Steamed Salmon

Steamed Salmon is a healthy and light way to enjoy fresh fish. This cooking method keeps the fillet moist and tender without needing much oil. You can serve it with vegetables or rice for a complete meal. It is a quick and reliable option for a busy weekday dinner.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Steamed Salmon

What is good about steamed salmon

Steaming preserves the natural flavour and nutrients of the fish better than frying. You do not need to worry about the fish sticking to a pan or becoming too dry. Because the heat is gentle, steamed salmon remains soft and flakes easily with a fork when cooked. It is one of the simplest ways to prepare a high quality dinner in minutes.

How to prepare steamed salmon

Step 1
Prepare the fish: Season the salmon fillets with a little sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Place a few lemon slices and a sprig of dill on top of each fillet. This adds a fresh citrus aroma to the fish as it cooks.
Step 2
Boil the water: Fill a pot with enough water to create steam but ensure it does not touch the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a steady and gentle steam.
Step 3
Steam the salmon: Place the fillets into the steamer basket and cover the pot with a tight fitting lid. Steam the salmon for about eight to ten minutes depending on the thickness of the fish. The fillets are ready when they turn opaque and flake easily.
Step 4
Serve the meal: Carefully remove the fillets using tongs to keep them whole. Serve the fish immediately while it is hot. You can add extra lemon juice or fresh herbs to the plate for more flavour.

Good advice for steamed salmon

Use fresh fillets for the best results as they hold their shape better during the cooking process. You can wrap the fish in parchment paper if you want to lock in more juices and herbs. Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the steamed salmon during cooking to avoid boiling the fish. If you have thicker fillets, you might need an extra two minutes of steaming time.

Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches sixty degrees for safety. Adding ginger or garlic to the steaming water can infuse the fish with extra subtle flavours. Always use a lid that fits perfectly to prevent the steam from escaping and extending the cooking time.

You might also enjoy green chicken curry, dauphinoise potatoes with leeks or noodles with minced pork.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1 lemon sliced into rounds
  • 2 sprigs of fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1569 kJ / 375 kcal
  • Fat:27 g
  • - of which saturates:5 g
  • Carbohydrates:1 g
  • - of which sugars:0 g
  • Protein:30 g
  • Fibre:0 g
  • Salt:250 mg

People also ask

The fish is ready when the flesh turns from translucent to opaque pink. You can test it by pressing a fork into the thickest part to see if it flakes easily. Steamed salmon should be moist inside rather than dry or tough.
It is best to defrost the fish completely in the fridge before you begin. Steaming frozen fillets can lead to uneven cooking and a watery texture. Once thawed, pat the steamed salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus match the light texture of the fish perfectly. You could also serve it with boiled new potatoes or a simple green salad. A light drizzle of soy sauce or a dollop of Greek yoghurt with herbs also works well.
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4.7 / 5 - (31 ratings)