Spyke
lemmynsfw.com

Look I will freely admit there are plenty of better ways to cook salmon... but for a 3 minute meal he's not wrong about this being a far better option than most.

72
sh.itjust.works

Among the better ways, toast it in the toaster oven. Not a pop-up slice toaster!

  1. Turn on the kitchen vent, open a window, tun on the air purifier, whatever.

  2. Put your salmon fillet skin-side-down on a piece of parchment or aluminum foil on the pan that fits in your toaster oven. No skin? Don't worry, it's fine.

Here's where you separate a tiny bit for the cat that gets cooked but not seasoned

  1. Sprinkle the top with seasoned salt and dill. Oil is not necessary, salmon has plenty of its own fat. Lemon can wait until you're about to bite into it.

  2. Hit TOAST. If you have to choose a number choose the middle one. Go make your salad.

  3. When it beeps, see if it's perfect or needs another round, maybe on a smaller number. A spatula will lift the cooked fish off its skin onto your plate.

  4. If you like salmon skin, put it in for another toast on its own, but this time watch it, because it's frying itself in there and could burn. If you don't like the skin, toss it out.

I'm not as concise as Mr. King, that's why he makes the big bucks.

35
lemmy.dbzer0.com

Not a pop-up slice toaster!

Now I'm picturing someone jamming salmon filet into a toaster, thanks for that image 😂

15

if you need to use the salmon setting on the bread machine, you get a much smoother texture putting it in a food processor inside an oven.

3

I did this once as an undergrad when I lived in the dorms. It worked fine for cooking the fish, but that toaster was never the same again. It's really hard to clean the crevices around the crumb tray.

2/10, would not recommend.

4
nickiwestreply
lemmy.world

More recipes need to specify where I should separate a portion to feed to my cat.

14

This is my lazy quesadilla trick. Nuke with cheese in the microwave until cheese melted, fold in half, put in toaster laying on side. Pops out crispy right onto my plate!

Not as good as when properly made, but quick, no skillet dirty and better than microwaved alone.

Toaster on side also a quick way to reheat slice of cold pizza!

2
lemmy.world

fuck now i gotta go buy a shitty toaster i've been using my air fryer for toast for years

3

Totally. For a healthy, quick, easy, tasty meal, this really gets high marks.

Is it one of the best ways to maximize salmon's flavor? No

Is it one of the best healthy, quick, easy, tasty meals? Yes

28

Microwave is great for cooking fish. I would swap the paper towels for a covered dish with chopped onions, herbs and some white wine.

8
slrpnk.net

I was waiting for someone to post this. Why anyone thought this was a good idea is beyond me.

You now have two things with this method:

  1. Trace amounts of dishwasher chemicals in your fish

  2. A dishwasher that smells like fish. A fishwasher if you will

22

If it's a tight package (heh) then neither should happen. And you'd wash your plates and utensils you used to eat the salmon with anyway.

I'd guess the idea is some sort of multitasking thing, maybe to save energy? Pretty wacky idea nonetheless

9

The article above mentions that your foil packet should be air-tight to prevent this.

Otherwise you’re going to have really watery fish.

2
lemmy.world

further evidence in support of my policy of not taking cooking advice from people who advocate for putting food on paper towels

36
affiliatereply
lemmy.world

my understanding is that most kinds of paper towels are not food safe, and can contain bleaching agents, formaldehyde, and other such things. i’ve yet to find a great drop in replacement for them though. so i’ve just been avoiding/altering recipes that ask for them.

19
affiliatereply
lemmy.world

ive seen quite a few tofu-related recipes say that tofu should be put inside a paper towel and then pressed to get all the water out. i think i’ve seen some non-tofu recipes advocate for paper towels but i don’t remember them as vividly

4

I see. I'm not a big fan of tofu, so I probably won't have seen enough recipes to make a sample size.

1

You could probably just use some unbleached linen or cheese cloth, aka a non-decorative towel, since that is the reusable material that paper towels replaced in our modern disposable society.

7
elfin8erreply
lemmy.world

altering recipes that ask for them.

What's your preferred alternative? I'm looking for something that gives me the same great taste and texture but is also 100% organic.

4

i still haven’t found a great alternative to be honest, but at the moment i just try to see if i can somehow use a strainer/colander to accomplish the same task. but its a bit of a half-measure and doesn’t work in all contexts

2
discuss.online

Wait what?

