Slow Cooker Salmon: A Deliciously Easy Weeknight Meal
Looking for a simple and flavorful way to cook salmon? Look no further than your trusty crock pot! This method is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal effort and delivers tender, flaky salmon every time.
Here's what you'll need:
- Salmon: Choose a boneless, skin-on salmon fillet, about 1-1.5 pounds. You can use a whole fillet or individual portions.
- Liquid: You can use broth, water, wine, or even a combination of these.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary are classic additions. You can also experiment with citrus zest, garlic, or even a drizzle of honey.
- Vegetables: Adding vegetables to the crock pot adds flavor and makes for a complete meal. Consider carrots, potatoes, onions, or broccoli.
Instructions:
- Prepare the crock pot: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the salmon: Lay the salmon fillet(s) in the crock pot. You can place them side-by-side, or stack them if using smaller portions.
- Add liquid: Pour enough liquid to cover the bottom of the crock pot by about an inch.
- Season: Season the salmon liberally with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs. You can also add other seasonings or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Add vegetables: If desired, add vegetables around the salmon.
- Cook: Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the crock pot and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Keep it simple: While you can add a lot of ingredients to your slow cooker salmon, sometimes less is more. A simple base of salt, pepper, and dill can be just as delicious.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked salmon will become dry and tough. Check the salmon regularly to ensure it's cooked through but still moist.
- Leftovers: Slow cooker salmon is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Lemon Dill Salmon: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh dill to the crock pot.
- Garlic Herb Salmon: Include minced garlic and your favorite herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or oregano) in the seasoning mix.
- Honey Ginger Salmon: Drizzle a little honey and minced ginger over the salmon before cooking.
- Mediterranean Salmon: Add Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried oregano to the crock pot.
Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker salmon!
