Steaming Salmon: Miele Oven Perfection

Cooking salmon in a Miele steam oven is a quick, easy, and nutritious way to prepare a healthy meal. There are several ways to cook salmon using a Miele steam oven, including the Combination Steam function, which gives a browned exterior while keeping the inside moist, and the Steam-only function, which yields a soft and moist result. The type of oven and desired level of doneness determine the cooking time and temperature. For example, cooking salmon at 50°C for 32 minutes in a steam oven or 430°F/220°C for 4-5 minutes in a combination steam oven will yield different results. Additionally, the Combination Steam function allows for cooking vegetables simultaneously, making it a convenient and efficient cooking method.

How to prepare your salmon

To prepare salmon in a Miele steam oven, start by ensuring your salmon is at room temperature. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels if you want to achieve crispy skin.

Next, line a baking tray with baking paper. Place the salmon fillets on the tray, leaving some space between each fillet. Season the salmon with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add other seasonings or a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavour.

If you are cooking vegetables or potatoes with your salmon, prepare them first as they will take longer to cook. Cut the vegetables to the desired size and season them with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Place the tray of vegetables into the oven first and cook until they are tender.

Once the vegetables are partially cooked, add the salmon tray to the top shelf of the oven. Set the oven to the appropriate temperature and cooking function, such as Combination Steam or Steam Only, depending on your preferred level of crispness.

For crispy skin, you can pan-fry the salmon for 2-3 minutes before placing it in the oven.

How to prepare your Miele steam oven

Step 1: Position the Grease Filter

Locate the grease filter at the rear of your Miele Steam Combination oven and position it accordingly.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven on the Full Grill setting at a temperature of your choice. One recipe recommends setting the oven to 430⁰F/220⁰C, while another suggests setting it to Full Grill, Level 3.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Tray

Place a sheet of baking paper on a grilling and roasting insert, and then place this insert into a multi-purpose tray. Ensure that the baking paper is tucked in so that it does not burn during cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets, skin-side up, on the baking paper. Brush the salmon lightly with grapeseed oil and season with salt flakes or regular salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Place the Tray in the Oven

Place the tray on shelf position 3.

Step 6: Select the Cooking Mode

If you have a combi/convection steam oven, you can select the Combination Mode. Choose Full Grill, Level 3, and adjust the moisture level to 80%. Alternatively, if your oven has variable steam, use 50%. If you have a steam-only oven, set the temperature to 212⁰F/100⁰C and the steam setting to 100%.

Step 7: Cook the Salmon

The cooking time will depend on your preferred doneness. For medium-cooked salmon, cook for about 4-7 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

Remove the salmon from the oven and serve immediately. You can serve it with steamed sushi rice, seaweed salad, avocado slices, and Japanese mayonnaise, or steamed vegetables like asparagus.

How to cook your salmon

This guide will take you through the steps to cook delicious salmon in a Miele steam oven.

Preparation

Firstly, ensure your salmon is at room temperature. This is important when cooking at low temperatures to ensure an even cook throughout the fillet.

Cooking Method 1: Combination Steam

Line a baking tray with baking paper and add your choice of vegetables. A good combination is chat potatoes, broccoli, capsicum, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the tray in the oven and select Combination Steam (Hot Air + Steam). Set the temperature to 200°C and, if your oven has variable steam, set it to 30%. Cook for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, check the vegetables. They should be tender. If not, continue cooking and check every few minutes. Once tender, remove the tray and add your salmon to the tray, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add the remaining vegetables and return the tray to the oven for 10 minutes.

Cooking Method 2: Steam Only

If your oven is steam-only, you can still achieve delicious results. Set your oven to 212°F/100°C on the steam setting. Place the potatoes in a solid stainless steel tray and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 25 minutes, then remove the tray and push the potatoes to one side. Place the salmon on the tray, dot with butter, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange lemon slices on the fillets and spread the asparagus over the potatoes. Return the tray to the oven for 5-8 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your salmon.

Cooking Method 3: Full Grill

For crispy-skinned salmon, preheat your oven to Full Grill, setting 3 for 10 minutes. Place the salmon, skin-side up, on baking paper on a grilling and roasting insert inside a multi-purpose tray. Tuck the baking paper under the salmon so it doesn't burn. Lightly brush with grapeseed oil and season with salt flakes. Place the tray on shelf position 3 and select Combination Mode: Full Grill, Level 3, plus 10 minutes, and 80% moisture.

Serving

No matter which cooking method you choose, your salmon will be delicious. Serve it with steamed sushi rice, seaweed salad, avocado slices, and Japanese mayonnaise, or a simple side of lemon. Enjoy!

How to cook your sides

Potatoes

Cut potatoes into 2.5cm cubes. Put them in a stainless steel pan with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat the potatoes, then cook until they are golden and tender. This will take around 25 minutes.

Asparagus

Wash the asparagus and cut the woody ends off. After removing the potatoes from the oven, push them to one side and place the salmon on the empty side of the tray. Dot the butter over the salmon and place a few lemon slices on each fillet. Season with salt and pepper, then spread the asparagus over the potatoes in a single layer. Return the tray to the oven for 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking.

Bread

To achieve a crunchy, firm crust on your bread, you can steam it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C). Fill a cast-iron skillet with lava rocks and place it in the oven to preheat. When the oven is ready, pour 1 cup of hot water over the lava rocks and quickly close the oven door to trap the steam. After 20 minutes, remove the skillet and lava rocks. Continue baking the bread as normal.

Rice

Steaming rice in a steam oven is the most visited recipe on the Steam & Bake website.

How to serve your salmon

There are many ways to serve your salmon. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salmon with vegetables: You can serve your salmon with a variety of vegetables such as asparagus, potatoes, broccoli, capsicum, zucchini, and cherry or mini Roma tomatoes. Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, dried oregano, paprika, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle with olive oil and cook in the oven until tender.
• Salmon with salad: Another option is to serve your salmon with a salad. This could be a simple green salad or something more creative, like a seaweed salad.
• Salmon with rice: Salmon goes well with rice, such as steamed sushi rice.
• Salmon with avocado: Try serving your salmon with sliced avocado, which will add a creamy texture and a fresh taste.
• Salmon with mayonnaise: A drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise can add a tangy twist to your salmon dish.
• Salmon with lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice over your salmon can add a refreshing touch.
• Salmon with garnishes and sauces: You can also get creative with garnishes and sauces. Try a splash of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, or your favourite sauce or condiment.

Remember, the great thing about salmon is its versatility, so feel free to experiment and find the combinations you enjoy the most!

Frequently asked questions