Steaming Salmon: How Long In The Oven?

Cooking salmon in a steam oven is a quick and healthy way to prepare a tasty meal. The added moisture from the steam improves the flavour, texture and colour of the fish, while preserving crispiness. The cooking time will depend on the weight and thickness of your salmon fillet, as well as the settings and type of your steam oven. For example, a 5-ounce fillet may take 10-12 minutes to cook, while a 2.5-pound side of salmon may take 20-22 minutes.

Salmon fillet cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for salmon fillets depend on various factors, such as the cooking method, the type of oven, and personal preferences for doneness. Here is a guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked salmon fillets using a steam oven.

Steam Oven Settings

If you own a convection steam oven or a combi steam oven, you can explore different settings to cook salmon. For a gentle, steamed effect, use lower temperatures. Alternatively, crank up the heat for a more roasted, frazzled exterior while retaining moisture inside the fish.

Temperature Recommendations

When using a steam oven, preheat the oven to the desired temperature. For a convection setting, a temperature range between 325°F and 450°F is recommended. The specific temperature within this range may depend on your oven's capabilities and personal preferences.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for salmon fillets in a steam oven can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired doneness. As a general guideline, thinner fillets of around 5-7 ounces will require less time, typically around 10-12 minutes, while thicker fillets may need up to 25 minutes or more.

For a rare doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 110°F; for medium-rare, target 115°F; and for medium, cook the salmon to an internal temperature of 120°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness accurately.

Combination Steam Method

If you're using a combination of steam and oven cooking, here's a suggested method:

• Set your oven to 430°F with a combination steam setting. If your oven has variable steam, use 50%.
• Place your chosen vegetables, such as potatoes, in a stainless steel pan, season them, and cook until tender.
• Push the vegetables to one side and place the salmon fillets on the empty side of the tray.
• Dot the salmon with butter, arrange lemon slices on top, and season with salt and pepper.
• Return the tray to the oven for 4-5 minutes for a medium-rare result. Adjust the time based on your desired doneness.

Steam-Only Method

If you have a steam-only oven, follow these steps:

• Set your oven to 212°F with a steam setting (100% steam).
• Place the potatoes in a solid stainless steel tray, season them, and cook until tender.
• Push the potatoes to one side and add the salmon fillets, dotting them with butter and seasoning.
• Return the tray to the oven for 5-8 minutes for a medium-rare result. Adjust the time based on your desired doneness.

Tips and Variations

• You can use skin-on or skinless salmon fillets, depending on your preference. If using skin-on fillets, cook them skin-side down, and the skin will hold the fish together during serving.
• Experiment with different seasonings and flavour combinations, such as lemon pepper, garlic, thyme, jerk, or Italian seasoning.
• For a simple and tasty option, rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and steam them for a blushing pink centre and a tender, flaky texture.

How to prepare salmon for steaming

Preparing salmon for steaming is a quick and easy way to cook this delicate fish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare salmon for steaming:

Choose Your Steamer

First, select an appropriate steamer for cooking the salmon. You don't need an expensive or fancy steamer; a simple stainless steel vegetable steamer that fits inside a saucepan or skillet will work. Alternatively, you can use a metal colander inside a large pot, a bamboo steamer, or a small metal rack that fits inside a Dutch oven.

Prepare the Steaming Liquid

For added flavour, create a steaming liquid by combining water with ingredients such as lemon slices or juice, garlic, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, white wine, or vegetable broth. Bring this liquid to a boil in your chosen steamer setup.

Prepare the Salmon

Start with salmon that is closer to room temperature rather than straight from the refrigerator. Decide whether you want to steam the salmon with the skin on or off; both options are fine, but removing the skin before steaming may make it easier to eat. Check the salmon fillets for pin bones and remove any that you find with tweezers or small pliers. Season the salmon with salt and pepper, and other seasonings like garlic powder or lemon pepper, to taste.

Steam the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in your steamer basket or rack, ensuring they are not submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and steam for 5-8 minutes for a 1-inch thick fillet, adjusting the time depending on the thickness of your salmon. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F to 145°F for medium-rare to well-done.

