Steaming Salmon: Is It Already Cooked?

Steamed salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook salmon. It is a simple moist-heat cooking method that has been used for centuries. Steaming salmon is also a foolproof way to prepare salmon, as it is challenging to overcook the fish. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillet, but on average, it takes about 8-10 minutes to steam salmon. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F for it to be fully cooked.

How long to steam salmon for?

Steaming salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare the fish. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets. A one-inch-thick salmon fillet will take around 6 to 8 minutes to steam and will be moist, flavorful, and delicious. If you are steaming thicker fillets, add an extra 3 to 4 minutes of cooking time for every additional half-inch of thickness.

• Set up your steamer by filling it with about one inch of water and placing it over medium-high heat.
• Line the steaming basket with thinly sliced lemon and fresh dill.
• Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
• Place the salmon over the dill, leaving some space between the fillets for even steaming.
• Once the water is simmering, place the steaming basket over the pot, cover with a lid, and let it steam.
• For a one-inch-thick fillet, steam for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. Check the salmon after 5 minutes to prevent overcooking.
• The salmon is done when it is opaque on the outside and slightly translucent in the center. It should also give slightly when pressed.
• For a medium-rare salmon, an instant meat thermometer should read between 120°F and 125°F. For a more well-done salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F to 145°F.

Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Enjoy your delicious and healthy steamed salmon!

What temperature should salmon be cooked to?

The ideal temperature to cook salmon to is a matter of some debate. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe from foodborne illnesses. However, many people find that this temperature dries out the fish, making it tough and fibrous.

A medium-rare salmon, with an internal temperature of 125°F, is considered by many chefs to be optimal, as it provides a moist, tender, and buttery texture without drying out the muscle fibres. This is the ideal temperature for farmed salmon, which has a higher fat content. Wild salmon, which is leaner, is best cooked to an internal temperature of 120°F, as this helps to retain moisture.

It is important to note that consuming salmon cooked to less than 145°F does carry a risk of foodborne illness, and this method of preparation should be avoided by those with compromised immune systems.

What to serve with steamed salmon?

Steamed salmon is a healthy, quick, and easy dish to prepare. It goes well with a variety of side dishes, including:

• Rice (brown, white, or lemon rice)
• Quinoa
• Couscous
• Noodles (e.g. parmesan noodles)
• Potatoes (e.g. mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, hasselback potatoes)
• Vegetables (e.g. steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, green beans)
• Green Yogurt Sauce (a herby sauce with a tang)
• Quick Creamy Aioli (mayo, dill, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard)
• Lemon, Caper, and Dijon Vinaigrette
• Creamy Citrus Mango Sauce
• Basil Pesto
• Pineapple-Mango Salsa
• Tzatziki Sauce (with Greek yogurt)
• Traditional Tomato Salsa
• Horseradish Sauce
• Toasted Sesame Oil and Soy Sauce (with green onions)
• Cider-Glazed Carrots
• Black Bean and Mango Salad
• Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Tomatoes and Basil
• Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
• Broccoli with Slivered Almonds
• Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes
• Brussels Sprout and Apple Slaw
• Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Green Vegetables with Hollandaise Sauce
• Simple Rice Pilaf
• Fresh Cucumber and Tomato Salad
• Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Cilantro Lime Roasted Corn
• Vegetable Frittata
• Steamed Artichokes
• Corn on the Cob
• Crispy Skillet-Fried Potatoes
• French-Inspired Potato Salad
• Butter-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted Baby Potatoes
• Ukrainian Dill Potatoes
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Cajun Spiced Potatoes
• Garlic Confit Mashed Potatoes
• Cilantro-Lime Rice
• Creamy Mushroom Risotto
• Green Bean Salad with Farro and Crispy Shallots
• Cabbage Slaw with Farro, Pecorino, and Dates
• Spinach Risotto
• Smoked Almond and Herb Couscous
• Poblano Rice
• Lemon Rice
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
• Oven-Caramelized Cabbage Wedges
• Spanakopita Kale Salad
• Roasted Parmesan Asparagus
• Grilled Zucchini
• Air Fryer Green Beans
• Cacio e Pepe Broccoli
• Honey-Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
• Skillet Kale with Lemon and Garlic
• Cheesy Grilled Parmesan Broccoli
• Tangy Cucumber Salad
• Garlicky Roasted Broccoli
• Lemon-Ginger Spinach
• Minty Snap Pea Salad
• Cabbage and Kale Slaw
• Garlicky Sautéed Escarole
• Arugula Salad
• Sautéed Broccoli Rabe
• Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo
• Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Green Beans
• Garlic Noodles
• Spring Pea Pasta
• Caramelized Cabbage Butter Pasta
• Creamy Calabrian Chili Pasta
• Lemon Pasta
• Tomato Chickpeas and Orzo
• Brown Butter Za’atar Pasta
• Verde Sauce with Fregola
• Creamy Miso Butter Pasta
• Creamy Basil-Garlic Pasta
• Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta
• Gnocchi Skillet with Green Beans and Asparagus
• Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo

