This is a delightful recipe that mixes the delicate flavor of steamed salmon with the peppery taste of watercress. The addition of lemon butter adds a tangy twist that perfectly complements the fish and greens. It's a light, healthy dish that's incredibly simple to put together but guaranteed to impress your guests with its vibrant taste and visual appeal.
The salmon used in this recipe can be fresh or frozen. However, for the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend using fresh salmon if possible. Watercress, a leafy green typically found in the produce section of your supermarket, adds a peppery kick and a lovely texture contrast to the dish. If you can't find watercress, arugula makes a great substitute.
Ingredients for Steamed Salmon with Watercress and Lemon Butter
Salmon fillet: This is the star of the dish. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and provides a substantial texture that holds up well to steaming.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: A common seasoning that adds a bit of heat.
Watercress: This peppery green adds a great flavour contrast to the rich salmon.
Unsalted butter: Provides a creamy base for the lemon butter sauce.
Lemon juice: Its acidity cuts through the richness of the salmon and butter, brightening the entire dish.
One reader, Gunilla Nettles says:
This steamed salmon with watercress and lemon butter recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the salmon comes out incredibly tender. The lemon butter adds a zesty kick that takes the dish to the next level. It's a must-try for any seafood lover!
Cooking Techniques for Steamed Salmon with Watercress and Lemon Butter
How to steam the salmon and watercress: The salmon and watercress are steamed in a large pot with boiling water and a steamer basket, ensuring the fish is cooked just until it's barely done and the watercress is wilted.
How to make lemon butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a small stainless-steel saucepan, then add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful lemon butter sauce to serve with the salmon and watercress.
How To Make Steamed Salmon with Watercress and Lemon Butter
Peppery watercress and luscious lemon butter adds a bit of bite and exquisite flavor to this flaky and soft steamed salmon dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbssalmon fillet,center cut
- ¾tspsalt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 1bunchwatercress
- 4tbspunsalted butter
- ¾tsplemon juice
Instructions
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In a large pot, bring about 1 inch of water to a boil.
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Put the fish in a large steamer basket, skin-side down, then sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of the salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.
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Pile the watercress on top. Sprinkle with another ¼ teaspoon of salt.
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Put the steamer basket with the fish over the boiling water and cover.
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Reduce the heat to moderately high and cook for about 5 minutes for a 1-inch-thick fillet, until the watercress is wilted and the salmon is just barely done and the fish still being translucent in the center.
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In a small stainless-steel saucepan, melt the butter. Add the lemon juice, the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
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Serve the salmon and watercress topped with the lemon butter, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 578.53kcal
- Fat: 42.01g
- Saturated Fat: 14.23g
- Trans Fat: 0.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.54g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.26g
- Carbohydrates: 0.91g
- Fiber: 0.33g
- Sugar: 0.09g
- Protein: 47.09g
- Cholesterol: 155.27mg
- Sodium: 581.82mg
- Calcium: 57.71mg
- Potassium: 920.94mg
- Iron: 0.91mg
- Vitamin A: 137.35µg
- Vitamin C: 19.96mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Steamed Salmon with Lemon Butter
When steaming salmon, it's important to not overcook it. The fish should still be slightly translucent in the center when it's done. This ensures that the salmon remains moist and tender. If you're unsure, it's better to undercook it slightly as the residual heat will continue to cook the fish even after it's removed from the heat. Also, when using lemon juice in your butter sauce, always add it after the butter has melted. This prevents the lemon juice from evaporating and losing its tangy flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Steamed Salmon
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare what you can in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities of certain components, such as sauces or grains, and store them for later use in different recipes.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, blenders, and slow cookers to simplify meal preparation.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to ensure efficient and accurate cooking, avoiding mistakes that may lead to time-consuming adjustments.
Substitute Ingredients For Steamed Salmon with Watercress and Lemon Butter Recipe
salmon fillet - Substitute with arctic char fillet: Arctic char has a similar texture and flavor to salmon, making it a great substitute for this recipe.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a milder and slightly different flavor profile, complementing the dish in a unique way.
watercress - Substitute with arugula: Arugula has a peppery flavor and a similar texture to watercress, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee adds a rich, nutty flavor similar to butter and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can provide a similar level of acidity and citrusy flavor, complementing the dish in a comparable way.
Presentation Ideas for Steamed Salmon with Watercress
Elevate the salmon: Gently place the perfectly steamed salmon fillet on the plate, ensuring it is the star of the dish. The vibrant pink color and delicate texture should be showcased.
Arrange the watercress: Artfully arrange the wilted watercress around the salmon, creating a visually appealing bed for the fish. The vibrant green color will provide a beautiful contrast to the salmon.
Drizzle the lemon butter: Carefully drizzle the luscious lemon butter over the salmon and watercress, ensuring an even distribution. The glossy sheen of the butter will add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with finely chopped chives or dill to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. The aromatic herbs will complement the flavors of the salmon and lemon butter.
