Putting salmon in the steamer for about 20 minutes is a great quick and easy way to cook it. Not only is it a healthy cooking method, but it also takes just minutes to prepare. Let me show you how to make simple steamed salmon that goes well with many different kinds of sauces and dressings. You can serve it hot, warm, or cold.
Whether youre an experienced cook or new to the kitchen, steamed salmon is practically foolproof. Think of it like poached salmon. Read on to learn how to make tasty steamed salmon in no time. Steaming: its for more than vegetables and rice![feast_advanced_jump_to].
Steaming salmon in an electric steamer is one of the healthiest and most foolproof ways to cook this delicious and nutritious fish. With an electric steamer you don’t need to worry about precise timing or complicated techniques – the steamer does the work for you. In this article we’ll walk through everything you need to know to perfectly steam salmon fillets in your electric steamer.
Choosing Your Salmon
The most important factor in determining steam time is the thickness of your salmon fillets. Thinner tails and ends will cook faster, while thicker center-cut fillets will take a bit longer. For even cooking, choose fillets that are similarly sized.
King, coho, and sockeye salmon that are caught in the wild tend to have more fat and oil than Atlantic salmon that are raised in farms. Since the extra fat makes them more moist when cooked, you may be able to shorten the cooking time for types with more fat.
No matter what type of salmon you choose make sure it’s fresh and doesn’t smell “fishy.” Clean bright flesh is ideal.
Prepping the Salmon
There are a few easy things you can do before steaming your salmon to make sure it’s soft and tasty:
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Check for pinbones: Run your fingers along the surface of the fillets to feel for small bones. Use tweezers or pliers to remove any you find.
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Season the salmon: Coat both sides with olive oil or cooking spray, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Herbs, citrus zest, garlic, and chili flakes all work well.
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Cut into portions: For even cooking, cut fillets into 4-6 oz portions. Fold thinner tails under to create uniform thickness.
Steaming Time Guidelines
Now for the big question – how long should you steam those beautiful salmon fillets? Here are general guidelines:
- 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inch thick fillets: 10-12 minutes
- 1 inch thick fillets: 14-16 minutes
- 1 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 inch thick fillets: 18-22 minutes
These times are based on fresh wild salmon cooked in a countertop electric steamer. Farmed salmon may cook slightly faster since it has less natural fat. Frozen fillets will take longer – up to 50% more time.
Always check your steamer’s manual for specific instructions, as cook times can vary by model. Bigger steamers designed to hold full meals may required longer preheat and cook times compared to small 1-2 portion steamers.
Checking Doneness
With salmon’s quick cook time, it’s easy to go from perfectly cooked to overcooked in a flash. Checking for doneness early and often ensures tender, flaky results.
There are a few ways to test if your salmon is ready to come out of the steamer:
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Use an instant read thermometer – salmon is perfectly cooked between 145-160°F.
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Flake the thickest part of a fillet with a fork – it should break into clean flakes without resistance.
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Check opacity – salmon changes from dark pink/red to opaque pink/orange when it’s done.
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Look for just a touch of white protein albumin starting to form on the surface. A little is normal, but if there’s a lot of white liquid, the salmon is overcooked.
When in doubt, remove fillets once they’re mostly opaque but still have a hint of color in the center. They’ll continue cooking from residual heat.
Serving Your Steamed Salmon
A perfectly steamed salmon fillet should have moist, silky flesh that flakes into juicy chunks with just a little prompting from your fork.
Steaming locks in flavor and nutrients without adding extra fat or calories. Here are some healthy ways to serve your electric steamer salmon:
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On a bed of mixed greens or rice topped with vinaigrette or teriyaki sauce.
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In tacos, sandwiches, or wraps with crunchy slaw.
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Over pasta or vegetable noodles with lemon, herbs, and olive oil.
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On flatbread or toast with tzatziki, tahini, or Greek yogurt sauce.
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In a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and greens.
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In a salad with greens, tomatoes, avocado, and balsamic dressing.
Steaming Salmon Safely
Steaming is one of the safest ways to cook salmon, but proper handling prevents the small chance of contamination or foodborne illness:
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Cook raw salmon to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to kill potential bacteria and parasites.
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Discard any leftovers after 3-4 days – steamed salmon doesn’t hold up well due to its low-fat content.
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Prevent cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, cutting boards, etc. after handling raw salmon.
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Serve salmon immediately after cooking for maximum flavor and texture.
Steaming Salmon in Other Devices
While countertop electric steamers offer foolproof results, you can also steam salmon successfully using:
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Stovetop steamer pot: Use a folding metal steamer basket lined with parchment paper inside a large pot filled with 1-2 inches of water.
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Rice cooker: Place salmon in steam tray or directly on top of rice. Close lid and steam until fish is opaque.
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Instant pot: Add 1 cup water to pot, place salmon in steamer basket, and pressure cook on high for 0 minutes (just until pressure is achieved). Quick release.
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Oven: Place salmon skin-side down on a parchment-lined pan and top with lemon slices. Bake at 400°F until cooked through.
Steaming Salmon to Perfection
Step 2: Check for Pin Bones
Many stores remove them for you. If not, remove them yourself. Gently rub your fingers over the sides and top of the fish. If you feel pin bones, remove them with small pliers or tweezers. Get ones that you keep in the kitchen just for this task. Needle nose fly fishing pliers work terrific.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
What seasonings go well with steamed salmon? Try these:
- Try lemon pepper, everything but the bagel, this smoky favorite dry rub recipe, or a homemade taco seasoning blend for different kinds of seasoning.
- Instead of wine, use water and either vegetable broth or more lemon juice. This steamer basket needs to be full of water all the way to the bottom.
- Use dried herbs instead of fresh. Use 1-2 teaspoons (in the steaming broth).
Chefs Tip: How to buy salmon. Tell the fishmonger what you want. Dont just take what ever they want to give you (especially at todays prices). I prefer center cut pieces that are thicker and more even versus tail pieces. If whats in the case doesnt look good, ask if they have any more they can cut for you. For the best choices in salmon, check out this salmon buying guide.
If you love salmon, try this easy smoked salmon dip. Its a reader favorite on my website.
Start with salmon that is closer to room temperature rather than freezing cold out of the refrigerator. Let it sit unwrapped for 30-45 minutes on the counter.
Asian-Style Steamed Salmon Recipe
FAQ
How to cook fish in an electric steamer?
How do you know when salmon is done steaming?
How long to steam frozen salmon in electric steamer?
Do you steam salmon skin side down?
How long does it take to steam salmon?
Typically, a 1-inch thick salmon fillet will take about 10-15 minutes to steam. The exact timing will depend on the thickness of the fillet and the power of your steamer. To check if the salmon is done, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and twist gently. If the salmon flakes easily, it’s ready to serve.
Is smoked salmon good for you?
Salmon is a source of high-quality protein, magnesium, and selenium. In addition, it provides healthy fatty acids for the body. It contains large amounts of omega 3, which prevents cardiovascular diseases, has anti-inflammatory properties, and prevents certain types of Cancer.
How do you cook salmon in a steamer?
Cover the Steamer: Place the lid securely on the steamer to create a tight seal. This will ensure that the steam is trapped inside and cooks the salmon evenly. Start Steaming: Turn on the heat and bring the water in the steamer to a gentle simmer. Allow the salmon to steam undisturbed for about 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness.
When should salmon be cooked in a steamer?
Steaming the salmon should always begin when the water is hot and steaming. The salmon should never be added to the steamer when the water is cold. With the lid on the pot, the heat was increased to a boil. Then the heat was reduced to low and the water simmered while the salmon was prepared.