Steamed Salmon Recipe

This steamed salmon recipe is my go-to because it’s insanely easy to make yet feels super fancy with its fragrant blend of garlic, ginger, and lemon. Plus, it’s a healthy delight that pairs perfectly with cozy nights in and a Netflix binge, leaving me feeling like a gourmet chef!

I adore the straightforwardness and nutritional worth of my Steamed Salmon recipe. It features salmon fillets that are tender and impeccably cooked, seasoned simply yet perfectly with salt and black pepper.

The salmon is enriched with an aromatic blend of minced garlic and fresh ginger. A touch of lemon enhances the flavor, while sprigs of fresh dill make a lovely garnish.

With this dish, a drizzle of olive oil is a must, and a splash of soy sauce completes the healthy meal, which is not only satisfying but also colorful and full of bright flavors.

Ingredients

Salmon is a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids; it’s a superlative protein source.

Lemon: Provides a bright, zesty flavor; very high in vitamin C.

Olive Oil: Monounsaturated fats that are healthy for the heart; good for cholesterol.

Garlic: Supplies aromatic depth; possesses compounds with healing virtues.

Ginger: Provides warmth and zest; helps digestion and inflammation.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup water or fish stock
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Instructions

1. Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of the salmon fillets to taste.

2. In a large skillet or steaming pan, medium heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced ginger, and sauté until they’re fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.

3. Put the salmon fillets in the skillet with the skin side facing down. Lay lemon slices atop each fillet in a neat arrangement.

4. Place the water or fish stock into the skillet, taking care not to pour it directly over the salmon.

5. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid. Let the salmon steam, cooking for about 8-10 minutes, depending on how thick the fillets are, until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

6. Remove the lid from the skillet, and drizzle the salmon with soy sauce.

7. Keep cooking for 1-2 more minutes, leaving the lid off so that the flavors can meld together.

8. Remove the salmon from the skillet with care and place it on serving plates.

9. Over the top of the salmon, spoon the garlic, ginger, and leftover sauce.

10. Before serving, add fresh dill sprigs to each fillet as a garnish. Enjoy your delicious dinner of steamed salmon.

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet with a lid
2. Tongs or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Spoon

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before steaming, so they cook evenly.
• Q: What can I substitute for fresh dill?Should fresh dill not be available, use dried dill. Or try another herb altogether for a different flavor profile. Herbs that work well include:

  – Parsley
  – Thyme

• Q: How long should I steam the salmon fillets?A: Cook the salmon fillets in the steam for approximately 8-10 minutes or until they are opaque and flake easily with a fork.
• Q: Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?Certainly! This recipe is also excellent with other kinds of fish, including cod, sea bass, or halibut. Adjust the cooking time if needed, depending on how thick your fillets are.
• Q: Is there an alternative to using fish stock?A: Yes, you can use water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth as a substitute for fish stock.
• Q: What do I do if I want a more intense flavor?To achieve a more potent flavor, you may soak the salmon in the soy sauce, lemon, garlic, and ginger marinade for half an hour before cooking it in the steamer.
• Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?A: Certainly, incorporating vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or snap peas can enhance this and render it a more complete meal. Just arrange them in the steamer basket with the salmon.

Substitutions and Variations

Salmon fillets: Prompt a switch with another fish, such as trout or halibut.
Lemon: For a different citrus flavor, use lime or orange slices.
Dill sprigs, fresh: Substitute fresh parsley or tarragon for a different herbal note.
When olive oil is not available, one can make use of avocado oil or melted butter.
Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos in its place.

Pro Tips

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients Opt for wild-caught salmon if possible for better flavor and nutritional value. Fresh lemon, dill, and ginger will enhance the dish significantly, so try to use the freshest ingredients you can find.

2. Preheat the Skillet Properly Make sure the skillet and olive oil are properly heated before adding the garlic and ginger. This will help release their flavors rather quickly and will prevent them from sticking.

3. Skin-Side Down Cooking Cooking the salmon with the skin side down helps keep the fish moist and provides a barrier to prevent sticking. It also allows the skin to get crispy if you decide to give it a quick sear at the end.

4. Don’t Overcook the Salmon Keep a close eye on the salmon while it steams. Overcooked salmon can become dry and lose its delicate flavor. It should be just opaque in the center when done.

5. Balancing Herbs and Spices Taste the sauce before serving, and adjust the soy sauce or add a bit of lemon juice if needed. The balance can be adjusted to suit your personal preference for tanginess or saltiness.