Your Favorite Steelhead Salmon Recipes

Unlike popularly known salmon, steelhead salmon is uniquely different in its form and origin. It has many characteristics which makes it partly a salmon. This is the reason that many misassumptions are prevalent this specie in particular.

Steelhead salmon is used in variety of western and Mediterranean cuisines, so it is important to learn about the basics of the steelhead salmon, its difference from other type of edible fish, its available types and some basic recipes. 

What is Steelhead Salmon?

Steelhead salmon as many of us believe to be salmon, is basically a subspecies of trout which lives both in ocean and freshwater. It is this duality of its nature and certain other habits that the fish is named as “steelhead Salmon.”

This species is partially related to all the trout, salmon and char fish families. So, when it comes to flavor, steelhead does not differ much from its fellow members. However, it is much less oily than other ocean fishes and much fishier than other freshwater fish.

There are many characteristics of steelhead salmon fishes which makes them ideal for fishing.

Firstly, they travel to freshwater twice a year. They can also be farmed and still taste amazing. The size of steelhead salmon is slightly smaller than Atlantic salmon. It has fine grain and thinner fillet, which takes lesser time to cook and absorbs all the flavors down to each and every grain.

Types of Salmon

Salmon is one popular seafood delight which is known for its exceptional texture and mild flavor. Undoubtedly all salmon taste delicious, but each type slightly varies in texture and taste. There are a number of salmon species and following are most commonly used varieties of salmon.

1. King Salmon

King salmon is one the best-known salmon which has high-fat content and its flesh’s color ranges from white to deep red.

2. Coho Salmon

Coho salmon are commonly known as Silvers or Silver salmon due to their silver colored skin. Their flesh has a thin and delicate texture, and it appears bright red in color. It is equally tasty as chinook salmon.

3. Pink Salmon

Pink salmon are the subtype of Pacific Salmon. They have very low-fat content with light colored pink flesh, hence the name pink salmon. These are readily available in all forms, from fresh to smoked, canned and frozen. Since the fish has a unique hump at the back, they are also known by the name humpies.

4. Red Salmon

Next in line is the red salmon which is named so because of the bright red-orange color of its flesh. Its real name is Sockeye salmon. It has deep rich flavor and a moderate amount of fat. The fresher the fish is caught, the brighter the color of its flesh appears.

5. Atlantic Salmon

Salmon inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean is known by the name Atlantic salmon and belongs to the Salmo Salar species of Salmon. If farmed, these fish are poor at sustainability, so it is advisable to first check for the source and make the decision.

6. Keta Salmon/Dog Salmon

This salmon has dog-like teeth. Therefore it is popularly known as Dog salmon. Whereas generically it is known as Keta salmon. It is comparatively a smaller fish which approximately weighs about 8 pounds. The color of its flesh varies from pale to medium pink. With its low-fat content, it is available both in fresh and frozen forms.

Pacific Salmon

Pacific salmon is known by this name due to its natural habitat which is the Pacific Ocean, nearby British Columbia, Alaska and Washington State.

That cold, clear water contains all the wild species of wild Pacific salmon which are rich in protein. Their amazing taste and high nutritional value made them so popular that they became the part of the regional culinary traditions.

Wild Pacific salmon is one of the most famous delights of the Northwestern cuisine.

Even the native Americans enjoyed it for centuries. As of today, it is still served as the hallmark of the national cuisine at every dinner table and in every other restaurant as it sustains well throughout the year.

Is Steelhead trout Salmon?

Steelhead salmon is basically a specie which is both related to trout and salmon. in spite of many similarities, there is a basic difference between the two that is Steelhead trout only lives in freshwater whereas steelhead salmon lives in the sea water and travels to the freshwater for spawning only. Steelhead salmon travel faster through both deep and steep water.

Nutritional Value of Salmon

Salmon Calories per ounce:  40

Macronutrients per 100 Gram of Steelhead Salmon:

• Total Fat 13 g
• Saturated fat 3.1 g
• Cholesterol 55 mg
• Sodium 59 mg
• Carbohydrate 0 g
• Dietary fiber 0 g
• Protein 20 g
  

How to Cook Salmon in a Skillet

Searing is one of the methods which is mostly used to cook steelhead salmon. It involves lesser effort and time. Care is all we need. Cooking salmon in the skillet involves basically few main steps:

1. Season the fillets or the whole fish or its chunks with desired spices.
2. Lightly grease a skillet with any cooking oil.
3. Now gently place the fillet in the skillet.
4. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
5. Then carefully flip the fish and cook more for 2 minutes.
6. Once it is done, transfer the fish to serving plate.
7. Garnish as desired and serve to enjoy.

Steelhead Salmon Recipes

Steelhead Bake with Dijon Mustard

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• cooking spray
• 1 pound skinless steelhead salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning

Method

1. Adjust the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Place steelhead salmon in the baking dish.
3. Mix Dijon mustard, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, lemon pepper and dill in a small bowl.
4. Pour this mixture over the fillets and spread it evenly.
5. Bake the fish for 15 minutes.
6. Serve warm.

Garlic Butter Steelhead Salmon in Foil

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound steelhead salmon filet, skin removed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 a lemon, juice squeezed
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon parsley, minced
• salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Adjust the oven to 375 degrees F to preheat.
2. Layer an aluminum foil sheet with cooking spray.
3. Place the fish fillet at the center of the sheet. Fold up all the sides of the sheet.
4. Season the fish with salt and pepper.
5. Squeeze half a lemon over the fillets.
6. Mix melted butter with garlic and pour it over the fish along with parsley.
7. Cover the fish with the foil completely.
8. Place the foil wrap on the oven rack and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Uncover the baked fish and broil for 4 minutes.
10. Serve warm.

