Cooking frozen salmon may seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple steps and a little patience, you can have a tasty meal in no time. Frozen salmon is a great ingredient to have in your refrigerator thanks to its neutral taste, incredibly versatile options available and long shelf life. As it turns out, preparing a meal from frozen salmon is also quite simple. Here are some easy steps to follow for cooking frozen salmon.
Thawing Salmon
The first key step for cooking frozen salmon is to make sure it’s thawed. In the fridge, the salmon should be placed in the coldest area and given six to eight hours to thaw. For quicker thawing, place the frozen salmon portions in sealed bags in a large bowl of cold water. The fish will still contain ice crystals, but more than enough of it should be defrosted in 15 minutes. An additional fifteen minutes can be used if needed.
Cooking Methods
Once the salmon is thoroughly defrosted, it’s time to decide on how to cook it. There are multiple methods to cook frozen salmon, with each having its own advantages and versatility. Some of the most common ways include baking, roasting, air frying, poaching, searing, grilling, and pan-frying.
Baking
Baking is the most commonly used method to cook frozen salmon. Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃). Place the frozen salmon fillets on an oven-safe baking sheet. Place the sheet in the preheated oven, and bake for around 20 minutes, or until the texture of the salmon changes and flakes easily with a fork. If desired, season with fresh or dried herbs and spices before cooking.
Roasting
Roasting is another great option for cooking frozen salmon. To avoid over-cooking the salmon, preheat the oven to only 350℉ (175℃). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or melted butter, and place the frozen salmon fillet in the baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes. To enhance the flavor and get a nice caramelized look, brush with your favorite glaze or balsamic reduction, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes of baking.
Air Frying
Air frying is a great way to make frozen salmon easily. Preheat the air fryer to 360℉ (180℃). Place the frozen salmon fillet in the air fryer basket and air fry for 12 minutes. Shake the basket regularly to ensure evenness of cooking. Add seasonings before or after cooking, depending on the recipe.
Poaching
Poaching is a great way to maximize the nutrition and flavor of frozen salmon. To poach frozen salmon, heat a pot of water, wine, broth, or anything else that helps add flavor to the fish. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and then put the frozen salmonfilet in the liquid. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish turns opaque.
Searing
Searing is a great technique for cooking frozen salmon. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat for about four minutes. Once the pan is hot, add some oil and swirl it around to coat the pan. Place the frozen salmon fillets in the pan and cook for about five minutes per side. You’ll know that you’re done when the salmon has a nice brown color and flakes easily with a spatula.
Grilling
Grilling can produce some amazing results when it comes to cooking frozen salmon. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the frozen salmon fillets directly on the grill, skin-side down. Close the lid and cook for eight to ten minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. Make sure to check the fish frequently to ensure it cooks evenly, and do not flip the fish.
Pan-Frying
Pan-frying is another option for cooking frozen salmon, and it’s fast and easy. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat, and add some oil or butter. Place the frozen salmon fillet in the pan and cook for two to three minutes per side, until it’s done and the fillet flakes easily apart. Season to your liking and enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Salmon
To ensure that your frozen salmon turns out perfectly each time, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. Always be sure to thaw the salmon properly, season to your taste, and make sure to use the right cooking method for the type of salmon you’re cooking. If you’re not sure, keep it simple and bake your frozen salmon. Finally, always be sure to check the fish for doneness before serving.
Serving Suggestions
There are many ways to serve perfectly cooked frozen salmon. Serve it with roasted or steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad. For a more flavorful and decorative presentation, top the fish with a fresh herb pesto, a creamy white sauce, or a zesty lemon-caper dressing. The possibilities are nearly limitless.
Cooking frozen salmon doesn’t need to be intimidating. With the right steps and techniques, it can be a delicious and nutritious meal in no time. Thawing the salmon properly is the key to success, followed by choosing the right cooking method. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.
