Cooking fish, especially salmon, can be a little tricky. Compared to other kinds of meat, fish has a delicate skin that can easily get stuck on the pan if you do not apply the right techniques. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, protein, and other nutrients, salmon is among the best varieties of seafood to consume.
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Whether your broil, bake, smoke, or toss it in a pan, salmon is probably the best option you can pick. It pairs well with season dips and flavoured spreads. If you are confused about how to cook the fish, here are a few ways you can make the best of this star ingredient. Try these tricks and impress your family and guests.
Broil Salmon
Broiling salmon is one of the best ways to cook a delicate flavourful delicacy. But you have to be vigilant while doing it in the oven. Preheat the oven and place the top most rack at least 6 inches away from the source of heat.
Season the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper along with a drizzle of oil and place them on a lined pan. Cook each side of the salmon for at least 5 minutes. Check with a fork to see if the skin can easily be flaked. Turn off the broiler and let the centre of the meat cook to perfection in the surrounding heat of the oven.
Poach Salmon
Much like poached eggs, you can also poach salmon but not without a tried and tested technique. To poach salmon, you will need to boil stock water or white wine with water and bring it down to a simmer.
Add salmon fillets to the hot liquid and cover the lid. You can add more water to it if you think the fillets cannot be cooked. Slowly bring the liquid to a boil and poach the fillets until you see the skin of salmon tightening.
Pan-Fry Salmon
If you want to serve salmon as appetisers, pan-frying is the ideal way of cooking it. The process is easy and requires minimal overlooking and you get crispy fillets on your plate in no time. You can also eat these as a side dish or add to salads as well.
Keep the fillets ready with seasoning. Add butter to a hot pan and place salmon fillets skin down. Cook the side on medium heat for 5 minutes and flip the fillets over to the other side. Before serving, add lemon juice on the top for a zingy flavour.
Grill Salmon
Grilled salmon served with salad on the sides is a protein-loaded dinner or lunch option. Cooking in an open flame will add a smokey flavour, and the charred texture makes it more irresistible.
Heat the grill on high heat to prevent the salmon’s skin from sticking to it. Oiling the grill will also help with easy flipping. First place the fillet skin-side downwards and cook for 10-15 minutes at least before flipping it over and cooking for a couple of minutes. Enjoy it with your favourite spread.
Air-Fry Salmon
If you want to use a minimum amount of oil, you can cook salmon fillets in an air fryer too. It is a perfect option if you want to get rid of the hassle of salmon sticking to the surface of the pan. The appliance will help you make the flakiest and crispiest fillets you have ever tasted.
Preheat the air fryer to reduce the cooking time and prevent the salmon from losing all its moisture. Grease the tray with cooking oil and place the seasoned fillets in it. Cook them for about 15 minutes on both sides and enjoy.