This is a new way to cook salmon — the salmon is cooked using only the hot plates. This way the fish keeps more of its original flavor. Use only first class, sushi quality, salmon.
Salmon is one of the most popular and delicious fish to cook and eat. When cooked properly, salmon can be succulent, flaky and full of flavor. However, the way you present and plate your salmon can truly take it to the next level and make it a dish worthy of a fine dining restaurant. With just a few simple techniques, tools and garnishes, you can easily plate salmon like a pro in your own home kitchen.
Pick High-Quality Salmon Fillets
The foundation of any great salmon dish begins with using high-quality, fresh salmon fillets. Whenever possible, try to purchase wild-caught salmon over farmed. Wild salmon typically has a better nutritional profile with higher omega-3 fatty acids and a superior texture and taste. The fish should smell fresh – not fishy or ammonia-like. Look for salmon with clear eyes, vibrant pink flesh and firm texture. The thickness of the fillet can range from 1 to 2 inches – choose based on your recipe and cooking method.
Cook the Salmon Properly
Salmon can be prepared in numerous ways – baked grilled pan seared, poached or even cured for dishes like gravlax. No matter which cooking method you use, properly cooking the salmon is key. The fish should reach an internal temperature between 125°F and 140°F on an instant-read thermometer for medium-rare to medium doneness. This prevents overcooking and yields tender, flaky, moist salmon. Be careful not to move the fish too much during cooking to prevent the fillets from flaking apart prematurely.
Make a Base Sauce or Puree
Starting with a colorful and tasty base sauce or puree on the plate is one way to instantly make a salmon dish look better. This makes the salmon look better, adds flavor, and keeps it from touching the plate directly. Some options to consider are:
- Lemon or lime butter sauce
- Hollandaise or béarnaise sauce
- Red pepper coulis or sauce
- Mango, peach or apricot puree
- Pesto or herb oil
- Romesco sauce
- Red wine reduction
Swoosh the sauce or puree artfully across the plate using the back of a spoon. You want an aesthetically pleasing pattern or layer of sauce – it doesn’t need to cover the entire plate.
Place the Salmon Fillet Strategically
Carefully transfer the cooked salmon fillet from the pan or baking sheet onto the sauce-lined plate Use a thin spatula to keep the fillet intact Place the salmon in the center of the plate, slightly off to one side. If serving multiple pieces of salmon, elegantly arrange them in a fanned or stacked presentation.
Angle the pieces of fish attractively – either Keep the top of the fillet pointed towards the sauce swoosh or perpendicular to it. This prevents hiding too much of the fish or sauce underneath.
Garnish and Finish with Finesse
A few simple garnishes can truly make your plated salmon pop. Here are some ideas:
- Lemon or lime slices or wedges
- Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, basil, chives
- Edible flowers
- Capers
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted nuts or seeds
- Microgreens
Use an odd number of small garnishes and strategically place them around the salmon and plate. You can either cluster them together or evenly disperse them. Add a finishing drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, herb oil or sauce to add final flair.
Serve and Enjoy!
Your professional looking, restaurant-worthy salmon dish is now ready to serve! Impress your guests with your elegant plating skills. The tender, flaky salmon paired beautifully with the flavorful sauce and garnishes is sure to delight. Complement your salmon with side dishes like roasted potatoes or vegetables and a crisp white wine or rosé. With a few simple techniques, you can feel like a pro plating salmon for a fine dining experience in your own home.
Michelin Techniques for Salmon
FAQ
How to set up a salmon plate?
How to decorate a salmon plate?
How is salmon best served?
How do you Swoosh a salmon plate?
Place your cooked salmon on top of the base “swoosh” and lightly garnish the plate with your seasonings. The key is to keep the plate simple and not overcrowd it. A nice decorative garnish can add a little extra flair to the dish. If you want to make your salmon dish look fancy, you can’t stuff the plate.
What are the benefits of smoked salmon over raw salmon?
It actually has the same characteristics as raw salmon, being relatively low in calories, it is an excellent source of protein, good fat and several vitamins and minerals. The smoking process just adds an aroma.
What should you put on a salmon plate?
If you’re focusing on a more fresh and light feel, you could accent the dish with lemon slices and some dill stems. When plating your salmon, you may want to pull out the dishes that have interesting shapes. Not all plates are created equal, and not all guests have to use the same plate.
How do you assemble a salmon platter?
To assemble the salmon platter, place a small bowl of cream cheese or labneh in one third of the the platter. Place the feta cheese in another corner of the platter. Arrange the salmon, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, radish, onions, olives, artichoke hearts and lemon wedges around the cheese.