This is like when I learned you're not supposed to microwave food in Tupperware because of micro plastics.

4

Nonsense, those micro plastics add flavor that just won't go away.

6
Nalivaireply
lemmy.world

Fuck, for a supposedly rich country, the US is full of as many weird traps as a some war rawaged place. You guys have to be on a lookout all the time, eh?

2

Yeah well, that's why we can't get healthcare. Then they could detect our diseases and toxins and we could class action sue. The class action lawsuits alone make corporations shake in their boots enough that they say we "can't afford healthcare for all." We can, but the rich corporations cant

1

yeah it is extremely frustrating how many traps there are. i think it’s because the US has a culture of thinking things are “safe until proven unsafe” instead of “unsafe until proven safe”.

learning about the paper towels, microwave popcorn, and silicone cookware made me go nuclear on my kitchen. at this point i only let food touch glass, stainless steel, wood, or ceramic. it’s annoyingly difficult to find non-plastic versions of certain things (e.g. blenders) but after doing it once i don’t have to worry about it again for 5-10 years so it’s not too bad in that context. and i haven’t had to deal with any of the traps since then.

1
lemmy.world

Wrapping corn in a damp paper towel and throwing it in the microwave for five minutes is so much easier than boiling it in a big pot for 20 minutes.

8

TBH the best corn on the cob I've had the pleasure to encounter was fire grilled {in husk, resheathed after silk removed}, but the standard I've known for home grown sweetcorn is ~90s in low boiling water. Any longer makes it dull and unnecessarily mushy.

4
gnureply
lemmy.zip

It's even easier to buy the corn with the husk still on it and just throw the whole thing in the microwave. Three minutes or so in the microwave then you pull it out, rip off the husk/silk and it's ready to eat.

3
0x0reply
infosec.pub

Just buy it popped in bag, its not the stoneage anymore

3
gnureply

I mean that is an option but swapping in popcorn would make for a rather different dinner than one with corn on the cob.

2
affiliatereply
lemmy.world

i think it’s even easier to use a microwave and a colander. the colander will also last a whole lot longer than a roll of paper towels.

1
lemmy.world

Idk how well that would fit. Also, you're not keeping the steaming water close to the corn if it's just sitting in a colander.

Maybe you could do it in microwave safe tupperware?

1

i meant microwaving it in a regular bowl and then putting it in a colander afterwards

1
sopuli.xyz

Yet another out of touch rich guy that thinks we can afford salmon

28
lemmy.world

Salmon near me is $8 per pound on a good sale (9-10 is more frequent), so a 6 ounce portion is $3ish. A lemon for 80 cents, a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, 2 portions of salmon, and an ounce of butter, and dinner is $10.

I would add rice, and then probably get a pound and a quarter of salmon to have some to make leftovers into onigiri, then it's lunch the next day too, but the cost goes up.

It's possible $10 is out of reach, or you live in a much more expensive area. Apologies if either of those applies to you, but this seems to be an approachable option.

19

I usually spend like £25 a week between the 2 of us. I was thinking of trying to catch seafood myself and while I have managed to get a crab before my partner isn't keen on the idea of eating something I caught.

I thought he went nicely on toast when mixed with some mayo.

3
lemmy.world

American Catholics in 1960: "We eat fish every Friday during Lent to represent the poverty of our forefathers long ago. The ancient peoples who could subsist on nothing else pulled great bounties from the Mediterranean. It sustained civilization in that humble way for centuries and today we remember our simple origins."

American Catholics in 2020: "Fish for dinner? What are we, made out of money? Have a hamburger instead. No, I will not think for one single second about the sociological or ecological ramifications of this decision."

13

It would be a based af decision if the pope declared Fridays to be vegan and put out a humble cookbook

1

I've been: Lucky enough to get salmon from the FoodBank every other month or so. This just sounds like lazy writer cooking to me. Which I aspire to be.

11

If people can't afford salmon, they should probably get acquainted with the relatively inexpensive cost of glass bottles and gasoline.

8

That's certainly a take. Farmed salmon cause a lot of problems for the waters around them. I don't think I can eat farmed fish again after researching the problems around them.

1
Fedizenreply
lemmy.world

At this point its not much more expensive than beef etc. Fish is a more competitive market than the beef processor monopolies, at least in the US

4

I also pretty much never buy beef because its so expensive.

