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Home » Recipes » Fish and Seafood

Citrus Poached Salmon Recipe

Published: Jun 22, 2023 by Bowl Me Over · 16 Comments

Jump to Recipe

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!

Fork holding poached salmon with hollandaise sauce.
Easy Citrus Poached Salmon
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe     
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions 
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's  
  • Tips for purchasing fish
  • Variations for poached salmon
  • Storage
  • Related recipes
  • Serve with 
  • Easy Citrus Poached Salmon Recipe
  • Recipe backstory

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 to make fish recipe, with print overlay.

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
  • black peppercorns
  • bay leaf
  • fresh salmon fillets
  • optional garnishes - dill and chives
Instructions to make the fish recipe, with print overlay.
Instructions for easy poached salmon recipe.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. With a sharp knife, remove the skin for the fish or better yet, have your fishmonger remove it for you when it's purchased.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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  • Large skillet with tall sides.
  • Fish spatula

FAQ's  

Why do people poach salmon?

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.

Is poached salmon fully cooked?

Yes, poaching the salmon fully cooks the fish!

Do you take skin off salmon before poaching?

Yes, poached salmon is best without skin.

What is the white stuff that comes out of salmon?

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.

Can you leave the skin on?

If you choose to leave the skin on slide the fish in the poaching liquid skin side down.

Salmon topped with hollandaise sauce.

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.

Poached salmon on plate.

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! 

Fish on plate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Easy Citrus Poached Salmon Recipe

Can you have an elegant meal without slaving in the kitchen all day? Yes with Citrus Poached Salmon
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2
Calories: 292kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 657mg | Potassium: 1068mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 205IU | Vitamin C: 40.2mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1.9mg
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Recipe backstory

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. We lived close to the Columbia River and only about 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean. As a kid I remember fishing for steelhead and salmon in the river and when we went to the beach, digging for razor clams.

Poached_Salmon2

You know when you're a kid, you don't have a care in the world. You stay up as late as you want, get up whenever you choose and eat whatever you please, I miss those days! As you get older though, things change! My Dad has always said age 0-50 your body will take care of you, over 50, you need to take care of your body.

Dad would know, he was diagnosed with diabetes in 2002 at age 62. Since then I have Aunts, Uncles and even Cousins who have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is very prevalent in our family.

Dad takes medicine daily for diabetes. He's taken classes to learn more and has heeded his Doctor's advice and lost weight. (Please consult your doctor about what's best for you). Dad follows a strict regimen and eats meals and snacks at certain times daily. 

Dinner time! Mom, Dad, Dan & I at Castle Air Museum - Atwater, CA
Dinner time! Mom, Dad, Dan & I at Castle Air Museum - Atwater, CA

My Mom supports him by fixing great meals that conform to his diabetic diet. After 57 years of marriage, they are quite the team! We have had more conversations about diabetics than I can count and they are great role models.

The time is now to make small changes that will make a big difference. Like, eat more fish....

Poached Salmon
Poached Salmon

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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy Desrosiers

    August 29, 2016 at 7:46 am

    5 stars
    This recipe looks so fresh and delicious! I love fresh salmon with some lemon and a little herbs.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 29, 2016 at 8:21 am

      Thank you Amy, I hope you give it a try!

      Reply
  2. Patricia @ Grab a Plate

    August 27, 2016 at 12:34 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 28, 2016 at 7:15 pm

      Thanks Patricia - you'll definitely love it! I've been having the Glucerna for breakfast this last week & it's great!!

      Reply
  3. Healing Tomato

    August 26, 2016 at 5:28 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 28, 2016 at 7:15 pm

      Ha, then I've truly accomplished the goal! 😀 Thanks for stopping by Healing Tomato!

      Reply
  4. Diana Johnson

    August 26, 2016 at 3:09 pm

    That salmon is beautiful! I can't wait to try this. Citrus and fish...always a great combo. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 28, 2016 at 7:16 pm

      Yes! You'll love it Diana!!

      Reply
  5. Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic

    August 26, 2016 at 12:54 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 28, 2016 at 7:18 pm

      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!!

      Reply
  6. Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary

    August 26, 2016 at 3:17 am

    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 🙂

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 26, 2016 at 9:05 am

      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.

      Reply
  7. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet

    August 25, 2016 at 10:16 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 31, 2016 at 10:40 am

      Glucerna is delicious Kimberly I just one of the Chocolate drinks for breakfast! 😀 I hope you have a chance to enjoy this recipe soon!

      Reply
    • Lynne

      September 09, 2016 at 4:28 am

      How do I get the recipe? I just keep gething more and more sds, but no recipe.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        September 09, 2016 at 7:45 am

        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!

        Reply

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