Recipe: Steamed Maine Salmon 🐟
Introduction:
Grandfather Chaplin’s family lived in New Brunswick along the Miramichi River. This easy recipe came with him when he moved to Maine in the early 1900s. Elegant, simple, and simply delicious, this Steamed Maine Salmon captures the essence of tradition and flavor. You may opt to lower saturated fat by omitting the butter when serving, making it a versatile and health-conscious dish.
General Information:
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Recipe Category: Very Low Carbs 🥦
- Keywords: High Protein, Healthy, High In…, Spring, < 60 Mins, Oven, Steam, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 92.2
- Fat Content: 2.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 41.3mg
- Sodium Content: 53.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 0g
- Fiber Content: 0g
- Sugar Content: 0g
- Protein Content: 15.8g
Ingredients:
- 1 whole fresh salmon
- Butter (optional)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Season the Salmon: Start by seasoning the inside of the whole salmon with salt and pepper. This ensures the fish is well-flavored throughout. |
| 2 | Wrap in Cheesecloth: Next, carefully wrap the seasoned salmon in a double layer of cheesecloth. This helps to retain moisture while steaming. |
| 3 | Prepare Roasting Pan: Pour two cups of water into a large roasting pan. This creates the steam necessary for cooking the salmon. |
| 4 | Position Salmon: Place the wrapped salmon on a cooking rack, ensuring it’s elevated above the water in the roasting pan. |
| 5 | Cover and Steam: Cover the roasting pan with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the steam. Steam the fish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 45 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. |
| 6 | Remove Cheesecloth: When done, the skin will adhere to the cheesecloth. Carefully remove the salmon from the oven and gently peel away the cheesecloth. |
| 7 | Flake the Salmon: Using a fork, gently flake the salmon away from the bones. The flesh should be tender and easily separable. |
| 8 | Serve Hot: Transfer the boneless salmon to a hot platter for serving. Optionally, drizzle melted clarified butter or melted herb butter over the fish just before serving for added flavor. |
| 9 | Garnish: Garnish the salmon with lemon wedges and parsley for a fresh and vibrant presentation. |
| 10 | Serve: Steamed Maine Salmon pairs wonderfully with fiddleheads (or asparagus) and fresh rolls for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy! |
Tips:
- To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the salmon in your favorite herbs and spices before steaming.
- Ensure the cheesecloth is securely wrapped around the salmon to prevent any moisture loss during cooking.
- For added convenience, you can ask your fishmonger to scale and clean the salmon for you before purchase.
Conclusion:
Steamed Maine Salmon is a classic recipe that embodies simplicity and exquisite taste. Passed down through generations, it continues to delight with its delicate flavor and tender texture. Perfect for any occasion, this dish brings a taste of tradition to your table. Enjoy the rich flavors of the sea with this timeless recipe! 🌊🍋
