Steaming Salmon Perfection With The Wolf Oven

The Wolf Steam Oven is a steam convection oven that cooks food faster, healthier, and with more moisture. It combines the power of convection, which cooks food evenly and fast, and steam, which ensures tenderness. This dynamic duo makes it almost impossible to overcook food and is the secret to cooking salmon that is soft, tender, and deliciously juicy.

To cook salmon in a Wolf Steam Oven, preheat the oven to between 225 and 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a thin sheet pan with olive oil. Place a frying pan of just-boiled water on the lower oven rack. Arrange the salmon on the prepared sheet pan, season with salt and pepper, and place on the upper oven rack. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes for 5-ounce fillets or 20 to 25 minutes for a 2.5-pound fillet. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit for rare, 115 degrees for medium-rare, or 125 degrees for medium.

And that's how to cook salmon in a Wolf Steam Oven!

How to cook salmon in a Wolf steam oven: the best oven temperature

Steaming salmon in a Wolf steam oven is a great way to ensure your fish is moist and tender. The Wolf steam oven combines two cooking forces: Convection and Steam. The Convection cooks quickly and evenly, while the Steam penetrates food and ensures tenderness.

The ideal temperature for cooking salmon in a Wolf steam oven depends on the type of oven and the method of cooking.

• If you are using the convection steam setting, you can cook your salmon at a higher temperature, such as 430⁰F/220⁰C, as in this recipe for salmon with lemon, asparagus, and potatoes. The steam will prevent the salmon from drying out.
• If you are using the steam-only setting, a lower temperature is recommended, such as 212⁰F/100⁰C. This method will produce perfectly steamed salmon, as shown in this recipe.
• For a regular Wolf steamer module, a temperature of 200°F (95°C) is recommended.
• If you are roasting or baking salmon in a regular oven, a temperature of between 225ºF and 275ºF is recommended by cookbook author Paula Wolfert. This lower temperature helps protect the delicate omega-3 fats and vitamin D in the salmon.
• For a high-heat bake at 425°F, your salmon will be cooked in under 10 minutes and will have a tender, buttery texture.

Tips for cooking salmon in a Wolf steam oven:

• Use a thin baking sheet or sheet pan to help the salmon reach the right temperature.
• If you are using the steam function, a pan of boiling water in the oven will keep the salmon moist.
• An instant-read thermometer is a useful tool to check the doneness of your salmon:
• 110ºF for rare
• 115ºF for medium-rare
• 120ºF for medium
• 145°F is the USDA-recommended minimum internal temperature

Happy cooking!

How to prepare the salmon for the Wolf steam oven

The Wolf Steam Oven is a great way to cook salmon, and there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure perfect results. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the salmon for this cooking method:

• Choose the right salmon: Select fresh, good-quality salmon fillets or a whole side of salmon. The amount of salmon you need will depend on the number of people you're serving. As a rule of thumb, plan for 8 ounces (226 grams) of salmon per person.
• Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Preheat your Wolf Steam Oven to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature range for cooking salmon is between 225°F and 275°F. Use a thin baking sheet, preferably a flimsy one, to help the salmon cook evenly. If you only have a sturdy, high-quality baking pan, that's okay too. Just place it in the oven to preheat before adding the salmon.
• Prepare the salmon: Dry the salmon fillets with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, lightly coat the salmon with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. This will help the seasonings stick to the fish and promote even cooking.
• Season the salmon: Sprinkle the salmon generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings or herbs of your choice, such as fresh dill, parsley, or basil. If you want to keep it simple, just salt and pepper will do the trick!
• Optional: Create moisture in the oven: Place a frying pan or large saucepan filled with boiling water on the lowest rack of the oven. This step is optional but helps to keep the salmon moist and juicy. Just be careful when handling the boiling water.
• Place the salmon in the oven: Put the baking sheet with the seasoned salmon on the upper rack of the oven. If you're using the boiling water method, make sure to close the oven door quickly after placing the salmon inside.
• Cooking time: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets and your desired doneness. As a general guideline, for rare salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 110°F; for medium-rare, 115°F; and for medium, 120°F. A 5-ounce (140-gram) fillet will take around 10-12 minutes, while a 2.5-pound (1.1 kg) side of salmon will take 20-22 minutes.
• Check for doneness: Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon to check if it's cooked to your desired doneness. You can also use a fork to gently flake the salmon; if it flakes easily, it's ready.
• Rest and serve: Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Salmon is delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can also chill it and serve it cold on a salad or grain bowl.

