Steamed Salmon with Watercress and Lemon Butter

Name: Steamed Salmon with Watercress and Lemon Butter
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 lb. center-cut salmon fillet; 3/4 tsp. salt; fresh-ground black pepper; 1 bunch watercress; 4 tbsp. unsalted butter; 3/4 tsp. lemon juice

Published: Sep 3, 2008

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Steaming keeps fish moist and couldn't be quicker. Here watercress is steamed with the salmon, and both benefit from a spoonful of lemon butter. You could use olive oil instead of the butter, however, or just serve lemon wedges.

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Ingredients

2 lb. center-cut salmon fillet
3/4 tsp. salt
fresh-ground black pepper
1 bunch watercress
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
3/4 tsp. lemon juice

Directions

1. Step 1In a large pot, bring about 1 inch of water to a boil. Put the fish in a large steamer basket, skin-side down; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pile the watercress on top. Sprinkle with another 1/4 teaspoon salt.
2. Step 2Put the steamer basket with the fish over the boiling water and cover. Reduce the heat to moderately high and cook until the watercress is wilted and the salmon is just barely done (the fish should still be translucent in the center), about 5 minutes for a 1-inch-thick fillet.
3. Step 3Meanwhile, in a small stainless-steel saucepan, melt the butter. Add the lemon juice, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper. Serve the salmon and watercress topped with the lemon butter.
4. Step 4Notes:
  Removing Pin Bones: Many types of fish fillets have a line of small bones running the whole length just to one side of the center. Run your finger down the fillet to find them. The best way to remove these bones is with long-nosed pliers. Don't worry if you don't have the time, though. The bones are much easier to remove as you eat, when the flesh is cooked.
5. Step 5Fish Alternative: Use halibut fillets instead of salmon. Steaks from either fish will work, too; a one-inch-thick steak takes the same time to cook.
6. Step 6Wine Recommendation: The pleasures of red wine with fish are most compelling when a light, fruity red wine is paired with salmon. Choose either a California or Oregon pinot noir or a modestly priced red Burgundy (made from pinot noir).