Steaming Salmon: A Healthy, Delicious Way To Cook Fillets

Steaming salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this delicate fish. It is also a foolproof method that yields tasty results. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillet, but it usually takes around 20 minutes. You can use a variety of steamers, such as a stainless steel vegetable steamer, an Asian bamboo stackable steamer, or a simple pot with a tight-fitting lid. The key is to ensure that the steaming liquid does not touch the fish and that the salmon is placed in the steamer after the water starts to boil. Seasonings and sauces can be added to enhance the flavour, and the dish can be served hot, warm, or chilled.

How long to steam salmon for

Steaming salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon. The length of time you steam your salmon for will depend on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness.

As a rule of thumb, a one-inch-thick salmon fillet will take around 6-8 minutes to steam and will be moist, flavorful, and delicious. If you are steaming thicker fillets, add another three to four minutes of cooking time for every additional half-inch thickness of salmon.

When steaming salmon, it's important to note that the cooking process continues even after the fish is removed from the steamer due to residual heat. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the salmon from the steamer just before it reaches your desired level of doneness.

To check if your salmon is cooked to your liking, insert the tip of a sharp knife into the thickest part of the fillet. It should be opaque on the outside and slightly translucent in the center for medium-rare. For a more well-done salmon, continue steaming until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F.

What to serve with steamed salmon

Steamed salmon is a healthy and nutritious dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with steamed salmon:

Rice and Grains

Rice is a classic side dish for salmon, and it can be served hot, warm, or chilled. You can also try quinoa, couscous, or barley. For added flavor, toss your grains with fresh herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Vegetables

Steamed or roasted vegetables are a great option to serve with salmon. Asparagus, broccolini, green beans, and broccoli are all healthy and flavorful choices. You could also try air-fried or oven-roasted cabbage, carrots, or squash. For a simple preparation, toss your vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before cooking.

Potatoes

Potatoes are another versatile side dish that goes well with salmon. Try roasted baby potatoes, garlic butter smashed potatoes, or sweet potatoes. For an extra crispy option, try skillet-fried potatoes. You could also make mashed potatoes and add fresh herbs and garlic for extra flavor.

Salads

A fresh salad can complement the richness of steamed salmon. Try a simple cucumber and tomato salad, or a heartier option like Balela or fattoush. You could also make a grain-based salad, such as Mediterranean quinoa salad or a rice pilaf.

Sauces and Dips

To add even more flavor to your meal, serve your steamed salmon with a delicious sauce or dip. Options include aioli, lemon-dill aioli, tzatziki, pesto, salsa, or a yogurt-based sauce.

With so many side dish options to choose from, you can get creative and find the perfect combination of flavors to enjoy with your steamed salmon.

How to prepare salmon for steaming

Steaming salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this delicate fish. It is also a very versatile method, as the salmon can be served hot, warm, or chilled.

To prepare salmon for steaming, start by deciding whether you want to steam it with the skin on or off. If you choose to leave the skin on, it can be easily removed after steaming, as it will peel off without much effort.

Next, check the salmon fillet for pin bones. If you find any, remove them with small pliers or tweezers.

Now, it's time to season the salmon. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper will do, but you can also add granulated garlic for extra flavour. You can also experiment with other seasonings like lemon pepper, everything bagel blend, or a dry rub.

If you want to get creative, you can make a steaming liquid to add extra moisture and flavour to your salmon. In a large cooking pot, combine cold water with ingredients like fresh lemon slices, crushed garlic cloves, fresh or dried herbs, white wine, or vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil and then turn down the heat to a simmer.

Before placing the salmon in the steamer, give the basket a spritz of non-stick spray to prevent sticking. You can also add some lemon slices and herbs to the rack for extra flavour.

Finally, carefully place the salmon fillets into the steamer basket and cover with a lid. The salmon will take about 8 minutes to cook, depending on the thickness of the fillets. It is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 120-145°F and has a light pinkish-orange colour.

And that's it! You're now ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy steamed salmon meal.

What to put in the steaming liquid

When it comes to steaming salmon fillets, there are several options for creating a delicious steaming liquid to infuse your fish with flavour.

A simple combination of cold water with fresh lemons, sliced or juiced, is a great place to start. You can also add crushed garlic cloves, fresh or dried herbs, such as thyme, tarragon, parsley, dill or bay leaves, and chopped leek, shallot or onion. For an extra kick, include some white wine or dry vermouth.

For a Mediterranean twist, try a broth with a combination of white wine, extra virgin olive oil and citrus in the form of lemon slices. Add spices such as cumin, coriander and Aleppo pepper, a bed of onions, minced garlic and fresh parsley.

If you're feeling adventurous, try a super-flavourful sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic and ginger. This sauce is poured over the salmon fillets and steamed to perfection.

Remember, the key to a great steaming liquid is to create an aromatic, flavourful base that will infuse your salmon with a boost of flavour. So feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients and find your favourite!

How to tell when salmon is cooked

There are several ways to tell when salmon is cooked to perfection. Firstly, it's important to note that the internal temperature of cooked salmon should be between 120 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your preferred doneness. A meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer can be used to check this. If you don't have a thermometer, there are other methods you can use to determine doneness.

One way is to gently press down on the salmon with your finger or a fork. If the flesh flakes easily and is no longer raw and translucent, it is likely done. Be careful not to press too hard, as you don't want to ruin the fish. Another similar method is to use a cake tester or a sharp knife to poke the thickest part of the salmon. If the cake tester is warm when touched to your bottom lip, the salmon is cooked. If using a knife, check for juices and temperature; the salmon is done when it is no longer raw and translucent.

The colour of cooked salmon will be opaque with a translucent pink centre. If it is still bright orange, it may need more time. The texture should be firm but not hard, and it should offer a little resistance when poked. If it jiggles, it may need more cooking time.

Frequently asked questions