How Do You Tell When Poached Salmon Is Done?

Poached salmon is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed in various forms. Whether you like it as a main course, in salads, or as a protein-rich addition to your breakfast, it’s important to know when your salmon is perfectly cooked. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can tell when poached salmon is done.

What is Poaching?

Before we dive into the specifics of cooking poached salmon, let’s first define what poaching means. Poaching is a cooking technique that involves gently simmering food in liquid. The liquid can be water, broth, wine or milk and the temperature should range between 160-180°F (71-82°C).

How to Poach Salmon?

To poach salmon, you will need some basic equipment such as a pot with a lid, water or broth and seasonings of your choice. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Fill the pot with enough water or broth to cover the salmon fillet(s).
  2. Add seasonings such as lemon slices, herbs, and spices to enhance the flavor.
  3. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the salmon fillet(s) skin-side down into the liquid.
  5. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low.
  6. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes depending on fillet thickness.

How Do You Tell When Poached Salmon Is Done?

Now comes the crucial part – how do you tell when your poached salmon is ready? Here are some indicators:

Color: The color of cooked salmon should change from translucent pinkish-orange to opaque pinkish-beige.

Texture: Cooked salmon should be firm yet flaky. When you press down on the fillet, it should easily flake apart.

Internal Temperature: The internal temperature of cooked salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Time: The cooking time for poached salmon varies depending on the thickness of the fillet. As a general rule of thumb, cook for about 5-10 minutes per inch of thickness.

What If My Salmon Is Undercooked?

If you find that your salmon is undercooked, simply put it back into the poaching liquid and continue cooking until it reaches the desired doneness. However, be careful not to overcook as this will result in dry and tough salmon.

In Conclusion

Poached salmon is a healthy and delicious dish that’s easy to make. By following these tips, you can ensure that your salmon is perfectly cooked every time.

Remember to pay attention to color, texture, internal temperature and cooking time when determining if your poached salmon is done. Enjoy!

Photo of author

Michael Allen