Steaming Salmon: Quick Microwave Method For Succulent Fish

Cooking salmon in the microwave is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare salmon without any fuss. It is also a great way to cook fish without having to use any cooking oil, making it a lighter option for a busy lifestyle. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook salmon in a microwave steamer, ensuring your salmon is cooked to perfection.

Seasoning and preparation

First, take your salmon fillets out of the freezer and thaw them. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator for 4–5 hours or defrosting them in cold water for about 30 minutes. If you are using fresh salmon, you can skip this step.

Next, take the fillets out of their packaging and gently dry them with a paper towel. Season the salmon with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings, such as lemon pepper, Mediterranean spices, or a spicy sriracha blend.

If you want to add a sauce or spread to your salmon, there are several options you can try. You can spread a thin layer of mayonnaise, a mixture of mayonnaise and sriracha sauce, or butter on top of the fillets. Alternatively, you can combine equal parts miso, brown sugar, and butter, or soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, garlic, and honey, and pour it over the salmon.

Once your salmon is seasoned and sauced, you can add some vegetables to the dish. Cut a piece of parchment paper into a square and place the salmon in the center. Then, place thinly sliced onion, julienned carrot, and shimeji mushrooms (torn into bite-sized pieces) on top of the salmon.

Finally, you can add some liquid to the dish. Sprinkle some sake or white wine over the salmon and vegetables, or try squeezing a lemon wedge over the salmon before cooking.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time for salmon in a microwave steamer will depend on the size and thickness of the fish, as well as the wattage of your microwave. As a general rule, you should microwave salmon for about 3-4 minutes per half-pound of fish. So, if you have a 1-pound piece of salmon, you should microwave it for about 6-7 minutes.

For example, if you are cooking four 5-ounce fillets that are 1-inch thick, you will microwave them for 3 minutes. However, if you are cooking from frozen, you may need to add an extra minute to the cooking time.

To check if your salmon is cooked, you can use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reads at least 130°F–145°F. You can also test the salmon for doneness by flaking it gently with a fork. If it flakes easily and is opaque in the centre, it's cooked through. If there is no bright flesh in the centre, the salmon is ready to eat.

If you are using an Anyday Shallow Dish, you can cook your salmon at Power Level 5 for 4-6 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. If you'd like to cook your salmon more gently, you can try cooking at Power Level 7 for 5 minutes and then checking if the fish flakes. If it's still raw in the middle, add another 30 seconds of cooking time.

Steaming methods

There are several ways to steam salmon in the microwave, and the method you choose will depend on the ingredients you are using and the equipment you have available.

If you have a microwave steamer, you can follow the same steps as you would with a microwave-safe dish, but the cooking time may vary.

Firstly, you should prepare your salmon fillet(s). If your salmon is frozen, you can either defrost it in the refrigerator for 4-5 hours or immerse the package in cold water for about 30 minutes. Rinse the salmon and pat it dry. Season the fillet(s) with salt and pepper, or a seasoning blend of your choice. Some popular options include lemon pepper, Mediterranean spices, or a spicy sriracha blend. You can also add other ingredients like lemon slices, fresh herbs, or butter/margarine.

Next, you'll want to prepare your steamer. Place the salmon in the centre of your steaming apparatus and surround it with any additional ingredients. If you are using a microwave-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If you are using a steamer, follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure it is properly assembled and sealed.

Now, you're ready to cook your salmon. For a single fillet, microwave on high power for 3-5 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the fillet and your desired level of doneness. Check the salmon by piercing it with a fork; if there is no bright flesh in the centre, it is ready. If it is still undercooked, continue cooking in 30-45 second intervals until done. For multiple fillets, cook for about 3 minutes, or 1 minute per fillet. Again, adjust the cooking time as needed, checking for doneness with a fork.

Finally, remove the salmon from the microwave and let it rest for a minute. Open the plastic wrap or steamer carefully, being mindful of any accumulated steam. Serve the salmon immediately with your choice of sides, such as rice or a three-bean salad.

Bon appétit!

How to check if salmon is cooked

There are a few ways to check if your salmon is cooked. Firstly, you can use a fork to gently flake the salmon in the centre of the fillet. If there is no bright flesh in the centre, the salmon is cooked. If there is still bright flesh, it needs to be cooked for longer. Another way to check is to use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the salmon is at least 130°F–145°F. If the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the centre, it is cooked through.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve salmon cooked in the microwave. Here are some ideas:

• Lemon and herbs: Squeeze a lemon wedge over the salmon before cooking, then sprinkle the cooked fish with fresh herbs.
• Mediterranean: Brush the top with pesto before cooking, then garnish with sliced black olives and cherry tomatoes.
• Smoky bagel filling: Once cool, shred the salmon and mix with cream cheese, liquid smoke, chopped chives, and lemon juice. Serve on a bagel.
• Salmon salad: Shred the cooked salmon and mix with lemon juice, sour cream, chopped chives, salt, and pepper for a twist on "tuna" salad.
• Teriyaki bowl: Shred the cooked salmon into smaller pieces and season with teriyaki sauce and sesame.
• Curry: Cover the salmon with store-bought curry sauce and cook in the microwave. Garnish with lime and cilantro.
• Miso-glazed: Combine equal parts miso, brown sugar, and butter, and spread this mixture onto the salmon before microwaving.
• Soy sauce and honey: Combine soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, garlic, and honey and pour over the salmon.
• Dijon mustard: Combine dijon mustard, chopped garlic, dried parsley, and salt, and spread this mixture onto the salmon.
• Sriracha mayonnaise: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and a spicy sriracha blend on the salmon before cooking. Add lemon slices and a sprinkling of fresh parsley.
• Salmon with vegetables: Place the salmon at the center of a parchment paper square. Season with salt and pepper. Place onion, carrot, and shimeji mushroom in that order. Sprinkle with sake and put butter on top. Fold the paper and microwave. Open the paper carefully and drizzle soy sauce on top.

Frequently asked questions