Microwave Poached Salmon With Lemon Sauce

One of the most straightforward techniques and most delicious ways to prepare salmon (or most any fish, for that matter) is to poach it. Poaching cooks food gently in a simmering, never boiling, liquid; you will want to see some little bubbles on the surface. This poaching liquid is especially easy to make, with some apple cider vinegar as the acidic liquid to balance the flavor of the fish, instead of lemon juice or wine. The liquid is made aromatic with a bay lead and a slice of onion. While cooking, there will be a flavor exchange from the liquid to the fish, and the liquid will keep the fish moist as well; take care not to boil or overcook. You can use this recipe for poaching any type of fish fillets or steaks. While poached fish is certainly acceptable with just some lemon wedges, it really becomes special with a sauce. I used to love salmon with hollandaise, but here I wanted a simpler sauce. You will love this one.

Directions

Prepare the Salmon

Arrange the fish in a single layer in a microwave-safe baking dish. Set aside.

Place the water, vinegar, onion, bay leaf, salt, and pepper in a two-quart measuring cup. Partially cover with plastic wrap. Microcook on high for for to five minutes, until the liquid reaches a high simmer/low boil.

Carefully pour the hot poaching liquid over the fish fillets, just to cover, leaving the solids in the cup. You may not use all of the liquid. Partially cover the salmon tightly with plastic wrap and carefully place in the oven. Microcook on medium, (50 percent power) for five minutes (three and a half to four minutes per pound), until slightly underdone. Remove from the oven and let stand in the liquid for two minutes.

Place all of the sauce ingredients in the two-cup measuring cup. Beat with a fork to combine and loosen the mayonnaise. Microcook on low (10 percent power) or defrost for one to one and a half minutes, until runny and warm. Stir.

Remove the fish with a slotted spatula to individual dinner plates and coat lightly with four to five tablespoons of the lemon sauce. Serve immediately.