Use minimalist plating: Embrace a minimalist approach to plating, allowing the natural beauty of the ingredients to shine through. A clean, uncluttered presentation will exude sophistication and refinement.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of whimsy and sophistication by delicately placing edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or borage, around the dish. The vibrant blooms will add a subtle floral note and a stunning visual element.
Consider plate shape and color: Choose a plate that complements the colors of the dish, such as a sleek white plate to enhance the vibrancy of the salmon and watercress. The shape of the plate should allow the components to be the focal point.
Add a citrus twist: Enhance the visual appeal by incorporating thin slices of lemon or Meyer lemon as a decorative element. The citrus slices can be strategically placed to add a pop of color and a hint of acidity to the presentation.
Emphasize symmetry: Create a sense of balance and harmony by arranging the components with precision and symmetry. A visually balanced presentation will captivate the eyes of the discerning diners.
Use negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space to allow the dish to breathe. The strategic use of empty space on the plate will draw attention to the carefully arranged elements and elevate the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Large pot: A large pot is needed for boiling water to steam the salmon and watercress.
- Steamer basket: A steamer basket is used to hold the salmon and watercress over the boiling water, allowing them to cook through the steam.
- Stainless-steel saucepan: This is used to melt the butter and prepare the lemon butter sauce for serving with the salmon and watercress.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Steamed Salmon
- To store leftover steamed salmon, let it cool to room temperature first. Once cooled, transfer the salmon to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- When storing, keep the watercress separate from the salmon to prevent it from getting soggy. Place the watercress in a separate airtight container lined with a damp paper towel to maintain its freshness.
- The lemon butter can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To use, gently reheat the butter in a saucepan over low heat until melted.
- To freeze the steamed salmon, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, place the salmon in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Note: The texture of the watercress may change after freezing and thawing, so it's best to use fresh watercress when serving the reheated salmon.
- When reheating the salmon, you can prepare a fresh batch of lemon butter to serve alongside the fish for optimal flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Steamed Salmon
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Loosely cover the salmon with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power (50%) for 1-2 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the salmon to become dry and tough.
If you have a steamer basket, you can reheat the salmon and watercress together. Bring about an inch of water to a boil in a large pot, then place the salmon and watercress in the steamer basket. Cover and steam for 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through and the watercress is wilted.
To reheat the lemon butter sauce, place it in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sauce is heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl for 15-30 seconds, stirring halfway through.
If you want to add a fresh touch to your leftover dish, consider making a quick salad with the reheated watercress and some thinly sliced red onion. Toss with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Interesting Fact About Steamed Salmon with Watercress
Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Is Making Steamed Salmon at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this steamed salmon with watercress and lemon butter recipe is quite favorable. The use of salmon and watercress provides a good balance of nutrition and flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $30-$35, making it a reasonable choice for a special dinner. The versatility of using halibut as an alternative also adds value. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Salmon Recipe Healthy?
The steamed salmon with watercress and lemon butter recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering several nutritional benefits:
- Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health
- Watercress is a nutrient-dense leafy green, providing vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron
- The recipe uses minimal added salt and no additional oils, keeping the sodium content and overall fat content in check
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The butter, although used in moderation, is still a significant source of saturated fat. Reducing the amount of butter or replacing it with a healthier alternative, such as olive oil or avocado oil, could further improve the nutritional profile of the dish
- The recipe could benefit from the addition of more vegetables to increase the fiber content and provide a greater variety of vitamins and minerals. Consider adding steamed broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes to the dish
To make this recipe even more nutritious, you could:
- Use a whole grain or legume-based side dish, such as quinoa or lentils, to add more fiber and protein
- Incorporate additional herbs and spices, like dill, parsley, or garlic, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt
- Serve the dish with a colorful side salad to increase the overall vegetable intake and provide a wider array of antioxidants and phytochemicals
Editor's Opinion on This Salmon and Watercress Recipe
The steamed salmon with watercress and lemon butter recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The gentle steaming preserves the delicate nature of the salmon, while the watercress adds a fresh, peppery note. The lemon butter provides a bright and tangy finish, enhancing the overall dish. The recipe's versatility, offering alternative fish options and wine pairings, showcases a thoughtful approach to culinary exploration. It's a well-crafted recipe that celebrates the beauty of simplicity and the art of balancing flavors.
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Why trust this Steamed Salmon with Watercress and Lemon Butter Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience, as the salmon is steamed to perfection, preserving its natural flavors and nutrients. The addition of fresh watercress not only enhances the dish's visual appeal but also contributes a delightful peppery note. The lemon butter adds a zesty and creamy finish, elevating the overall taste. Trust the expertise behind this recipe, as it ensures a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Embrace the culinary journey and savor the wholesome goodness of this meticulously crafted dish.
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