Steaming Salmon Perfection With A Bamboo Steamer

Cooking salmon in a bamboo steamer is a healthy and simple way to prepare salmon, infusing it with flavour without the need for oil. The process is straightforward: place the salmon in a bamboo steamer, which is then positioned over a pot of boiling water. The salmon is then steamed for around 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. The result is asection of well-cooked, tender salmon that has not been dried out.

How to set up a bamboo steamer

To set up a bamboo steamer, you'll first need to gather your equipment. You will, of course, need a bamboo steamer, but you will also need a wok or a large pot to act as the base for your steamer.

Once you have your equipment, you can begin to set up your steamer. Place your wok or large pot on the stove burner, ensuring it is level. Pour 1 to 2 inches of water into the wok, or enough water to fill the large pot to a depth of about an inch. Depending on your recipe, you may want to replace half of the water with wine, soy sauce, or Worcestershire sauce.

Next, place the bamboo steamer in the wok or pot, ensuring that the water does not reach the bottom rack of the lowest steamer basket. Line the bamboo basket racks with Napa cabbage leaves, parchment paper, or green leaf lettuce. This will prevent them from absorbing the smell of fish and your seasonings.

Now you are ready to add your seasoned fish to the steamer. Place the fish on top of the liner and put the lid on the highest steamer basket if using a steamer with multiple racks.

Finally, turn on the burner to medium heat and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and begin timing your cook. For one-inch-thick fillets, steam for 5 to 8 minutes. A whole fish will take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on its weight.

What to line the steamer with

When cooking salmon in a bamboo steamer, it is important to line the steamer to prevent the bamboo from absorbing the smell of fish and seasonings. Napa cabbage leaves, parchment paper, or green leaf lettuce are all suitable options for lining the steamer. If you want to add extra flavour to your salmon, you can also use a combination of herbs, lemons, and onions as a lining. Place the salmon on top of the liner, ensuring that the water in the wok or pot does not reach the bottom rack of the steamer basket.

Using a bamboo steamer is a great way to infuse salmon with flavour without adding oil. The moist heat from steaming also helps to prevent overcooking, resulting in moist and flavourful fish. You can further enhance the flavour of your salmon by including herbs, wine, or other seasonings of your choice in the steamer.

When preparing the steamer, it is important to ensure that the water does not reach the bottom rack of the lowest steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets or whether you are cooking a whole fish.

Additionally, when lining the steamer, it is important to use a material that will not affect the taste or texture of the salmon. Napa cabbage leaves, parchment paper, or green leaf lettuce are all suitable options as they are neutral in taste and will not stick to the salmon.

Overall, lining your bamboo steamer with the appropriate materials is crucial for maintaining the flavour and quality of your salmon. By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and healthy meal with minimal effort.

How long to steam salmon for

The length of time you should steam salmon for 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 than one inch, you should add an extra three to four minutes of cooking time for every additional half-inch of thickness. For example, a two-inch thick fillet will take between 14 and 16 minutes to cook.

You can check if your salmon is cooked by inserting the tip of a sharp knife into the thickest part of the fish. It should be opaque on the outside and slightly translucent in the centre. The internal temperature of the fillets should be between 120°F and 145°F.

What to serve with salmon

Salmon is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded and flavourful meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with salmon, specifically when it is cooked in a bamboo steamer:

Rice

Rice is a great option to serve with steamed salmon, especially if you are looking for a filling and satisfying dish. You can choose from a variety of rice types, such as long-grain white rice or brown rice, to accompany your meal. Steamed rice is a simple and quick option that complements the delicate flavour of the salmon.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a healthy and nutritious side dish to serve with salmon. Some options include bok choy, red bell pepper, asparagus, or a garden salad. Steaming vegetables is a great way to prepare them, as it retains their nutrients and flavour. You can steam the vegetables in the bamboo steamer along with the salmon for added convenience.

Sauces

A sauce can enhance the flavour of your steamed salmon and make it even more delicious. Some sauce options include a lemon-dill aioli, spicy maple sauce, or a simple garnish of lemon wedges and fresh dill. You can also pour the cooking juices from the steamer over the salmon to add extra flavour.

Wine

If you're looking for a beverage pairing, consider a lusty, fruity California Chardonnay or a full-bodied Merlot to stand up to the rich flavour of the salmon.

Other Ideas

• Salmon is also commonly served with potatoes, such as roasted new potatoes or a potato hash.
• For a lighter option, you could serve the salmon with a citrus vinaigrette or a tomato salad.
• If you're looking for a more substantial meal, you could pair the salmon with a grain dish like rice or noodles.

How to clean a bamboo steamer

Step 1: Prepare the bamboo steamer for cleaning

Before you start scrubbing, there are a few things you can do to prepare your bamboo steamer for a thorough cleaning. It is recommended to clean your bamboo steamer after each use to prevent food buildup and maintain its hygiene.

Step 2: Choose a cleaning method

There are a few different ways to effectively clean a bamboo steamer. Here are some options:

• Lemon slice: Cut a slice of lemon and use it as a natural disinfectant to wipe down the steamer. Rinse the steamer after cleaning to remove any residue.
• Tea bag: Soak a black tea bag in hot water, then gently rub it on the bamboo steamer to remove food residue and bacteria. Rinse the steamer with warm water to remove any remaining tea.
• Nylon brush and soapy water: First, steam the bamboo to deep clean it. Then, use a soft nylon brush, soapy hot water, and gently scrub the bamboo steamer. Finally, rinse the steamer with cold water to remove the soapy residue.

Step 3: Protect and maintain your bamboo steamer

To make cleaning easier and maintain the condition of your bamboo steamer, consider the following tips:

• Use liners, such as parchment paper, aluminium foil, or lettuce leaves, to protect the bamboo from food residue.
• If food spills or residue occurs, rinse the affected area immediately.
• Always store your bamboo steamer in a dry place, as humidity can damage the material.

Cooking Salmon in a Bamboo Steamer

Now that you know how to clean your bamboo steamer, you can confidently prepare delicious meals like salmon. Cooking salmon in a bamboo steamer is a great way to infuse flavour without adding oil. Here are the steps to cook salmon in a bamboo steamer:

• Place a wok on the stove burner, ensuring it is level with the cooking ring.
• Pour 1 to 2 inches of water into the wok. You can replace half of the water with wine, soy sauce, or Worcestershire sauce, depending on your recipe.
• Place the bamboo steamer in the wok, ensuring the water does not reach the bottom rack.
• Line the bamboo steamer racks with Napa cabbage leaves, parchment paper, or green leaf lettuce to prevent them from absorbing fish odours and seasonings.
• Place the seasoned salmon on top of the liner.
• Turn on the burner to medium heat and bring the water in the wok to a boil.
• If using a steamer with multiple racks, place the top on the highest steamer basket and place it in the wok. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Steam one-inch thick salmon fillets for 5 to 8 minutes.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked and flavourful salmon!

Frequently asked questions