15 Minute Bamboo Basket Steamed Salmon with Lemon and Fennel
If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful way to cook salmon, Bamboo Basket Steamed Salmon is a great option. Not only does this method allow the fish to cook gently and evenly, but it also infuses it with the flavors of lemon and fennel. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the steps for steaming salmon with lemon and fennel fronds in a bamboo steam basket.
Check out how I make this easy and quick meal in the Youtube Video below! Press play and it’ll jump straight to the timestamp.
Why the Bamboo Basket, Espi?
Because it’s pretty. (I’m joking…ok, not really.) I have a fascination for beautiful, functional things. Pair that with my aversion to clutter, and you may understand why I prefer this bamboo basket over a double-pot steam system. I cook a lot, and mostly stay in the Mediterranean world of cuisine. When I saw this bamboo basket, mostly for steaming Asian-style dumplings, I couldn’t help but imagine all the other things I could cook in it. It has become my go-to for steaming fish and vegetables. It’s a pleasure to cook with and a pleasure to see when I open the cabinet.
I don’t have Fennel. What else can I use?
For this bamboo basket steamed salmon, you can easily swap out the fennel with other vegetables. For example, you can add small broccoli florets, cabbage leaves, shredded carrot, or snap peas. Whatever you choose, be sure they are prepared to quick cooking. Heartier vegetables may need to be thinly sliced or chopped to facilitate the steaming process.
How do you use a Bamboo Steam Basket?
Bamboo steam baskets, also known as bamboo steamers, have been used for centuries in Asian cuisine to cook and serve food. These traditional cooking vessels are made from woven bamboo and are used to steam food, resulting in a healthy and flavorful meal.
How it Works
Bamboo steam baskets work by using steam to cook food. The basket is placed over a pot of boiling water, and the steam rises through the bamboo and cooks the food inside. This cooking method is gentle and preserves the nutrients and flavor of the food, resulting in a healthy and delicious meal.
Versatility in the Kitchen
Bamboo steam baskets are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, including:
Dumplings
Dumplings are a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, and bamboo steam baskets are the perfect vessel for cooking them. Simply place the dumplings in the basket, cover with a lid, and steam for a few minutes until cooked through.
Vegetables
Steaming vegetables is a healthy and flavorful way to cook them, and bamboo steam baskets make it easy. Place the vegetables in the basket and steam for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Seafood
Steaming seafood in a bamboo steam basket is a popular cooking method in many Asian cuisines. Fish, shrimp, and other seafood can be cooked quickly and easily, resulting in a healthy and flavorful meal.
Rice
Bamboo steam baskets are also great for cooking rice and other grains. IF you are able to use a fine-mesh bamboo steam basket, you can simply place the rice in the basket, add water, and steam for a few minutes until the grains are cooked through.
Care and Maintenance
To ensure that your bamboo steam basket lasts, it’s important to take care of it properly. After each use, rinse the basket with warm water and soap, and allow it to air dry completely. Avoid soaking the basket in water or putting it in the dishwasher, as this can cause the bamboo to warp or crack.
Additionally, it’s important to store the basket properly to prevent mold from forming. Store the basket in a cool, dry place, and avoid stacking it with other bamboo steam baskets or kitchenware.
Conclusion
Steaming salmon with lemon and fennel fronds in a bamboo steam basket is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy this flavorful fish. By gently cooking the salmon in a pouch made of parchment paper, you can infuse it with the flavors of lemon and fennel while also keeping it moist and tender. Plus, this method is incredibly easy and requires minimal equipment. So, the next time you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful way to cook salmon, give this recipe a try!
15 Minute Bamboo Basket Steamed Salmon with Lemon and Fennel
Ingredients
For the steam broth
- olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 lemon
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black peppecorns
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Salmon
- 1 bunch fennel with fronds, chopped
- 4 small fillet salmon
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add all broth ingredients in a shallow pot or wok. Pour in 2 cups water and bring to a boil.
- Simmer broth for 5 minutes on low.
- Place the bamboo steamer on top of the broth.
- In each layer of the steam basket, layer first the fennel and fronds, and then two fillet of salmon.
- Cover the basket and steam the salmon for 10 minutes.
- Serve with rice and a fresh salad.