Serving Suggestions

Steamed salmon can be served hot, warm, or chilled. It pairs well with various sauces, such as aioli, lemon-caper vinaigrette, or a simple squeeze of lemon juice. Consider serving it with side dishes like rice, quinoa, asparagus, or green beans.

How to prepare a steam oven

To prepare a steam oven, you'll need to decide on the type of food you want to cook. Steam ovens are ideal for dishes where you want to retain or add moisture to your food. This covers a lot of dishes, including chicken, fish, meat, bread, pastry, vegetables, fruits, grains, and desserts.

Using Steam to Cook Fish

To cook fish in a steam oven, preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Line an oven-safe skillet with aluminum foil, season the fish, add 2 tablespoons of water, and wrap the foil around the fish to create a tent with a small opening for steam to escape. Place the skillet in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes for fillets, or 30-40 minutes for a whole fish.

Using Steam to Cook Vegetables

To cook vegetables, preheat the oven to 200 °F (93 °C). Arrange the vegetables on a grate or steaming pan and place over a pot with 1⁄2 inch of boiling water. Cover the vegetables with aluminum foil and put the pot in the oven. Steam for 3-8 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable.

Using Steam to Bake Bread

To bake bread, preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C). Fill a cast iron skillet with lava rocks and place it in the oven. When the oven is preheated, pour 1 cup of hot water over the lava rocks, close the oven, and let the steam rise. After 20 minutes, remove the skillet and continue baking the bread as normal.

What to serve with salmon

Salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Starch

• Baked potato
• Rice pilaf
• White rice
• Couscous
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Crispy roasted baby potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Sweet potato fries
• Hasselback potatoes

Vegetables

• Roasted green asparagus
• Stir-fried asparagus
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted broccoli
• Spinach
• Brussels sprouts
• Green beans
• Broccoli with garlic and olive oil
• Broccoli with butter and vinegar
• Oven-roasted asparagus
• Grilled vegetables (zucchini, red peppers, purple onions, yellow squash, eggplant, cauliflower steaks)
• Lemon-roasted baby potatoes
• Arugula/rocket
• Salad greens
• Avocado
• Kale
• Quinoa
• Broccoli with bacon, craisins, and almonds
• Green beans almondine
• French green beans (haricot vert)
• Snow peas
• Grilled avocados

Salad

• Harvest salad with quinoa and arugula
• Blueberry walnut salad
• Mediterranean farro salad
• Asian cucumber and peanut salad
• Citrus-ginger roasted beets and carrots
• Kale, quinoa, and avocado salad with lemon Dijon vinaigrette
• Cucumber salad with sour cream and dill
• Fresh fruit salad

Sauce

• Lemon butter
• Burnt butter
• Cilantro chutney
• Roasted lemon salsa verde
• Pesto
• Salsa

Other

• Almond crumbs
• Sweet potato chips
• Peanut butter slaw

How to check if salmon is cooked

There are several ways to check if your salmon is cooked, ranging from visual checks to using tools such as thermometers and cake testers. Here is a detailed guide on how to tell when your salmon is cooked just right.

Visual Check

The colour of cooked salmon will vary depending on the cooking method, but the centre should show a translucent pink colour. If it is too translucent, it is undercooked; if it is too opaque, it is overcooked. The outside of the salmon can be white, beige, or brown. If the flesh looks bright orange, it needs a few more minutes of cooking.

Touch Check

Gently press down on the salmon fillet with your finger or a fork. If the flesh separates easily along the white lines (strips of fish fat), it is done. The salmon should also feel firm near the centre and offer a little resistance when poked. If the salmon jiggles, it needs more cooking time.

Thermometer Check

The internal temperature of cooked salmon should be between 125 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare. For medium, the temperature should be between 115 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cake Tester Check

Poke the thickest part of the salmon fillet with a cake tester and wait a few seconds. Then, touch the tester to your bottom lip. If it is warm, the salmon is cooked. If it is cold, the salmon needs more time; if it is hot, it is overcooked.

Knife Check

Insert a sharp knife into the thickest part of the salmon fillet. If the juices are translucent pink and the salmon separates easily, it is done.

Frequently asked questions