Cooking
Poaching
MOIST-HEAT COOKING METHODS
Why?
- Because the salmon is heated below boiling point the proteins aren’t cooked,
resulting in more tender succulent flesh than is achievable if boiling or simmering. - Poaching liquid can be seasoned with a variety of flavours and reduced for later use
in soups or sauces.
Suits?
- Fresh whole HOG
- Salmon fillet steaks or cutlets
You'll need?
- A stove
- A pan (preferably with a lid) big enough to hold the salmon in a single layer.
Alternatives
- Fish kettle (if cooking fresh whole HOG or fillets). It can sit across two hotplates
if necessary. - A steamer designed to fit inside a saucepan or wok, as long as it allows the poaching
liquid to cover the salmon.
Tips
- Ensure the salmon is completely covered with liquid so it doesn't dry out.
- Consider saving the poaching liquid for use in accompanying sauces, soups or stocks.
- If serving cold, cover to maintain moisture and flavour and place in chiller.
How Hot?
Poach in liquid at 75–85°C.
How Long?
Fillets
- Depending on how thick the flesh is and the wrapping used (if any), allow around
3 to 8 minutes to poach.
Whole HOG 3.5–4.5 kilo
- Approx 30 minutes
How?
- Choose to wrap, rack or immerse the salmon directly in the poaching liquid.
Wrapping helps hold the salmon together, while placing the salmon on a rack
makes it easier to remove. - Use only enough poaching liquid to cover the seafood. For variety you can
poach your salmon in plain or salted water, a court bouillon, a fish fumet, wine,
cider or even milk (for a milder flavour). - Heat the poaching liquid to a simmer, then immerse the salmon and lower
the heat to poaching temperature and maintain till flesh is tender. - You may cover with lid or foil if desired.