This Poached Salmon Recipe is one of the easiest ways to cook fish! I think you're going to love it! It can be served cold or warm, it cooks quickly so it's an easy weeknight meal or it's perfect for date night or a fancy brunch!
If you're looking for a wonderful family dinner, try the Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe - it's a family favorite!
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ This is a simple recipe, yet elegant enough for a dinner party or brunch!
✔️ Individual portioned servings.
✔️ Delicious meal and healthy dinner and the bonus... it's good for you too!
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- chicken or seafood broth
- 3-4 fresh oranges
- fresh lemon
- fresh dill
- salt or Old Bay Seasoning
- black peppercorns
- bay leaf
- fresh salmon fillets
- optional garnishes - dill and chives
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
This is a simple dish. You'll combine the ingredients for the broth, allow it to simmer, then simply slide in the fish and allow it to poach.
- Combine the broth, orange juice, lemon juice, dill, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaf in a skillet or pan with tall sides. Bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow all of the flavors to come together.
- With a sharp knife, remove the skin for the fish or better yet, have your fishmonger remove it for you when it's purchased.
- Place salmon filets in the simmering broth in a single layer. Do not crowd the fish. The broth should come halfway up the sides of the fish.
- While the salmon cooks, spoon the sauce over the fish, cover and cook for 5 minutes, baste again and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the flesh is firm.
- Serve warm or chilled, garnished with chopped dill & chives.
Every 5 minutes or so, I lifted the lid and spooned the sauce over the fillets. When it was done I refrigerated it and served it for dinner in the evening. The orange & lemon juice give it a light citrus flavor and poaching the fish keeps it juicy and moist.
Equipment
- Large skillet with tall sides.
- Fish spatula
FAQ's
Poaching salmon is a delicious way to showcase the flavor of this rich fish. It's also a healthier way to enjoy, without deep frying.
Yes, poaching the salmon fully cooks the fish!
Yes, poached salmon is best without skin.
The white stuff is coagulated albumin, it's harmless and you can eat it. However I just scrape it off, I think it's prettier that way.
If you choose to leave the skin on slide the fish in the poaching liquid skin side down.
Tips for purchasing fish
There are a couple things to remember when purchasing fish -
- purchase the fish the same day you are going to cook it.
- take a deep breath, fresh fish will not have any smell.
- the flesh should be shiny.
- when you bring fish home from the market, place it on top of a bowl full of ice (preferably crushed ice) in the refrigerator, keeping it cold will keep it fresh longer.
- if the fillets contain bones, use pliers or tweezers to remove them.
- wild salmon will be deep red in color and more flavorful than farm-raised salmon which will be orange.
Variations for poached salmon
- Substitute coconut milk for the chicken stock.
- Sliced lemon or lemon peel and garlic cloves add a nice flavor to the aromatic poaching liquid.
- No fresh dill? Use fresh parsley instead. It's not the classic flavor, but it will add freshness to the flavorful salmon!
- Add a cup of white wine to the broth. I like to use chardonnay.
Storage
Refrigerate - Store leftovers in an airtight container for one day only. I do not save fish longer than one day.
Reheat - I do not recommend reheating the fish, I'm sure you can, but I haven't been successful. It changes the texture and the fish gets rubbery.
Related recipes
- Baja Fish Tacos - grills in just minutes!
- Easy to make crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp - super tasty with a sweet spicy coating!
- Seared Tuna Poke Bowl - easy and fabulous!
- How to Steam Lobster - this is easier to make than you think and so impressive!
Serve with
Salmon is super rich and for that reason, I prefer a lighter meal. Serve the citrus poached salmon with:
- Serve with lemon wedges or lemon slices to squeeze over the fish.
- Topped with hollandaise sauce - the rich, creamy sauce it's the perfect combination.
- Grilled asparagus - so good!
- Steamed Brussels Sprouts are a quick and easy side.
- This cheesy potato casserole is great as well.
- Grab a bagged Caesar salad at the store - yummy and easy!
- For dessert, serve the no-bake Hershey pie - fabulous, what a meal!
Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Easy Citrus Poached Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chicken or seafood broth
- 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice about 3 oranges
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ lemon squeezed
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 salmon fillets
- tablespoon Optional garnishes 1 each chopped dill and chives
Instructions
- Combine the broth, orange juice, lemon juice, dill, salt, peppercorns and bay leaf in a skillet or pan with tall sides. Bring to a boil. Boil for 2-3 minutes, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow all of the flavors to come together.
- While the broth is coming together, remove the skin for the fish or better yet, have your fish monger remove it for you when it's purchased.
- Slide the salmon into the simmering broth. The broth should come halfway up the sides of the fish. Spoon the sauce over the fish, cover and cook for 5 minutes, baste again and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the flesh is firm.
- Serve warm or chilled, garnish with chopped dill & chives.
Amy Desrosiers says
This recipe looks so fresh and delicious! I love fresh salmon with some lemon and a little herbs.
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Amy, I hope you give it a try!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Love the citrus flavor of this dish. I've never poached fish before, but this has inspired me -- it looks wonderful -- and so easy, too! I'll be on the lookout for Glucerna, as I'm trying to lose weight myself! Thanks!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Patricia - you'll definitely love it! I've been having the Glucerna for breakfast this last week & it's great!!
Healing Tomato says
You have made this salmon look enticing to this vegetarian. I love the color and the ingredients. This is a nice way to use Glucerna.
Bowl Me Over says
Ha, then I've truly accomplished the goal! 😀 Thanks for stopping by Healing Tomato!
Diana Johnson says
That salmon is beautiful! I can't wait to try this. Citrus and fish...always a great combo. Thanks for sharing.
Bowl Me Over says
Yes! You'll love it Diana!!
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says
My dad is also diabetic--it's a scary disease. I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. You are smart to take care of yourself now. This salmon is the most beautiful color!
Bowl Me Over says
My Dad is still here! It was a previous commenter whose father has passed away from diabetes 🙁 my Dad's been very successful fighting this disease. I hope your Dad is doing well also!!
Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary says
Well said from your father Debra... My father passed away due to diabetic too 3 years ago in age 78. But I think we should take care of our body since now while we can before everything's too late, right? I'm drooling over your citrus poached Salmon..I'm big fan of any seafood 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
Citra, I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. 🙁 Diabetes is such a terrible disease. You're absolutely right, there are lessons to be learned and it sounds like we are traveling the same road. Best wishes to you and your journey and I really appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I love the sound of lemon-poached salmon, yummy! Great tips on how to select fish, too. My dad's diabetic as well - I haven't heard of Glucerna, I'll have to check it out, thanks!
Bowl Me Over says
Glucerna is delicious Kimberly I just one of the Chocolate drinks for breakfast! 😀 I hope you have a chance to enjoy this recipe soon!
Lynne says
How do I get the recipe? I just keep gething more and more sds, but no recipe.
Bowl Me Over says
Hi Lynne - sorry for the confusion with the site, you can find it right at the bottom. Regardless, I emailed the recipe to you just to be sure. I hope you enjoy it!