Steamed Salmon with Broccoli and Shallots: A Healthy and Delicious Delight

Steamed salmon is a fantastic way to enjoy this nutritious and flavorful fish. Steaming preserves the salmon’s delicate texture and natural oils, resulting in a moist and succulent dish. When paired with tender-crisp broccoli and subtly sweet shallots, you have a complete and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and can be customized to your liking with different herbs, spices, and sauces.

## Why Steamed Salmon?

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that uses moist heat to cook food. It’s a healthier alternative to frying or baking because it doesn’t require adding extra fats or oils. Steaming also helps retain more of the salmon’s nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The result is a flavorful and nutritious dish that’s good for your body and your taste buds.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

* **Salmon Fillets:** Choose skin-on or skinless salmon fillets, depending on your preference. Skin-on salmon tends to be more flavorful and easier to handle during steaming. Look for fillets that are bright in color, firm to the touch, and have a fresh, clean scent. About 4 (4-6 ounce) salmon fillets.
* **Broccoli Florets:** Fresh broccoli florets are best for this recipe. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. About 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets.
* **Shallots:** Shallots have a mild, sweet flavor that complements the salmon and broccoli beautifully. Finely minced shallots will infuse the dish with their delicate aroma. About 2-3 medium shallots, finely minced.
* **Lemon:** Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the dish, balancing the richness of the salmon. You’ll need both the juice and the zest for maximum flavor. 1 lemon.
* **Olive Oil:** A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and helps to keep the salmon moist during steaming. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. About 2 tablespoons.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme add a touch of freshness and complexity to the dish. Choose your favorite herb or a combination of herbs to suit your taste. About 2 tablespoons, chopped.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Season the salmon and vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. Freshly ground black pepper is always a good choice.
* **Optional: White Wine:** A splash of dry white wine added to the steaming water will infuse the salmon with a subtle, elegant flavor. About 1/4 cup (optional).
* **Optional: Garlic:** A clove or two of minced garlic will add a pungent and savory flavor. 1-2 cloves, minced (optional).

## Equipment You’ll Need:

* **Steamer Basket:** A steamer basket is essential for steaming the salmon and broccoli. You can use a bamboo steamer, a metal steamer basket that fits inside a pot, or an electric steamer.
* **Large Pot or Wok:** You’ll need a large pot or wok to hold the steamer basket and steaming water.
* **Lid:** A tight-fitting lid is necessary to trap the steam and cook the salmon and vegetables evenly.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For preparing the vegetables and herbs.
* **Citrus Zester and Juicer:** For zesting and juicing the lemon.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, and seasonings.
* **Tongs or Spatula:** For handling the salmon and vegetables.

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Salmon:** Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help remove any excess moisture and ensure that the salmon steams properly. Place the salmon fillets on a plate or cutting board.

2. **Prepare the Broccoli and Shallots:** Wash the broccoli florets and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Peel and finely mince the shallots. Set the broccoli and shallots aside.

3. **Make the Lemon-Herb Marinade:** In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or thyme), salt, and pepper. If using garlic, add the minced garlic to the marinade. The marinade will add flavor and moisture to the salmon during steaming.

4. **Season the Salmon:** Brush the lemon-herb marinade evenly over the salmon fillets, coating both sides. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the salmon.

5. **Prepare the Steamer:** Fill the large pot or wok with about 1-2 inches of water. If using white wine, add it to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and place the steamer basket inside the pot, making sure that the water level is below the bottom of the steamer basket. The goal is to create steam without the food touching the water.

6. **Arrange the Broccoli and Shallots in the Steamer Basket:** Place the broccoli florets and minced shallots in the steamer basket in an even layer. This will ensure that they cook evenly.

7. **Place the Salmon on Top of the Vegetables:** Carefully place the marinated salmon fillets on top of the broccoli and shallots in the steamer basket. If using skin-on salmon, place the fillets skin-side down. Make sure that the salmon fillets are not overcrowded in the steamer basket, as this can prevent them from cooking evenly.

8. **Cover and Steam:** Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam the salmon and vegetables for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp. The exact steaming time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the desired level of doneness. Check the salmon for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If the salmon flakes easily and is opaque throughout, it is cooked through. The broccoli should be tender-crisp and still have a slight bite to it.

9. **Check for Doneness:** The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. The broccoli should be tender-crisp.

10. **Serve:** Once the salmon and vegetables are cooked, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot. Transfer the steamed salmon, broccoli, and shallots to plates and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh lemon zest and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired. You can also drizzle the salmon with a little extra olive oil or lemon juice for added flavor.

## Tips and Variations:

* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the broccoli, such as asparagus, green beans, or snap peas. Just be sure to adjust the steaming time accordingly.
* **Add Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as ginger, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes, to add a little kick to the dish.
* **Make a Sauce:** Serve the steamed salmon with a flavorful sauce, such as a lemon-dill sauce, a teriyaki sauce, or a creamy yogurt sauce.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Try different fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, or rosemary, to change the flavor profile of the dish.
* **Add a Citrus Infusion:** Add lemon slices or orange peel to the steaming water for a subtle citrus aroma and flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or steaming water for a touch of heat.
* **Serve with Grains:** Serve the steamed salmon and vegetables with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Make it a Salad:** Flake the cooked salmon and toss it with the steamed broccoli and shallots, along with some mixed greens, a light vinaigrette dressing, and toasted nuts for a healthy and refreshing salad.
* **Steaming without a Steamer:** If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can use a heatproof colander or a metal strainer set over a pot of boiling water. Just make sure the colander or strainer doesn’t touch the water.
* **Meal Prep Friendly:** This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can steam the salmon and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a steamer before serving.

## Serving Suggestions:

* Serve the steamed salmon and vegetables with a side of quinoa or brown rice.
* Serve with a simple green salad.
* Serve with a lemon-dill sauce or a creamy yogurt sauce.
* Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped fresh herbs.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams

## Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover steamed salmon and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a steamer before serving.

## Conclusion:

Steamed salmon with broccoli and shallots is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its delicate flavor and tender texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to create your own unique version. Enjoy!

## More Salmon Recipes to Try:

* Baked Salmon with Asparagus
* Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
* Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
* Salmon Cakes with Dill Sauce
* Smoked Salmon Salad

Enjoy exploring the world of salmon recipes and discovering new ways to enjoy this healthy and delicious fish!