Salmon Recipe Chinese Style
There are many ways to prepare salmon, but today we’re introducing a Chinese-style poached salmon recipe that will make you fall in love with this ingredient. It’s easy to make and simple to master!
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This is a Shanghai-style poached salmon recipe that’s simple, aromatic, and incredibly flavorful. You can have it prepped in just a few minutes with a one-step seasoning process—super easy!
If you’re looking to try a new way of cooking salmon, this recipe is perfect for you. It's inspired by the culinary experiences I had during my travels in Shanghai.
1.Key Features of Chinese-Style Poached Salmon
Delicious and Flavorful
Chinese cuisine emphasizes enhancing the natural flavors of ingredients. When poaching salmon, the natural umami of the fish is fully released, blending into the broth, while the fish remains tender and melts in your mouth. This method highlights the fresh and delicate taste of the salmon.
Mild Flavor
Unlike Western-style salmon, which often uses rich ingredients like cream and cheese, Chinese poached salmon offers a lighter flavor profile. This not only allows the salmon’s natural taste to shine but also appeals to those who prefer a more subtle and healthy flavor, aligning with clean-eating principles.
Cooking Characteristics
Preserving Nutrients
Poaching is a gentle cooking method that preserves the nutritional value of the fish. Unlike high-heat frying, which can degrade nutrients, poaching retains the salmon’s healthy fats, such as DHA and EPA, along with high-quality proteins, vitamins like D and B12, and minerals like iron and selenium.
Versatile Cooking Methods
Water Poaching
The simplest way to cook salmon is by poaching it in water. This method preserves the fish’s natural flavor. You can enhance the dish by adding salt, cooking wine, and slices of ginger to remove any fishy odors and boost the flavor.
2.Ingredients
To make this Chinese-style salmon recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Salmon
Corn kernels
Honey
Ground pepper
White wine
Lettuce
Green peas
Salt
Herbs
Mayonnaise
Broccoli
Tip:
The white wine helps to remove any fishy smell and enhances the flavor of the dish.
3.Tips and Techniques for Cooking Chinese-Style Boiled Salmon
Choose Quality Ingredients:
Opt for fresh salmon, preferably fresh or properly thawed from frozen, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Salmon Preparation:
Thoroughly clean the salmon, removing any scales and internal organs. Cut the fish into appropriately sized pieces or slices to allow even seasoning and cooking.
Control Heat:
Avoid cooking at too high a temperature to prevent overcooking the salmon, which can make the fish tough and compromise its texture.
Serving Suggestions:
Chinese-style boiled salmon pairs well with rice or noodles. It can also be served as a main course alongside other dishes.
Important Considerations:
Avoid overcooking the salmon to keep it tender and juicy. Add a moderate amount of water or broth during cooking to prevent the dish from drying out. This will help retain the salmon’s moisture and flavor.
4.Recommended Chinese Seasonings to Pair with Salmon
1. Deodorizing Ingredients
Ginger
Ginger is a common ingredient in Chinese cooking used to remove fishy odors. Its spiciness effectively eliminates the fishiness of salmon. When boiling salmon, add ginger slices to the water; for marinating, mix minced ginger with the salmon to enhance flavor and reduce odor.
Scallions
Scallions not only help to deodorize but also add fragrance. Both green onions and regular scallions can be used when cooking salmon. You can add scallion pieces to the boiling broth or rub the pan with scallions before frying to reduce fishiness and impart a scallion aroma.
Cooking Wine
Cooking wine contains alcohol that evaporates during cooking, helping to eliminate fishy smells. When marinating salmon, add 1-2 tablespoons of cooking wine for every 500 grams of fish. This will help remove the fishy taste without overshadowing the salmon's natural flavor.
2. Flavor Enhancers
Garlic
Garlic adds a rich flavor to salmon. Chop garlic and sprinkle it on cooked salmon or mix it into salmon filling for an added garlicky aroma.
Sichuan Peppercorns
Sichuan peppercorns provide a unique numbing and aromatic flavor to salmon. Add a small amount when boiling or frying salmon for an interesting twist. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the natural flavor of the fish.
Star Anise
Star anise has a strong fragrance. Adding 1-2 pieces when making dishes like braised salmon enhances the flavor complexity and richness.
3. Seasonings
Salt
Salt is the most basic seasoning, enhancing the flavor of salmon. Adjust the amount according to personal taste when marinating, boiling, or frying the fish.
Sugar
Sugar can enhance the taste. When making sweet and sour salmon or during marination, add a small amount of sugar (about 1/2 to 1 tablespoon for every 500 grams of salmon) to elevate the flavor, but avoid overdoing it to prevent excessive sweetness.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds color and flavor to salmon. Light soy sauce has a milder taste and can be used for marinating or boiling; dark soy sauce, which is richer in caramel color, is suitable for dishes requiring a deeper color, like braised salmon.
Vinegar
Vinegar is essential for dishes like sweet and sour salmon. Different types of vinegar offer various flavors: rice vinegar is milder, while aged vinegar is more robust—choose based on personal preference.
Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is rich in umami. Adding it in moderation can enhance the flavor of salmon dishes, making them more savory, especially in fried rice.
5.More Delicious Chinese Dish Recipes
Sautéed Chicken Breast with Sauce
Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce
Here’s the detailed recipe for Chinese-style poached salmon. Let’s get cooking!
