Fish? In the microwave?! Yes you can, and yes, you should. Before you dismiss the idea, consider this: cooking salmon in the microwave is not only quick and easy (great for those who are short on time), but it’s also healthier since you don’t have to add any cooking oil. If that wasn’t enough of a reason, Chef David Chang says that microwaved-steamed salmon is one of his favorite quick meals for busy weeknights.
Why Use an Anyday? Cooking salmon in the microwave with an Anyday dish only takes 3–5 minutes, while air-frying or roasting takes more than twice as long. You can cook fresh filets or ones that are still frozen; you just need to add a little more cooking time. Bonus: the steam-trapping Anyday lid keeps any fishy smells inside the dish, not soaring through your kitchen.
Microwaving salmon is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook this delicious, healthy fish. However, one downside is that microwaving can intensify odors, leaving your kitchen smelling strongly of fish. Luckily, there are some simple tricks to microwave salmon without the lingering fishy smell.
Why Microwaved Salmon Smells
When salmon is cooked the proteins and fats break down, releasing odor molecules that we perceive as fishy smells. Microwaves heat food very quickly and intensely forcing more of these smelly molecules out at once.
Additionally, microwave steam traps odors. A covered dish blocks the stench from escaping as the salmon cooks. So microwaving raw salmon under tight cover multiplies the fishy odor in your kitchen.
Tips to Microwave Salmon Without Smell
If you want to avoid smells while microwaving salmon fillets or steaks, do these things:
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Thaw frozen salmon first – Cooking frozen salmon makes it release more odor molecules. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before microwaving.
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Use fresh salmon – Old, stale salmon has an intensely fishy smell even before cooking. Buy sushi-grade salmon and use within 2 days.
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Don’t overcook – Salmon releases more odor when overcooked. Microwave just until opaque in the center.
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Microwave open: Leave the dish out in the open or slightly open the top so smells can escape.
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Layer paper towels – Line the microwave dish with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and fish oils that cause odor.
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Add acid – A squeeze of lemon or lime juice helps mask fishy smells.
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Open the windows or turn on the stove vent to get air flow in the kitchen. This will help get rid of smells.
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Clean thoroughly – Wipe down the microwave interior immediately after cooking to remove lingering odors.
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Use a microwave splatter cover – These inexpensive covers allow steam to vent out the sides while trapping food splatters.
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Absorb odors – Place a small bowl of lemon slices, vinegar, or coffee grounds in the microwave during cooking to absorb smells.
Best Practices for Microwaving Salmon
Follow these best practices when microwaving salmon to get the best results:
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Pat the fillets very dry before cooking to prevent steaming.
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Brush lightly with oil and season with salt, pepper, herbs.
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Arrange in a single layer in a microwave-safe dish.
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Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes for a 1-inch thick fillet. Cook time varies based on thickness.
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Let rest 2-3 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise slightly.
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Check for doneness by inserting a fork. The flesh should flake easily when done.
6 Quick Microwave Salmon Recipes
With the right techniques, you can cook delicious salmon meals in the microwave without stinking up your kitchen. Try these fast and easy microwave salmon recipes:
1. Lemon-Herb Salmon
- Salmon fillet
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon slices
- Fresh dill or parsley
2. Soy-Ginger Salmon
- Salmon fillet
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Grated ginger
- Scallions
3. Salmon with Salsa
- Salmon fillet
- Salsa
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
4. Mediterranean Salmon
- Salmon fillet
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Chopped olives
- Fresh basil
- Lemon wedges
5. Cajun Salmon
- Salmon fillet
- Cajun seasoning
- Lemon slices
- Coarsely chopped parsley
6. Salmon with Mustard-Dill Sauce
- Salmon fillet
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh dill
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
So go ahead and enjoy quick weeknight salmon cooked in the microwave without worrying about stinking up your kitchen. Follow the tips above for mess-free salmon without the smell every time.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Lemon and herbs: Squeeze a lemon wedge over the salmon before cooking it, and then sprinkle fresh herbs on top of the fish once it’s done.
- Maple miso: Mix with miso, maple syrup, and rice vinegar. Serve with steamed bok choy.
- In the Mediterranean style, spread pesto on top and then add black olives and cherry tomatoes.
- After the bagel is cool, shred it and mix it with cream cheese, liquid smoke, chopped chives, and lemon juice. Serve on a bagel.
- Shred cooked salmon and mix it with sour cream, lemon juice, chopped chives, salt, and pepper to make a salmon salad.
- Use teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, and small pieces of fish to season the teriyaki bowl.
- If cooking fish from frozen, add Power Level +3. In this case, cook a frozen filet at Power Level 7 if the fresh fish cooks at Power Level 4. For more information on power levels check out our blog.
- We recommend using an Anyday Shallow Dish for cooking proteins. You might need to add more cooking time if you use an Anyday Deep Dish.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Salmon: 4 Ways
Customize your microwaved salmon with these recipe ideas.
Thai Red Curry
Cover salmon with store-bought curry sauce and cook in the microwave. Garnish with lime and cilantro.
Miso Butter
Combine equal parts miso, brown sugar, and butter together. Spread onto salmon and microwave.
Ginger-Soy
Combine soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, garlic, and honey and pour over salmon.
Garlic & Herb
Combine dijon mustard, chopped garlic, dried parsley, and salt and spread onto salmon.
Should I cook salmon at a lower power level?
If you’d like to cook your salmon more gently, cook at a lower power level for longer time. Power Level 7 for 5 minutes. Check to see how well the fish flakes. If the middle is still raw, add 30 seconds more time.
Salmon Microwaved – 3 Easy Steps! Somebody tell Gordon Ramsay!
FAQ
How to reheat salmon so it doesn’t smell?
How do you cook salmon that doesn’t smell?
How do you keep salmon moist when reheating in the microwave?