 Chefs all over the world can agree that salmon is one of the most nutritious, delicious, and an easy-to-cook fish. Salmon is full of healthy fats and is easily paired with a variety of sides. One of the many things that our online community for chefs loves about salmon is the various ways it can be served up, in little to no time. Check out these 5 methods of cooking salmon, from the Michelin starred chefs at Today’s World Kitchen.
Before you start, make sure that you select the freshest salmon you can find. Many Michelin starred chefs recommend choosing carefully, as fresh salmon should never smell fishy. The flesh should be bright and moist. If you are buying a whole salmon, check that the eyes are bright and clear, and that the skin is silvery and shiny.
When you are seasoning, keep in mind that with salmon, simple is best. When fresh, salmon does not have a very fishy taste, so it does not demand a ton of seasoning or marinade. A simple coat of salt, pepper, cayenne, butter, or soy will let the delicacy speak for itself in your dishes. When it comes to preparing salmon, it is best not to overthink it, a little goes a long way.
Pan Fried Salmon
Pan frying salmon gives it that crispy, crunchy texture that works so well with tangy salads or crispy potatoes. Start by seasoning your salmon with salt, pepper, and light butter. Place it in a pan, skin up, over medium high heat. Let the fish sizzle for about 5 minutes, then flip it to its opposite side for about 3 minutes. Each side should be golden brown before removing from the pan.
Poached Salmon
Poaching is a fat free method of cooking salmon. Add salt, pepper, and any additional seasoning to a pan of water. Bring the liquid to a simmer, add the fillets, then cover. Let the salmon simmer for approximately 25 minutes.
Grilled Salmon
Grilling salmon gives it that smoky, traditional flavor that so many recipes strive for, and it only takes a few minutes. Place a lightly oiled, well-seasoned fish skin side down on the grate, above hot coals. Cook the salmon for approximately 5 minutes on each side, carefully flipping with a spatula.
Oven-Roasted Salmon
Oven-roasting is a great way to cook salmon when serving a large group of people, since a baking sheet can hold several fillets or steaks at once. Start by seasoning your salmon with salt and pepper. Place the skin side down on a lightly greased baking dish, and bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes. When you are oven-roasting salmon, it is not necessary to flip it over.
Broiled Salmon
Broiling is another easy method of cooking salmon. Simply place the seasoned fish on a baking sheet on the top rack of the oven, under a hot broiler about 3 inches from the source of the heat. Let the fish cook for 3 minutes on each side. If the salmon seems cooked on the outside, you can leave it in the broiler with the heat off for another minute to cook the inside extra.