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INGREDIENTS
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- 200g salmon
ACCESSORIES
- 10g corn kernels
- 2-3 lettuce leaves
- 10g green peas
- 30g broccoli
SEASONINGS
- 2/3 tablespoon black pepper
- 20ml white wine
- 10g honey (for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 drop of vanilla
- 45g mayonnaise
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Start by preparing all the ingredients:
In a pot, add enough water and heat it to 52°C (125°F). Maintain this temperature and gently add the cleaned 200g salmon.
Tip:
Cut the salmon into two equal-sized pieces for even cooking.
STEP 2
Poach the salmon in the water, keeping the temperature around 52°C (125°F). Cook for at least 25 minutes.
Tip:
This will ensure the salmon remains tender and moist.
STEP 3
When the salmon is halfway cooked, add 1 teaspoon of salt, 2/3 tablespoon of pepper, 1 drop of vanilla, and 20ml of white wine to the pot and continue cooking.
STEP 4
For the sauce, combine 45g of mayonnaise with 10g of honey and mix well.
STEP 5
Wash 30g of broccoli and cut it into small florets, then blanch it briefly and set aside.
STEP 6
Blanch 10g of green peas and 10g of corn in succession.
STEP 7
Place a portion of the sauce on a plate and use the blanched broccoli as a base.
STEP 8
Add the poached salmon on top, along with the green peas, corn, and lettuce leaves.
STEP 9
Your nutritious Chinese-style poached salmon dish is ready to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1.What flavors pair best with salmon?
Salmon has a tender texture that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and ingredients. Here are some common flavor pairing suggestions:
Chinese Style: Using ginger, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, and cooking wine creates a rich and flavorful Chinese salmon dish, ideal for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Japanese Style: Pairing with soy sauce, mirin, and Japanese mustard can make sushi, sashimi, or grilled salmon, resulting in a light and fresh taste that’s refreshing.
Mediterranean Style: Olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and tomatoes give salmon a fresh and layered flavor, making it bright and vibrant.
Thai Style: Using coconut milk, red curry paste, lemongrass, and lime creates a rich and fragrant Thai curry salmon or pan-seared salmon that’s a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy.
Western Style: Pairing with butter, white wine, lemon juice, and herbs results in tender, juicy salmon with a rich and robust flavor.
2. How to Properly Cook Salmon
Choose Fresh Salmon: Look for salmon that is firm, brightly colored, and has a fresh ocean scent. Avoid any with off odors.
Prepare the Salmon: Clean the fish thoroughly, remove the scales and internal organs, and pat the surface dry with paper towels.
Cutting: Depending on the recipe and your preference, cut the salmon into chunks, fillets, or keep it whole.
Seasoning: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings evenly over the fish to ensure it absorbs the flavors.
Cooking Methods: Salmon can be prepared through various methods, each imparting different flavors and textures:
Pan-Frying: Preheat a skillet, add olive oil or butter, and cook the salmon until golden brown on both sides. Avoid flipping it too often to preserve its texture.
Baking: Brush the surface with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake in the oven until cooked through.
Steaming: Add water to a steamer, place the salmon on the steaming rack with seasonings like ginger and scallions, and steam until cooked.
Mastering Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the fish. Use chopsticks to gently insert into the flesh; if it easily penetrates and flakes apart, it’s done.
Plating: Serve the cooked salmon on a plate, garnishing with herbs or lemon slices for added appeal.
3. Secrets to Cooking the Best Salmon
Select Quality Salmon: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon with firm flesh and no off odors. It's best to purchase from reputable sources.
Avoid Overcooking: Salmon is rich in fat and can easily dry out. Master the cooking time to maintain its tender texture.
Simple Seasoning: The natural flavor of salmon is delicious on its own, so stick to basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and lemon juice to enhance its taste.
Keep It Moist: Before cooking, you can brush the salmon with olive oil or butter, or use lemon juice to ensure it stays moist during cooking.
Season Moderately: Use just the right amount of salt and pepper to enhance flavor without overpowering the salmon’s natural taste.
Pair with Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetable salads or herbs can complement the salmon and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Cooking Techniques: Master various methods like pan-frying, baking, or steaming, and choose the one that best suits your taste.
Creative Pairings: Get creative by trying different seasonings and ingredient combinations to create unique salmon dishes.
4. Should You Marinate Salmon?
Marinating salmon is a great way to enhance its flavor and make the fish more delicious. Here’s a simple guide to marinating salmon:
Choose Your Seasonings: Common marinade ingredients include salt, sugar, spices, lemon juice, and olive oil. Salt and sugar balance the savory and sweet flavors, while lemon juice adds a refreshing acidity.
Apply Evenly: Rub the marinade evenly over the surface of the salmon. You can gently massage the fish to help the seasonings penetrate better.
Refrigerate to Marinate: Place the marinated salmon in a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to several hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will become.
Decide Based on Preference: If you prefer a richer flavor, marinating is a great option. However, if you enjoy the natural taste of salmon, you can cook it directly without marinating.
Recipe analyzer
- Recipes: Salmon Recipe Chinese Style
- Main Ingredients:5
- Servings per recipe:1
- Servings size:322 g
-
Energy (calories)：324 kcal
-
Protein：42.72 g
-
Fat：14.64 g
Why gray?
-
Carbohydrates：3.12 g
-
Protein: 56%180 kcal
-
Fat: 41%132 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 4%12 kcal
The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.
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