for about 30 minutes. This will ensure that the basket is clean and ready to use. It's important to note that bamboo is very porous, so it's best not to soak the basket for longer than 5 minutes at a time to avoid cracking.

When preparing your food, cut it into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Space the food out evenly in a single layer, leaving enough room for steam to circulate. If you're cooking food that expands, like dumplings, leave at least 2.5 cm of space around each item. For other foods, a minimum of 1 cm of space is recommended.

When filling your bamboo steamer, always place meat, poultry and seafood in a separate tier at the bottom of the stack, closest to the steam source. This will help ensure that these proteins reach a safe internal temperature during cooking. For example, chicken should be cooked to 74 °C (165 °F).

Vegetables and tofu can be placed in the middle or top tiers, with denser and thicker vegetables like carrots and potatoes in a separate tier from quicker-cooking vegetables like green beans and bell peppers.

If you're cooking dumplings or pre-soaked rice, place them in a middle tier by themselves. The ideal placement and cooking time for dumplings will vary depending on their filling, so be sure to follow your recipe's guidance.

When you're ready to cook, add about 5 cm of water to a shallow pan that's around 7-10 cm deep. A wok is a traditional and ideal option, but any shallow pan with sloped sides will work well. The sloped sides will keep the bamboo basket slightly raised, improving steaming performance and preventing scorching.

Place the pan on medium heat until the water comes to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Place the bamboo steamer in the pan, either before or after the water has started simmering, depending on your preference. Cover the steamer with its own lid or the pan's lid.

Now, let your food steam until it's cooked to your liking. Meats will take around 20-30 minutes, seafood and dumplings around 10-15 minutes, and vegetables about 5-10 minutes. Keep the lid on until you approach the expected cooking time, and be sure to check the water level if you're cooking for more than 10 minutes.

Once your food is cooked, turn off the heat and use heat-resistant gloves to carefully lift the steamer out of the pan. Separate the tiers and use tongs or chopsticks to transfer the food to a serving dish, or serve it straight from the steamer basket.

Salmon seasoning

Salmon is a versatile fish that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and sauces. Here are some ideas for seasoning salmon before steaming it in a bamboo steamer:

Simple Seasoning

A simple combination of salt and pepper is a classic choice for seasoning salmon. You can also add granulated garlic to this mixture for an extra flavour boost.

Citrus and Herb Seasoning

For a bright and fresh flavour, try seasoning your salmon with a mixture of lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs such as thyme, tarragon, parsley, or dill. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available.

Spicy Seasoning

If you like a little kick to your salmon, try a spicy seasoning blend. Combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and garlic powder for a flavourful and spicy kick to your salmon.

Asian-Inspired Seasoning

For an Asian-inspired twist, try seasoning your salmon with a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. You can also add a touch of honey or brown sugar to balance out the savoury flavours.

Herb and Spice Rub

For a heartier flavour, try an herb and spice rub on your salmon. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper, and rub it generously on the salmon before steaming.

Remember, when cooking salmon in a bamboo steamer, it is important to first marinate or season the fish and then place it in the steamer basket with some vegetables. Steam until the salmon is fully cooked, usually around 8-10 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets. Enjoy your delicious and healthy dish!

Steamer liquid

When preparing to steam salmon, creating an aromatic and flavourful steaming liquid is a great way to add a light boost of flavour to the fish. The steaming liquid should come just to the bottom of the steamer unit and should not touch the fish.

For the liquid base, you can use cold water, broth, or wine. Wine or broth will add more flavour to the salmon than water. If you want to skip the wine, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or lemon juice. You will need enough liquid to come up to the bottom of the steamer basket.

For a boost of flavour, combine the liquid with:

• Fresh lemons, sliced or juiced
• Crushed or grated 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)

Steamer cooking time

The cooking time for salmon in a bamboo steamer varies depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked salmon:

• For a one-inch-thick salmon fillet, steaming time ranges from six to eight minutes for moist and flavorful results.
• If you prefer your salmon to be medium-rare, steam it for approximately five minutes. It should be opaque on the outside and slightly translucent in the center, with a slight give when pressed.
• To achieve medium-rare salmon, steam for an additional minute or two, until the internal temperature reaches between 120°F and 125°F.
• For a well-done preference, steam your salmon for a further two to three minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F.
• Thicker fillets may require additional cooking time; add three to four minutes for every additional half-inch of thickness.
• When checking the doneness of your salmon, it is best to avoid lifting the lid before the minimum cooking time has passed.
• The salmon is fully cooked when it is a pale pink color and flakes easily with a fork.
• Remember that the salmon will continue to cook even after being removed from the steamer due to residual heat.
• To ensure even cooking, place the salmon on the top shelf of the bamboo steamer, allowing the gentle heat to cook the fish perfectly.
• For a complete meal, you can steam vegetables on the lower shelf of the bamboo steamer while the salmon cooks above.
• Frozen vegetables, such as broccoli and French beans, typically take around ten minutes to turn bright green and become tender.
• It is crucial to monitor the water level in the steamer to ensure it doesn't evaporate completely. Refill the water as needed to maintain a steady simmer.

Salmon serving suggestions

Salmon is a versatile fish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

Rice and Grains

Rice is a simple and popular choice to serve with salmon. It can be cooked in the same bamboo steamer as the salmon, making it a convenient option. For extra flavour, try cooking the rice in a broth made with garlic, lemon, herbs, and white wine. Other grains that pair well with salmon include couscous, barley, farro, and quinoa.

Vegetables

Asparagus is a classic vegetable pairing for salmon. It can be steamed, sautéed, or grilled and served with a squeeze of lemon. Other vegetables that complement salmon include broccoli, broccolini, bok choy, kale, cabbage, carrots, green beans, and red pepper. Oven-roasted or air-fried vegetables are a healthy option, and you can also serve the salmon with a simple salad, such as arugula and avocado.

Potatoes

Potatoes are another versatile side dish that can be roasted, smashed, fried, or boiled. For an extra flavour boost, try adding garlic, butter, or cheese to your potatoes. Sweet potatoes also pair well with salmon and can be roasted or mashed.

Pasta

Pasta is a filling side dish that goes well with salmon. Try orzo, penne, or spaghetti with a creamy sauce, herbs, or lemon. For a lighter option, prepare a cold pasta salad with vegetables and a vinaigrette dressing.

Sauces

To enhance the flavour of your salmon, serve it with a tasty sauce. Some options include a creamy aioli, lemon-caper vinaigrette, pesto, salsa, tzatziki, or a simple combination of soy sauce and toasted sesame oil.

Frequently asked questions