Take a good look at the lunch I made over the weekend. Isn’t she beautiful? Best part is… it only took me 5 minutes to prepare from start to finish. I have no problem admitting that I like cooking food in the microwave. It is an essential kitchen appliance I use multiple times throughout the day from heating up hot water for tea to steaming left over frozen rice for a quick meal. I like the convenience it offers as well as the reduced cooking times, especially when I’m cooking just for myself.
Today I’m going to teach you how to cook tender, flaky salmon in the microwave in less than 5 minutes for a single portion fillet. It’s a fabulous way to prepare salmon quickly without any fuss. So let’s get started.
You will want to rinse the salmon and pat it dry. Season the fish with salt and pepper. Place the salmon in a microwave safe dish and tightly cover it with plastic wrap. Microwave the salmon for 3.5 minutes. Pierce the fish with a fork in the center to check if the salmon is cooked through. If there is no bright flesh in the center, the salmon is ready to eat. If there is uncooked fish left, cook for an additional 30-45 seconds before checking again.
Instead of seasoning it with just salt and pepper, what I like to do is spread a thin layer of either mayonnaise or a spicy sriracha blend. I’ll also add a few lemon slices and a sprinkling of fresh parsley too. It helps keep the salmon very moist not to mention giving it a burst of bright flavor.
Sriracha mayonnaise is easy to make is can be used anytime a recipe calls for regular mayonnaise. It adds a nice heat to savory meals and also works as a spicy dip. Sriracha can be found in Asian grocery stores or in the Asian section of your local grocery store.
Here’s a recipe for Spicy Salmon cooked in the microwave. Enjoy!
- 1 – single portion salmon filet
- salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2-3 fresh cut lemon slices
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- Rinse salmon filet with cold water and pat dry. Place the salmon skin side down in a microwave save container. Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sriracha sauce. Generously spread the mayonnaise mixture on top of the fillet. Add lemon slices and parsley. Cover the dish tightly with microwave safe plastic wrap. Microwave the fish for 3.5 minutes. Check the center of the filet for doneness with a fork. If there is any uncooked fish, microwave for another 30-45 seconds. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges.
Disclosure: Salmon was gifted to me by Norwegian Salmon in partnership with a Martha’s Circle campaign.
love the siracha + mayo blend! I have actually been doing that for awhile now (learned it from my mom and aunt)..its great in tuna sandwiches and chicken salad sanwiches..instead of using mayo..mix in siracha w/ the mayo for that spicy twist 🙂
I don-t use microwave at all. But this looks delicious.
Thanks for sharing.
Mel.
My mother-in-law loves cooking fish in the microwave and it always turns out great. I still haven’t done it myself (except when I’m cooking at her house)… but this reminds me that it’s a pretty great way to cook it.
I don’t generally like to microwave fish due to the smell, but this looks so yummy I may have to give it a try!
I actually have leftover sriracha/parsley mayo dip from my bacon wrapped scallops the week before…this will be the perfect way to use it up!
What a creative way to make a healthy meal! Thanks!!!
I use the microwave for many short cuts like pre-cooking potatoes or carrots when making some pot pies. I’ve never tried salmon! Looks delicious! I’ll have to try for my five year old who loves it!
This looks de-lish! I’ll def. be trying this out soon. 🙂
Love,
Carrigan’s Joy
By looking at the photo…you would never guess it was nuked!
Nice.
I would have never thought to use my microwave! Silly huh? I use my toaster oven for practically everything! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Don’t use the microwave to often but this I want to try. Thanks! 🙂
http://www.Chef4L.blogspot.com
i have to make this. i need to eat more fish and i love how easy this is.
That looks sooooo good 🙂 now to get Rayan to eat it…..:D
I cooked salmon at my office microwave once. Oh my goodness, the place cleared out fast and I was too embarrassed to claim my lunch! Just a suggestion, make this at home so you don’t scare your co-workers who may not be as appreciative of a salmon lunch as you are. At home, the goodness smell just drifts away as if you cooked it in the oven. Enjoy!
This looks SUPER tasty…that mayonnaise looks so good too! I am going to make a trip to the asian market this week (I always love to have an excuse to go!)
Oh, and I am lovin’ that green cutting board/mat…adorable.
I usually do your Salmon with Teriyaki Sauce recipe, but will definitely give this one a try. Anything that saves time! Thanks.
Von: My thoughts exactly!!
Yum! A satisfying, healthy dish with minimal prep–can’t wait to try it. The salmon lovers in our house are cheering!
I love recipes like this – simple, healthy, fast, spicy, and very little to clean up. I’m going to the freezer to take out some salmon filets to thaw right now. I’m making this tomorrow.
I would never think to cook salmon that way, but it looks amazing! What a great way to get a quick dinner ready on a busy night. Also, sriracha mayo is the food of the gods. I use it regularly on sandwiches, hot dogs, and hamburgers.
This is so smart…if people knew they could eat healthier QUICKLY, I think more people would try harder. Love it!
I’ve made Salmon in the microwave before and it was really quite good! Not as good as this looks though.. Add that sauce most definitely next time…
MMmmmm, this is comfort food. Great idea for whipping up something for that teenage athlete that is always on the go! Thanks for the idea. Sheila
I must admit to not usually being a fan of the microwave for cooking; however, your post has taught me that perhaps it is time to give it a second look.
Thanks for teaching me something new! I’m giving this a try very soon. I’m also going to make the sriracha mayonnaise as a condiment for salmon croquettes tonight.