Steaming Salmon: Electric Steamer Techniques For Succulent Results

Cooking salmon in an electric steamer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a delicious meal. It is a simple cooking method that yields tasty results. The steaming process keeps the salmon moist and succulent, and it can be served hot, warm, or chilled. The key to successful steaming is ensuring there is sufficient water in the reservoir and that the salmon is cooked through. The salmon should be placed on the steamer rack, elevated above the water, and steamed for around 4-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.

How to prepare the salmon for steaming

Salmon is a delicious and healthy meal that can be cooked in many different ways. One popular method is steaming, which is a fast and simple way to prepare the fish while retaining its delicate flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare salmon for steaming:

Step 1: Choose Your Steamer

First, you will need to select an appropriate steamer for cooking the salmon. You can use a stainless steel vegetable steamer, an Asian bamboo stackable steamer, a metal colander inserted into a large pot, or even a small metal rack that fits inside a cast-iron Dutch oven. The choice of steamer will depend on your personal preference and the equipment you have available.

Step 2: Prepare the Steamer

Fill the bottom of your chosen steamer with water. Ensure that the water level is just below the steamer rack or basket and does not touch the fish. You can also use other liquids such as broth or wine to add more flavour to the salmon. For extra flavour, you can add ingredients such as lemon slices, garlic cloves, or fresh herbs like dill or thyme to the water.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon Fillets

Cut the salmon fillet into portions of equal size and thickness. If one end of the fillet is thinner than the other, you can either slice off the thin end for another use or fold it underneath to create an even thickness. This will ensure that the salmon cooks evenly.

Step 4: Season the Salmon

Before steaming, it is essential to season the salmon fillets. Start with basic seasonings like salt and pepper, and you can also add other seasonings such as granulated garlic, lemon pepper, or everything bagel blend. You can also marinate the salmon in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, honey, ginger, garlic, and spring onion for extra flavour.

Step 5: Assemble the Steamer

Spray the steamer rack or basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the salmon from sticking. Place the salmon fillets on the rack or in the basket, ensuring they are elevated above the water. Add any desired herbs or lemon slices to the steamer before placing the lid on top.

Now that your salmon is prepared and assembled in the steamer, it is ready to be cooked! Follow the recommended steaming times and temperatures for perfectly cooked, moist, and flavourful salmon.

How to prepare the steamer

Preparing an electric steamer for cooking salmon is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, gather your ingredients and materials. You will need an electric steamer, water, salmon fillets, and any desired seasonings or flavourings. Some common flavourings for salmon include salt, pepper, garlic, lemon, and herbs such as dill or thyme.

Next, prepare the steamer basket. Most electric steamers come with a steaming basket or tray that sits above the water reservoir. Place this inside the steamer. If your steamer has multiple tiers or layers, you can use them to cook other foods, such as vegetables, simultaneously.

Now, it's time to add the water. Fill the reservoir with water, ensuring you don't add too much. The water level should be just below the steamer basket, and it should not touch the fish when it is placed inside. If you want to add extra flavour, you can use broth or wine instead of water.

After that, prepare your salmon fillets. If your salmon has a thick end and a thin end, you can either slice off the thin end or fold it underneath to create an even thickness. This will help the salmon cook evenly. Season the salmon fillets with your desired seasonings. You can also add flavourings such as lemon slices or herbs directly to the steamer basket.

Finally, bring the water to a boil. Most electric steamers have a built-in timer; set it according to the cooking time required for your salmon, which is usually around 5-8 minutes for a medium-rare to well-done fillet. Once the water is boiling and steaming, carefully place the salmon fillets into the steamer basket, ensuring they are elevated above the water. Close the lid and begin steaming.

How long to steam the salmon for

The length of time you steam salmon for depends on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness.

A one-inch-thick salmon fillet will take around six to eight minutes to cook and will be moist, flavorful, and delicious. If your fillets are thicker, you should add another three to four minutes of cooking time for every additional half-inch of thickness. For example, if your fillets are one and a half inches thick, they will take around nine to twelve minutes to cook.

If you prefer your salmon more well-done, you can steam it for a couple of extra minutes. An instant meat thermometer can help you determine the doneness of your salmon. For a medium-rare cook, the internal temperature should be between 120°F and 125°F. For medium to well-done, aim for an internal temperature between 125°F and 140°F.

It's important to note that salmon will continue to cook even after it's been removed from the steamer due to residual heat, so it's okay to take it out before it's completely cooked. Additionally, make sure the steaming liquid is simmering before adding the salmon to the steamer and always add the salmon after the water begins to steam.

What to serve with the salmon

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

Starch

• White rice
• Baked potato
• Rice pilaf
• Couscous
• Pasta
• Quinoa
• Farro
• Orzo

Vegetables

• Green beans
• Asparagus
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Brussel sprouts
• Kale
• Oven-roasted asparagus
• Avocado
• Broccoli (bacon/craisin) salad
• Green beans almondine
• Grilled vegetables (zucchini, red peppers, purple onions, yellow squash, eggplant, cauliflower steaks)
• Roasted zucchini with parmesan
• Harvest salad with quinoa and arugula
• Microwave asparagus
• Roasted vegetables (asparagus tips, broad beans, peas, courgette)

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
• Fruit salad

Sauces

• Lemon-dill aioli
• Lemon, caper, dijon vinaigrette
• Creamy citrus mango sauce
• Basil pesto
• Tropical pineapple-mango salsa
• Preserved lemon sauce
• Tzatziki sauce
• Traditional tomato salsa
• Horseradish sauce
• Toasted sesame oil and soy sauce with green onions

How to tell when the salmon is cooked

There are several ways to tell when your salmon is cooked. Firstly, the internal temperature of the salmon fillets should reach 145°F. The timing depends on the thickness of the fish, but on average, it takes about 8 minutes to steam salmon. You can use an instant meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Between 120°F and 125°F is medium-rare, and between 125°F and 140°F, it's medium to well-done.

Another way to check is to use the tip of a sharp knife to gently probe the thickest part of the fish. The salmon should be opaque on the outside and a little translucent in the centre, and it should give slightly when you press it. This indicates a medium-rare finish, which is perfect for salmon.

Finally, the salmon fillets will be a light pinkish-orange colour and firm, but not hard, to the touch when they are cooked.

Frequently asked questions