Poached Salmon : Delicately cooked in a fragrant broth of herbs, lemon, and aromatics, the salmon remains tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s light, healthy, and versatile—pair it with a crisp green salad, creamy potatoes, or fluffy rice for a meal that feels restaurant-worthy without the fuss.
What Is Poached Salmon?
Poached salmon refers to salmon fillets gently cooked in a flavorful liquid (often water, broth, or wine) just below boiling point. This low-temperature cooking method preserves the fish’s delicate texture and enhances its natural flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Poached Salmon
Choose Quality Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon when possible—it’s more flavorful and sustainable.
Mind the Temperature: Never let the liquid boil; boiling can toughen the salmon.
Enhance the Liquid: Add herbs, spices, or even a splash of wine to infuse the salmon with extra flavor.
Skin-On or Skinless?: Skin-on fillets hold together better, while skinless fillets absorb more flavor.
Variations of Poached Salmon
Butter-Poached Salmon: Add a few tablespoons of butter to the poaching liquid for a richer flavor.
Asian-Inspired Poaching: Use miso broth, soy sauce, ginger, and green onions for a savory twist.
Mediterranean-Style: Incorporate olive oil, capers, and thyme for a zesty flair.
Cold Poached Salmon: Chill the fillets after poaching and serve with dill sauce for a refreshing appetizer.
How to Serve Poached Salmon
Classic Pairings
As a Main Course: Serve warm with roasted potatoes and a fresh green salad.
In Salads: Flake the salmon over mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette.
As a Cold Dish: Ideal for brunch—pair with bagels, cream cheese, and capers.
How to Store Poached Salmon
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled fillets in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
- Gently warm the salmon in a skillet with a splash of poaching liquid or water to prevent dryness.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for poaching?
Yes, but thaw it completely in the fridge before poaching for even cooking.
What’s the best liquid for poaching salmon?
Water works fine, but using broth, wine, or a combination elevates the flavor.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. A thermometer should read 145°F in the thickest part.
Can I poach salmon in advance?
Absolutely! Poached salmon can be made ahead and served cold or reheated.
What herbs pair best with poached salmon?
Dill, parsley, chives, and tarragon are classics.
Poached Salmon
Poached Salmon : Delicately cooked in a fragrant broth of herbs, lemon, and aromatics, the salmon remains tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s light, healthy, and versatile—pair it with a crisp green salad, creamy potatoes, or fluffy rice for a meal that feels restaurant-worthy without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 large lemons (zest + juice of 1, slices of the other for garnish)
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 sprigs parsley
- 3 sprigs dill (or ½ to 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillet (cut into 4 portions)
- Kosher salt
- Spanish Hojiblanca extra virgin olive oil (optional for drizzling)
Instructions
- Zest and juice one lemon; slice the other into wedges or rounds for garnish.
- In a large saucepan, combine wine, lemon juice, shallot, garlic, and 2 sprigs each of parsley and dill. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Pat the salmon dry and sprinkle with kosher salt on both sides.
Add the salmon to the simmering liquid, ensuring it’s nestled snugly. - Lower the heat, cover, and cook for 5–8 minutes, depending on the fillet’s thickness (5 minutes is ideal for tender, flaky salmon). While it cooks, finely chop the remaining parsley and dill.
- Plate the salmon, spoon over some poaching liquid, and sprinkle with lemon zest, chopped herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil (if desired). Serve immediately with lemon slices on the side.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 428Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 107mgSodium 188mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 39g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Poached salmon is a timeless dish that balances simplicity and sophistication. Whether served warm with a buttery sauce or chilled in a salad, it’s a versatile recipe that deserves a place in your cooking repertoire. With the tips and variations outlined here, you’ll be ready to create a dish that’s healthy, flavorful, and undeniably impressive.
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