Poached Salmon Recipe
Gently simmering salmon in a simple yet flavorful broth makes Poached Salmon a super easy and super healthy method of cooking salmon. You get all the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats in the salmon without any added oil, and the fish stays moist and tender.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: anti-inflammatory, omega-3s, salmon
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 240kcal
for Poaching Liquid
- 4 cloves garlic lightly crushed
- 1 lemon, cut crosswise into ¼-inch sunshines (rounds)
- ½ onion, cut into ¼-inch slices
- 4 sprigs fresh parsley
- 4 6-ounce filets of salmon at least ¾-inch thick
- 2 cups water, plus more as needed
- 2 cups white or rosé wine sub: more water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- chopped fresh parsley, dill, and/or chives for garnish
In a saucepan with at least 2-inch high sides, place 4 cloves lightly crushed garlic, slices from 1 lemon, slices from ½ onion, and fresh parsley in a single layer.
Place salmon skin side down onto the vegetables. Gently pour in 2 cups water, 2 cups wine, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add additional water so the poaching liquid reaches to just the top surface of the salmon.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the liquid to a bare simmer, which means there is movement in the liquid, but no large bubbles. Do not let the liquid boil.
Poach the salmon until the temperature in the thickest part reaches 120°F for medium (** see note below), or until the salmon flakes apart easily with a fork. For salmon that it ¾-inch thick, this will take about 8 minutes from the start of the liquid simmering.
Gently lift the salmon out of the poaching liquid to a plate to rest. The salmon will continue to "cook" for a few minutes while resting. Discard the poaching liquid.
Garnish with chopped fresh chives, dill, and parsley and serve.
Notes:
USDA recommends 145°F/63 °C as the safe internal temperature for fish and seafood. This is considered "well-done."
Nutrition information is based on a single serving of wild sockeye salmon, which is 6 ounces of salmon, and is an estimate calculated with ingredient database. Different types of salmon, e.g. farm-raised or wild king, will have different nutrition profiles.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 240kcal | Protein: 45g | Fat: 9g