Cooking coho salmon is very simple, even for beginner chefs. Below, you’ll find a guide to preparing coho salmon. We hope this proves helpful in understanding the basics of how to handle this delicious type of salmon.
About Coho Salmon
Coho salmon is a wild-caught salmon variety common in the North Pacific Ocean area of North America. Silver salmon is a common name for this type of fish because of its scale color. Coho salmon is leaner than most types of salmon, which will impact how it can be cooked.
Coho salmon has a subtle flavor. Compared to king salmon, coho salmon has much less fat but is still high in protein. Many prefer coho for these reasons. Coho is a great option for weeknight meals, as it is both versatile and mild – perfect for an easy lunch or dinner.
Since coho salmon does have less fat, overcooking is a concern. In fact, many cook coho salmon as a whole, rather than in filleted portions. Knowing how to prepare any type of salmon properly is key to a good product.
How to Cook Coho Salmon Using Various Methods
Roasted Whole
While it might seem intimidating at first, whole-roasted coho salmon is very simple and impressive. You will want to buy a fish that is scaled and cleaned. Here’s how to cook coho salmon whole.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Lay the salmon on a rimmed baking sheet and season the cavity with aromatics like garlic, onion, and herbs.
- Tie the salmon with string to ensure none of the aromatics fall out.
- Coat the salmon in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the salmon for an hour. After it is done roasting, you can broil for a couple of minutes to add color to the fish.
- Remove the salmon from the oven.
- To serve, remove the skin, the salmon portions, and skeletal bone.
- Plate the salmon fillets with pan juices and fresh lemon.
Pan Seared
Pan searing coho salmon is a good way to make sure you do not overcook the fish. Watch the fish carefully to ensure a crust forms without the fish drying out. Follow the steps to learn how to cook coho salmon in a pan.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Lightly coat the salmon with oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the salmon skin side down for 2 minutes.
- Flip and cook the fish for another 2 minutes.
- Remove the salmon from the pan and serve.
Poached
Poached salmon absorbs the flavors of the cooking liquid. Here’s how to cook coho salmon by poaching.
- Add salmon skin side down to a skillet with white wine, salt, and enough water to submerge the salmon.
- Cover pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Remove the lid and continue poaching the salmon for 6 minutes or until done.
- Once salmon is done, remove it from the pan, pat dry, and serve.
How to Cook Coho Salmon
We know that some home chefs learn better by watching than by reading. If you’re still not quite sure how to handle your coho salmon, the below video should hep you out.
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