Steaming Salmon: Sainsbury's Fillets, Quick And Easy!

Steamed salmon is a delicious and healthy dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. In this article, we will focus on how to cook Sainsburys steamed salmon fillets specifically. There are a few different methods that can be used, including steaming, baking, and pan-frying. Each method will result in slightly different flavours and textures, so it's worth trying them all to find your preference! This article will provide a step-by-step guide to each cooking method, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure your salmon is perfect every time.

How to prepare the salmon for steaming

To prepare salmon fillets for steaming, start by preheating your oven to 200°C or 180°C if you're using a fan oven. While the oven is heating up, take a large piece of foil and place it on a baking tray. Place the salmon fillets in the middle of the foil.

Before sealing the foil, you can add flavourings of your choice. For example, you could drizzle the salmon with lime juice, scatter with lemon quarters, and sprinkle with sea salt. You could also add a bay leaf and season with black pepper.

Once you've added your chosen flavourings, wrap the salmon loosely in the foil to create a parcel. Make sure the edges are well sealed.

How to make a sauce to accompany the salmon

There are many sauces that can be paired with salmon to elevate the dish. Here are some ideas for sauces that can accompany steamed salmon fillets:

Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

This classic sauce is perfect for those who enjoy creamy dishes and garlicky salmon. It is packed with health benefits and takes just 15 minutes to prepare. The ingredients include white wine, heavy cream, butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dill, shallots, salt, and pepper. The garlic and shallots are first cooked in olive oil over low heat for 5 minutes, then combined with the white wine and cooked for another 5 minutes. The butter and heavy cream are then added off the heat, and the sauce is returned to the heat and mixed until bubbling. Finally, it is seasoned with lemon juice, dill, and lemon zest.

Honey Mustard Sauce

The smokiness of the mustard and the sweetness of the honey create a stellar combination when paired with the delicate flavours of salmon. This sauce is ideal for oven-baked, pan-fried, or en papillote salmon. It can be made in just 5 minutes by combining honey, Dijon mustard, pepper flakes, and orange juice in a small bowl and refrigerating it while the salmon cooks.

Tomatillo Salsa Verde

This Mexican-inspired sauce is a great choice for a summer evening and goes well with pan-fried or grilled salmon. It can be made in just 5 minutes by pureeing fresh and flavorful ingredients such as tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, white onion, garlic, lime juice, sugar, and salt in a food processor.

Creamy Yogurt Dill Sauce

This versatile sauce is perfect for any season, pairing well with warm broiled salmon or crispy pan-seared salmon fillets. It is packed with health benefits and can be made in just 5 minutes. Simply mince the garlic and chop the fresh dill, then add them to a bowl with salt, olive oil, and Greek yogurt, stirring until a smooth paste forms.

White Wine Sauce

This creamy sauce takes a bit longer to prepare, about 20 minutes, but it is perfect for a cosy winter meal. It goes especially well with poached salmon. To make it, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in flour and cook for a full minute. Next, add wine and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half. Finally, add heavy cream, increase the heat, and mix in chives, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another 5 minutes before serving.

Miso Glaze

This sauce adds a sweet and savory caramel-like glaze to your salmon and can be prepared in less than 10 minutes. Simply bring water to a boil and combine it with brown sugar, soy sauce, white miso, and hot water. This sauce pairs well with grilled, pan-seared, or oven-baked salmon.

What to serve with the salmon

There are many options for what to serve with your steamed salmon fillets. Here are some ideas:

Starch

• White rice
• Baked potato
• Couscous
• Roasted Parmesan rosemary potatoes

Vegetables

• Roasted green asparagus
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Brussel sprouts
• Oven-roasted asparagus
• Grilled vegetables (zucchini, red peppers, purple onions, yellow squash, eggplant, cauliflower steaks)
• Tenderstem broccoli
• Sugar snaps
• Baby aubergines

Salad

• Tossed salad
• Kale, quinoa, and avocado salad with lemon Dijon vinaigrette
• Mediterranean farro salad
• Asian cucumber and peanut salad
• Cucumber salad with sour cream and dill
• Blueberry walnut salad

Other

• Crème fraîche
• Tarragon
• Mustard

How to cook the salmon in an oven

How to Cook Salmon in an Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare your salmon fillets by removing them from any packaging and patting them dry with paper towels. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray, ensuring it is large enough to accommodate the fillets without overcrowding. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Drizzle the salmon with a small amount of olive oil and use a brush or the back of a spoon to ensure it is evenly coated. You can also add additional seasonings at this point if desired—a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of dill, or some black pepper are all great options to enhance the natural flavor of the salmon.

Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook for 12-15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and your desired doneness. For salmon that is just opaque and moist, aim for the lower end of the range; for fish that is more well-done and flakes easily, go for the longer cooking time.

To check if the salmon is cooked to your liking, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and twist gently. The salmon should be moist and tender, flaking easily with the twist of the fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon has reached an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for well-done.

Once the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist, tender fillet. Serve the salmon with your choice of sides and enjoy!

By following these simple steps, you can easily prepare delicious, oven-baked salmon that is healthy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fancy dinner party. Enjoy the tasty goodness!

How to check if the salmon is cooked

Checking if your salmon is cooked is a crucial step in preparing your steamed salmon fillets. Here are some detailed methods to ensure your salmon is cooked perfectly:

• Thermometer Check: Using a meat thermometer or an instant-read thermometer is the most accurate way to determine if your salmon is cooked. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon fillet should be between 125°F and 130°F for a medium-rare to medium cook. If you prefer your salmon well done, ensure it does not exceed 140°F, as it will become dry.
• Finger or Fork Test: 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) and the juices are translucent pink, your salmon is ready. Be careful to press gently to avoid ruining the delicate fish.
• Cake Tester or Knife Check: If you don't have a thermometer, you can use a cake tester or a sharp knife. Poke the thickest part of the salmon with the cake tester and hold it for a few seconds. Then, touch the tester to your bottom lip. If it feels warm, the salmon is cooked. If using a knife, insert it into the thickest part and check for juices and temperature. This is called the "butter knife method."
• Colour and Texture Check: A perfectly cooked salmon will have a semi-translucent pink centre, while the outside can vary depending on the cooking method (white, beige, or brown). The flesh should not be bright orange or too translucent, as this indicates undercooking. It should also feel firm near the centre with a little resistance when poked.
• Cooking Time: For steamed salmon fillets, follow the recommended cooking time. For example, in the oven, it's suggested to bake the salmon for about 10 minutes. Ensure you don't overcook it, as this will dry out the salmon.

Frequently asked questions