Preparing salmon for the Wolf Steam Oven is quite straightforward, and the results are consistently delicious. By following these steps, you'll be able to cook salmon to perfection and impress your family and friends!

How long to cook the salmon in the Wolf steam oven for

The cooking time for salmon in a Wolf steam oven depends on the weight and thickness of the salmon, the temperature of the oven, and whether the oven is steam-only or a combination steam oven.

For a combination steam oven, set the oven to 430⁰F/220⁰C, with the combination steam setting. If your oven has variable steam, use 50% steam. Put the potatoes and olive oil into a stainless steel pan and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat the potatoes and cook until they are golden and tender, about 25 minutes. Then, push the potatoes to one side, add the salmon, and dot with butter. Arrange lemon slices on the salmon and season with salt and pepper. Spread the asparagus over the potatoes and return the tray to the oven for 4-5 minutes, until the salmon is cooked to your liking.

For a steam-only oven, set the oven to 212⁰F/100⁰C, with the steam setting. Put the potatoes into a solid stainless steel tray and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 25 minutes, then push the potatoes to one side, add the salmon, and dot with butter. Arrange lemon slices on the salmon and season with salt and pepper. Spread the asparagus over the potatoes and return the tray to the oven for 5-8 minutes, until the salmon is cooked to your liking.

For a 5-ounce fillet, a 200°F Wolf steam oven should take 10-12 minutes to cook. For a 2.5-pound fillet, it should take 20-25 minutes.

If you are cooking the salmon in a high heat oven (425°F), you should cook the salmon for four to six minutes per half-inch of thickness. As most fillets measure about one inch in the thickest part, start checking the salmon after around eight minutes.

The salmon is done when it starts to flake easily with a fork and the flesh looks opaque.

What to serve with the salmon

Now that you've cooked your salmon in the Wolf Steam Oven, you might be wondering what to serve with it. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your steamed salmon:

• Starch: White rice, baked potato, or roasted potatoes with rosemary and Parmesan.
• Vegetables: Oven-roasted asparagus, broccolini, or green beans with almonds. You could also try a salad, such as a harvest salad with quinoa and arugula or a blueberry walnut salad.
• Other: A light lemon pesto pasta or cauliflower tabbouleh.

Remember, salmon is rich in flavour and has a high omega-3 count, so switching up your side dishes will keep things exciting!

How to store and reheat the salmon

How to Store and Reheat Salmon

Storing Cooked Salmon

It's important to store cooked salmon properly to maintain its freshness and quality. Here are the steps to follow:

• Cool the Salmon: Allow the cooked salmon to cool down to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking.
• Choose a Storage Container: Place the salmon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. If storing smoked salmon, it's a good idea to double wrap it, using both plastic wrap and foil, to prevent strong odours from escaping into your fridge.
• Label and Date: Label the container or wrapping with the date and the type of salmon. For example, if you cooked the salmon with a specific seasoning or marinade, include that information on the label.
• Refrigerate: Store the salmon in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Cooked salmon can be safely refrigerated for up to 3 days. If it's a leftover meal from a restaurant, it's best to consume it within 2 days.
• Freeze: If you want to store the salmon for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the salmon within 2 hours of cooking and place it in the freezer. It's best to consume frozen salmon within 3 months for optimal flavour and texture.

Reheating Salmon

Reheating salmon can be tricky, as improper techniques can result in dry and overcooked fish. Here are some tips to ensure your reheated salmon stays moist and delicious:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Place the salmon in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Reheat for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F (52 to 54°C).
• Stovetop: For a crispy exterior, heat a non-stick skillet on medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Place the salmon, skin-side down, in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until heated through.
• Microwave: If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the salmon. Place the salmon in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Let the salmon come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then place it in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
• Steaming: Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the salmon in a steamer basket or on a heatproof plate and steam for 5-7 minutes, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of at least 125°F (63°C).

Remember, when reheating salmon, it's important to avoid high temperatures and overheating, as this can dry out the fish. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure it's thoroughly reheated.

Frequently asked questions