How to season steamed salmon?

Steaming salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this fish. The cooking method is also versatile, as the salmon can be served hot, warm, or chilled.

Seasoning Steamed Salmon:

The simplest way to season steamed salmon is to sprinkle it with salt and pepper. You can use regular table salt or sea salt, and ground black pepper or freshly cracked black pepper.

Other seasonings that go well with steamed salmon include:

• Lemon pepper
• Everything but the bagel blend
• Granulated garlic
• A dry rub
• A homemade taco seasoning blend

You can also create a steaming liquid to infuse the salmon with flavour. To do this, combine cold water with ingredients such as:

• Fresh lemon slices or juice
• Crushed garlic cloves
• Fresh herbs like thyme, tarragon, parsley, or bay leaf
• Dried herbs like thyme, Italian seasoning, Herbs de Provence, dill, or bay leaves
• Chopped leek, shallot, or onion
• Sliced fennel or fennel fronds
• White wine or dry vermouth (optional)

Steps for Steaming Salmon:

• Prepare your steamer by adding water to just below the steamer rack. You can also use broth or wine for added flavour.
• Add the ingredients for your steaming liquid to the water.
• Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Season your salmon fillets with salt and pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
• Place the salmon in the steamer, making sure it doesn't touch the liquid.
• Cover the pot and steam for 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 120°F-125°F or 140°F-145°F when it's done.

Serving Steamed Salmon:

Steamed salmon can be served with a variety of sauces, such as:

• Aioli
• Lemon, caper, and Dijon vinaigrette
• Creamy citrus mango sauce
• Basil pesto
• Pineapple-mango salsa
• Tzatziki sauce
• Traditional tomato salsa
• Horseradish sauce
• Toasted sesame oil and soy sauce

How to tell if salmon is cooked?

How to tell if salmon is cooked

There are several ways to tell if your salmon is cooked, whether you're steaming, grilling, pan-frying, searing, oven-roasting, or poaching it.

Check the internal temperature

The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that the thickest part of a piece of cooked salmon should have a minimum internal temperature of 145°F. This will be a very firm, well-done piece of fish. For medium to medium-rare, aim for a temperature of 125°F to 135°F when you remove it from the heat.

Check the colour

You can also examine the colour of the salmon. It should appear slightly pink or translucent when finished. If it's too translucent, it's undercooked; if it's opaque or cloudy, it's overcooked.

Check the flakiness

Another sign of doneness is flakiness. Use a salad fork or the tip of a paring knife to test whether the top of the fish flakes apart easily. If it's hard to the touch and doesn't flake when testing it with a utensil or finger, it needs to cook a little longer.

Check the albumin

Albumin is a white substance that appears when cooking a piece of salmon. It's the most abundant protein in salmon liver. At a temperature of 135°F, you're more likely to see albumin, and the muscles contract. It's safe to eat but doesn't look appetizing, so you want to avoid it if possible.

Frequently asked questions