2
lemmy.world

What the hell is with the culinary advice in this thread, do you people not own stoves?

15
lemmy.world

The lazy way to cook salmon I know is to wrap it in foil and bake it in the oven for a bit. Wrapping it means that there is no surface browning and I imagine it cooks very similarly to microwaving. It's not like meat or bread where you want to sear the outside, or sauce or soup where a longer cooking time imparts a deeper flavour - raw salmon is tasty after all.

I haven't tried it, but I also suspect everyone horrified by this also hasn't tried it, and it seems like it would work just fine. Microwaving fish is such a meme at this point that I think there's a short circuit in people's brains where they think it magically ruins food and creates a smell that would not be created by heating it equivalently using some other method.

So does anyone know for a fact whether this is terrible?

12
pelyareply
lemmy.world

The salmon will be fine, pretty much the same as steam-cooking it. Just put some spices and a lot of lemon so it would not be bland.

The microwave, on the other hand, will gain a subtle and mysterious fish aroma, that will only become stronger with the passage of time.

15

The microwave, on the other hand, will gain a subtle and mysterious fish aroma, that will only become stronger with the passage of time.

Sounds suspicious 🤔

2
Wolf314159reply
startrek.website

That sounds like a lot of work. And I'm not fan of steamed fish. Salmon is like the easiest fish to pan fry.

  • Heat a tablespoon (this can be a literal spoon from your table, no need for precision here) or two of olive oil to its smoke point on a pan. If it's smoking a lot turn the heat down.
  • Lightly (using course) salt salmon.
  • Add to hot pan. Don't worry if it sticks a little.
  • When the salmon has changed color to right around halfway from the pan to the top of the salmon, flip it over. At this point if the pan is hot enough, even a steel pan should have released the fish. After the flip, watch the color continue to change.
  • When it looks like a fish you want to eat (and the fish stops sticking) remove from the pan and plate. The edges should be a delicious crispy golden color. This is where all the best flavors get together. You don't even need to worry about it being cooked through. I like it a little closer to raw on the inside.

The whole process takes about 5 minutes plus the time it takes to preheat the pan. I have an induction range, so the pan preheats in the time it takes me to salt the salmon.

2
Wolf314159reply
startrek.website

Because there isn't much of a risk of food borne illness from bacteria inside the flesh of the fish. The big concern there, especially salmon, is the parasites. That's why salmon is flash frozen on the boat as soon after it's caught as possible, to kill those parasites. That flash freezing is also the only reason salmon is used in modern sushi. Properly handled, salmon is about as (if not less) dangerous than a steak with regards to bacteria. Pretty much any bacteria present will be on the surface, not inside the flesh, so those get killed w once you've cooked the outside. As with anything, the risk of bacteria isn't zero, but it's small enough that most people need not worry about cooked it until it is a dry chewy abomination.

4

Ah OK I think maybe most salmon in my country is not sushi grade, so I guess it hasn’t been frozen for long or cold enough to guarantee it free of parasites. Thanks

1
RaivoKullireply
sopuli.xyz

That's pretty typical oven salmon. It will be really juicy and most, which some prefer

1
sh.itjust.works

Just buy some warm smoked salmon and eat it as it is. Add some of that lemon you mentioned.

11
stoyreply
lemmy.zip

Cold smoked salmon > warm smoked salmon

10

Add cream cheese, dill, and capers, put all on either a toasted bagel half or slice of sourdough. 11/10

7

Cold smoked salmon is a completely different thing. Both are good (usually) but the warm smoked is much closer to this microwave thing he is describing (which is still better than dishwasher salmon!).

6
boonhetreply
sopuli.xyz

I'm gonna have to get scientific here. What are the temperature ranges for each and how long should I smoke a roughly 1 KG fillet using either method?

2

For cold smoking the temperature is around room temperature (25 celsius is ideal), and it takes around 6-8 hours.

There are various hot smoking methods. The first (and best in my opinion) is around 70-80 degrees celsius, and takes about 4-6 hours. Secondly alternatively around 100 degrees celsius for 1-3 hours. Thirdly around 120-130 degrees celsius and 30 minutes. The goal is for the salmon to reach 62 degrees celsius internal temperature. But I find the lower heat is best for salmon, because higher heat creates more albumin when cooking salmon.

