Steaming Salmon: A Quick, Healthy, Delicious Dish

Steamed salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be served hot, warm, or chilled. It is a foolproof dish that can be paired with various sauces and dressings. The cooking process is simple and involves placing the salmon on a lined steamer, seasoning it with salt, pepper, oil, or herbs and spices, and then placing it over boiling water with a lid for 4-5 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the salmon. This delicious dish is a great way to incorporate heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids into your diet.

Characteristics of Steamed Salmon

Seasoning: salt, pepper, oil, herbs, spices, and garlic

Seasoning is a key step in the cooking process and can make or break your dish. Here is a detailed guide on how to season your salmon with salt, pepper, oil, herbs, spices, and garlic before steaming:

Firstly, decide whether you want to steam your salmon with the skin on or off. If you choose to leave the skin on, it is recommended to remove it after steaming as it tends to become rubbery and unappetizing.

Now, let's get into the seasoning! Start with the basics: salt and pepper. Lightly sprinkle sea salt and ground black pepper over your salmon fillet. You can also add granulated garlic to the mix for an extra punch of flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, try using lemon pepper or a blend like 'everything but the bagel' instead of regular black pepper.

Next, let's talk about oil. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over your salmon. Not only will this add a subtle fruity flavor, but it will also help the other seasonings stick to the fish.

When it comes to herbs, you have a lot of options. Fresh herbs like thyme, tarragon, parsley, and basil go well with salmon. You can also use dried herbs if that's what you have on hand. Try using thyme, Italian seasoning, Herbs de Provence, or dill.

For spices, you can get creative and experiment with different combinations. A simple option is to use fennel seeds, which pair well with salmon. Crush or pound the seeds before adding them to your dish.

Finally, if you're a garlic lover, feel free to add some crushed garlic cloves to your steaming liquid. This will infuse your salmon with a subtle garlicky aroma.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to not overdo it. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste preferences. Happy steaming!

Steamer basket: use a bamboo or silicone basket, or a sheet of foil

Steamer baskets are a great way to cook salmon. You can use a bamboo or silicone basket, or even a sheet of foil. If you're using a bamboo or silicone steamer basket, you'll need a large cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid, such as a Dutch oven. The pot should be filled with water to a depth of about one inch, and brought to a boil over medium-high heat. Place the salmon in the steamer basket, either skin-side down or skin-side up, depending on your preference. You may want to give the basket a spritz of non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Cover the pot and place the steamer inside, cooking for around 8-10 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through.

If you're using foil, you'll need a large sheet of foil, enough to wrap around the salmon with some extra space. Place the salmon fillet on the foil and top with your choice of seasonings and flavourings. You might like to try bay leaves, mixed herbs, salt, pepper, onion, lemon, or garlic. Fold the foil over the salmon, leaving a small hole at the top, and place it in a steamer above a pan of boiling water. Steam for around 25 minutes.

Salmon is a great source of protein, vitamin A, and omega fatty acids, so it's a healthy choice for a meal. It's also quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a speedy dinner or a light lunch.

Cooking time: steam for 8-10 minutes, or 25 minutes if boiling

Steaming is a great way to cook salmon, and it only takes minutes to prepare. The cooking time will depend on the method you choose: steaming or boiling. If you prefer to steam your salmon, it should take around 8-10 minutes. However, if you opt for boiling, the cooking time increases to 25 minutes.

For steaming, you'll need a steamer basket or a bamboo steamer. Start by bringing water to a boil in a separate pot or skillet, ensuring it reaches a depth of about one inch. Place the salmon, seasoned with your choice of herbs and spices, in the steamer basket. Cover it and place the steamer in the boiling water. In about 8 to 10 minutes, your salmon will be ready. This method ensures your salmon is cooked just right and retains its nutritional benefits.

On the other hand, if you prefer to boil your salmon, the process is slightly different. Wrap your salmon fillet in foil, adding herbs, spices, and vegetables like onions and lemons for extra flavour. Place the wrapped salmon in a steamer above a pan of boiling water. This method takes a bit longer, and you'll need to let it boil for about 25 minutes.

Both methods yield delicious results, but steaming is a quicker option if you're short on time. Don't forget to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillet.

Serving suggestions: serve hot, warm, or chilled, with lemon or sauce

Steamed salmon is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways to suit your preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your steamed salmon experience:

Temperature Options:

You can enjoy steamed salmon hot, warm, or even chilled. The temperature you choose may depend on the season, your personal preference, or the sides and sauces you plan to serve with the salmon.

Serving with Lemon:

Lemon is a classic accompaniment to salmon and can be served in a few ways. You can provide fresh lemon wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze a burst of citrus onto their salmon. Alternatively, you can create a more complex sauce with lemon as the star ingredient. A lemon-caper sauce or a lemon-tarragon vinaigrette adds a tangy twist to your steamed salmon.

Sauce Suggestions:

If you're looking for something beyond lemon, there are numerous sauces that pair well with steamed salmon. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Quick creamy aioli: Combine mayonnaise, chopped fresh dill, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard.
• Creamy citrus mango sauce: A sweet and tangy option to complement the salmon.
• Basil pesto: Use fresh basil pesto as-is or thin it with some olive oil to create a flavorful dressing.
• Salsa: Try a tropical pineapple-mango salsa or a traditional tomato salsa, especially during the summer months.
• Tzatziki: Go Greek with this tangy yogurt-based sauce.
• Horseradish sauce: Add a bit of spicy kick to your salmon with this easy-to-make sauce.
• Asian-inspired sauce: Combine toasted sesame oil and soy sauce, then sprinkle with chopped green onions for a flavorful finish.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors and ingredients to create your own signature sauce!

Health benefits: salmon is full of protein, vitamin A, and omega fatty acids

Salmon is a versatile and tasty fish that is also a nutritional powerhouse. It is an excellent source of protein, vitamin A, and omega fatty acids, which have multiple health benefits.

Protein is an essential nutrient that must be obtained from your diet. It plays a crucial role in helping your body heal after an injury, protecting bone health, and maintaining muscle mass during weight loss and as you age. Salmon is rich in high-quality protein, with a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving providing 22–25 grams of protein.

Vitamin A is essential for vision and is a precursor for certain pigment molecules in the photoreceptors of the eye. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of farmed salmon provides around 8% of the daily recommended value of vitamin A.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that must be obtained from your diet. They have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, improving brain function, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and arrhythmias. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion of farmed salmon provides 2.3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, while wild salmon contains 2.2 grams.

In addition to these key nutrients, salmon also contains other important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, potassium, selenium, and astaxanthin, which provide further health benefits.

Frequently asked questions