Microwave Poached Salmon
A quick and delicate microwave poached salmon with a flavorful broth of lemon, celery, and spices, perfect for a light, elegant meal suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine water, celery, lemon slices, onion slices, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, cloves, and bay leaf in a 2-quart microwaveproof casserole.
- Cover and microwave on high for 7 minutes to create the poaching broth.
- Carefully add the fish steaks into the broth.
- Cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Turn the fish over carefully.
- Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before removing the lid.
- Serve hot or chilled with lemon or lime, garnished with parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or thyme to the poaching broth. If you don't have whole cloves, ground cloves can be used sparingly. For a quicker method, substitute fish steaks with thinner fillets, reducing cooking time. This dish can be paired with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the poached salmon hot or chilled, garnished with parsley and a wedge of lemon or lime. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed asparagus or a quinoa salad. For a light meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber and dill salad, or browse more seafood recipes for complementary dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover poached salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave on low power for short intervals to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, enjoy it cold in salads or sandwiches.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Poached Salmon contains roughly 513 calories, with 11g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), and calcium (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 612mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before poaching. This will allow for even cooking and better texture. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, ensuring the fish is cooked through but still moist.
What if I don't have a microwaveproof casserole?
If you don't have a microwaveproof casserole, you can use a microwave-safe glass bowl or even a deep plate covered with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Ensure that whatever you use can hold the liquid and withstand microwave heat without warping.
Can I add vegetables to the poaching broth?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like sliced carrots, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can enhance the broth's flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking alongside the fish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).