3

Salt cured salmon beats both of them and you can make it yourself overnight

1

Or just air fry it for 5 minutes instead of microwaving for 3. I've done this to great success.

4
lemmy.world

been a salmon fan ever since I moved to the pacific northwest. we get amazing salmon here.

aloha spice company seafood rub on fresh or thawed frozen, in a metal pan on the stovetop. it'll take 8 minutes from cold to done, so start some rice (long grain works especially well with this palette) and brussel sprouts broccoli green beans or asparagus a bit ahead. finish with a tiny bit of soy sauce to taste.

if you're feeling fancy, a ginger and garlic green beans works especially well with the savory umami of the salmon.

I adore, nearly worship King. But goddamn bro... just... naw...

7
RaivoKullireply
sopuli.xyz

I've always felt like salmon is best as is, with just stuff that enhance it's natural flavour instead of bringing too much new flavour

2

I usually limit it to salt, a pinch of pepper, and lemon juice after cooking.

My partner on the other hand blends a variety of spices, lets the salmon marinate in the spices+lime+oil, and then cooks it.

Both are very tasty :)

1

Salt, lemon, maybe some onion rings optionally. All you need IMO

1

Yeah I used to do this with low budget frozen fishies when I was in college pulling long hours.

6
feddit.org

I've never done this, I know nothing about cooking. What's the result?

4
feddit.dk

Worse than just frying it for 3 minutes which takes the same amount of effort.

13
Lumidaubreply
feddit.org

You're not selling this to me because, as someone with no attention span, I can NOT relate to the notion of "frying X takes the same effort than microwaving X".

10
feddit.dk

Microwaving:

  1. Season and wrap
  2. Put on plate
  3. Place in microwave
  4. Microwave it for 3 minutes
  5. Eat

Frying:

  1. Season
  2. Put pan on stove and add butter/oil
  3. Heat the pan
  4. Add the fish and fry for 3 minutes
  5. Eat

If you can microwave stuff you can also fry stuff, cooking is just following steps and practice.

8
Lumidaubreply
feddit.org

You're forgetting "where is that pan, no that one, the other one", "which oil to use, not that one", "gotta watch that pan for three minutes so it doesn't burn and I don't forget", "now i have a pan, a plate and a stove to clean" vs. "i'mma do some other shit until i hear the microwave go bing" and "rinse plate".

13

I feel like that's largely a habit thing. I never cook using the microwave, I would have to spend a lot of time looking up shit to cook something decent. But I cook meals from scratch most days and I know exactly which ingredients to use, where things are, and how to cook a dish quickly and effeciently.

I often cook while I listen to podcasts, which strangely enough helps me focus on the mechanical tasks since I am not distracted - or rather, only distracted by the podcast. That works well for the dishes I know by heart, but if it's something new where i need to check a recipe I have to force myself to concentrate as well :)

Good luck however you feel like feeding yourself!

5

I would not walk away from something in a frying pan for 3 minutes, but I would for something in a microwave. Microwaving on a plate dirties one fewer thing, too.

I think it's pretty different.

Frying isn't even the relevant comparison - that would be baking wrapped salmon in the oven.

3
Poogityreply
lemmy.zip

Thanks for breaking it down like that. I struggle to bring myself to cook but Ive been working on it by breaking down steps like that. Easy meals are the best!

3
feddit.dk

If you like easy meals, get yourself a simple Italian cookbook. There's like, one million different pasta dishes with about 3-5 ingredients in them which can be cooked in 20 minutes.

5

This is a good idea, I’ve been running off of aglio olio since I was in uni

1

Something that looks and smells like a microwaved fish. Wouldn't recommend. Salmon fried crispy is delicious.

6
lemmy.world

What kind of sicko (positive) pays for such expensive food then microwaves it like its a hot pocket? Wtf. I grew up far too poor to even try this.

Also for the UK tories out there Stephen King is an english major and makes more money than any programmer or trade worker.

3

Want to mention, from his In Writing book, he was writing Carrie in his laundry cupboard (didn't sound like enough to be called a room more like a closet with appliances). Also even if that's is his preference, sounds like he was suggesting a simple dinner. Make some fish for a quiet date, good suggestion if you're not familiar with the oven. I don't believe fish was always so expensive either, prices skyrocketed at one point, my mom used to buy chicken wings when money was low (80s), now they're expensive as shit comparatively.

2