Salmon is a versatile and delicious fish that can be prepared in numerous ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for guests, salmon is always a great choice. Let’s give you the top 10 ways of cooking salmon, each with its unique flavour and cooking technique.
Steps of Cooking Salmon
1. Grilled Salmon
Grilling salmon gives it a smoky flavour that pairs well with the fish’s natural richness. To grill salmon, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them on the grill, skin side down, and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Serve with a squeeze of lemon for a fresh finish.
2. Baked Salmon
Baking salmon is an easy and foolproof method. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season with your favourite herbs and spices. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Pair with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Pan-Seared Salmon
Pan-searing salmon creates a crispy skin while keeping the inside moist and tender. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Season the salmon fillets and place them upside down in the hot skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked through.
4. Poached Salmon
Poaching is a gentle cooking method that keeps salmon moist and tender. Fill a large skillet with enough water to cover the salmon fillets. Add aromatics like lemon slices, dill, and peppercorns to the water. Bring to a simmer and add the salmon. Poach for about 10 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through.
5. Broiled Salmon
Broiling salmon gives it a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy. Preheat your broiler and place the salmon fillets on a broiler pan. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Broil for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the top is golden and the salmon is cooked through.
6. Smoked Salmon
Smoking salmon imparts a rich, smoky flavour. You can either cold-smoke or hot-smoke salmon. For hot smoking, preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Season the salmon fillets and place them in the smoker. Smoke for about 2 hours until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Steamed Salmon
Steaming is a healthy way to cook salmon, preserving its nutrients. Fill a large pot with about an inch of water and bring to a simmer. Place the salmon fillets in a steamer basket over the simmering water. Cover and steam for about 10-12 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
8. Salmon en Papillote
Cooking salmon en papillote, or on parchment paper, locks in moisture and flavour. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets on a large piece of parchment paper. Add your choice of vegetables and seasonings. Fold the parchment paper into a packet and bake for about 20 minutes.
9. Cured Salmon
Curing salmon transforms it into gravlax, a Scandinavian delicacy. Mix equal parts salt and sugar, and add some dill. Rub the mixture over the salmon fillets and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2-3 days, turning the salmon every 12 hours. Rinse off the cure and slice thinly.
10. Salmon Sushi
Salmon sushi is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine. Slice the salmon into thin pieces and serve over seasoned sushi rice. You can also make salmon rolls by wrapping the salmon and rice in nori (seaweed) sheets with vegetables like cucumber and avocado.
Conclusion
Salmon is a versatile and flavorful fish that can be cooked in many delicious ways. Whether you prefer it grilled, baked, or smoked, there’s a salmon recipe for every taste and occasion. Experiment with different cooking methods and seasonings to discover your favourite way to enjoy this nutritious and tasty fish.