Salmon with Lemon Caper Sauce

Serves: 3

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Steelhead salmon

• 3 steelhead salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
• salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Lemon Caper Sauce

• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 4 garlic cloves, diced
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Method

1. Season salmon with salt and Italian seasoning.
2. Add olive oil to a cooking pan and heat on medium flame.
3. Place the seasoned fillet in the pan with its skin side up.
4. Cook for 1 and a half minute per side on medium heat.
5. Turn off the flame and cover the pan for 10 minutes.

Lemon caper sauce

1. Mix garlic with lemon juice and capers in greased pan.
2. Cook for 1 minute on medium low heat then turn off the heat.
3. Stir in butter and mix well until creamy.
4. Pour this sauce over the cooked fish.
5. Serve warm.

Steelhead Salmon with Rosemary

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb steelhead fillet
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1⁄2 lemon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus
• additional oil, for greasing baking pan

Method

1. Layer a baking dish with aluminum foil and olive oil.
2. Preheat the oven broiler on medium heat.
3. Mix all the spices, herb, juices, and zest in a bowl.
4. Place the fillets in the baking dish with their skin side down.
5. Pour the spice mixture over the fish.
6. Broiler for 10 minutes until fish is al dente.
7. Serve warm.

Dill Spiced Steelhead Salmon

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound steelhead salmon
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 shallots, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
• salt, pepper
• 1 teaspoon of zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed juice

Method

1. Adjust your oven to 450 degrees F. Layer a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Mix melted butter with shallots in a saucepan and cook for 3 minutes on medium heat.
3. Stir in lemon zest and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Allow it cool then squeeze in lemon juice.
5. Arrange the fish fillets in the baking sheet and drizzle salt and pepper on top.
6. Pour the butter mixture over the fish and sprinkle dill on top.
7. Bake for 15 minutes.
8. Garnish with dill and lemon juice.
9. Serve warm.

Parmesan Baked Salmon

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. steelhead salmon filet
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, half sliced, half juiced
• 3 tablespoons fresh Parmesan cheese
• Sea salt to taste
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

Method

1. Adjust your oven to 400 degrees F to preheat and layer a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Place salmon fillet in the baking sheet with skin side down.
3. Mix parsley, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil in a small container.
4. Pour it over the fish and rub it gently on it.
5. Drizzle pepper, salt, parmesan cheese over the fish and place lemon slices on top.
6. Bake for 15 minutes.
7. Serve warm.

Soy Glazed Salmon

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 green onions, sliced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 12 oz Steelhead salmon
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Method

1. Adjust your oven to 425 degrees F. Layer a baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Place the fish fillet in the pan with its skin side down.
3. Mix soy sauce with mustard, olive oil, and garlic in a bowl.
4. Pour half of this over the fish and drizzle salt and pepper on top.
5. Allow the steelhead fish to marinate for 10 minutes.
6. Bake for 15 minutes then remove it from the oven.
7. Pour the remaining sauce over it and garnish with green onions.
8. Let it rest for 5 minutes then serve warm.

Salmon with Maple Glaze

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter
• 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 steelhead salmon filet, 1-2 pounds

Method

1. Heat butter in a cooking pot and stir in all the ingredients except fish.
2. Stir cook for 1 minute then set it aside to cool
3. Adjust the oven to 400 degrees F to preheat.
4. Place the fillet at the center of foil sheet and fold its edges to make a packet.
5. Pour mustard glaze over the fish and bake for 10 minutes.

Salmon Chowder

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 1hr. 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped white onion
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 pound bacon, cut into pieces
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 1/2  lbs. potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 6 cups chicken broth
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 lbs. steelhead salmon meat chunks, boneless
• 1 cup corn
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill or chives, chopped

Method

1. Heat butter in a Dutch oven on medium heat.
2. Add bacon and sauté for 8 minutes until crispy.
3. Stir in celery and onion. Sauté for 5 minutes.
4. Add broth, potatoes, and salt. Cook for 20 minutes.
5. Stir in corn and salmon chunks.
6. Cook for 5 mins then turn off the flame.
7. Add black pepper, dill, and heavy cream.
8. Serve warm.

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

Serves: 1

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 steelhead salmon fillet
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cedar plank

Method

1. Add cedar plank to a large container and pour enough water to cover it.
2. Soak it for 2 hours then strain and set it aside.
3. Preheat the outdoor grill on medium-high heat.
4. Mix all the spices and sugar in a small container.
5. Place the fish on the cedar plank with its skin side down.
6. Pour the spice mixture over the fillet and rub it gently over it.
7. Place the plank on the heated grill and cover the lid.
8. Let it cook for 20 minutes.
9. Serve warm.

Conclusion

The above-discussed recipes are few among the many of the delicious culinary uses of the Steelhead salmon. With its rich protein content and high nutritional value can be served best at every dinner table, either for lunch or dinner. When compared to other forms of fish and salmon, it is easier to cook and tastes extremely delicious. Make sure to go for fresh fillets with reddish pink flesh and season generously to enjoy the most of it. Be careful while dealing with the cooked fish, as it gets too delicate and soft.

Since many of the myths and misperceptions revolves around the word steelhead salmon, this article not only discussed all the juicy recipes but the volume of the basic salmon guideline. Give it a single read and enjoy the best of the seafood delights.

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