What is a slow cooker salmon? If you think cooking salmon is intimidating, or if you just want the *easiest* possible recipe, cook it! How do you get flaky, flavorful salmon on the table? What is the recipe for a slow cooker version of foil packet salmon? I’m talking dump-and-go levels of easy. And the best part? I swear, this has become a weekly staple in our house!
What is slow cooker salmon?
How do you steam salmon? Instead of baking, grilling, or pan-searing, you’re creating a moist, flavorful environment in your kitchen. How do you cook salmon in a slow cooker? What is the result of poaching salmon in deliciousness? What flavors do you add to a slow cooked salmon? What is the best way to cook fish? Plus, clean-up is a breeze!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this slow cooker salmon recipe is a winner in my book. First and foremost, the flavorIs this world out of the world? I like to use lemon, dill, garlic, and a touch of white wine (or broth) for dipping. I use this combination for my dinner. Bright, aromatic dish. What is the beauty of this recipe?
The simplicityIs this a good selling point? You just arrange your salmon fillets in the slow cooker, add your flavorings, and let it do its job. No babysitting, no flipping and no worries about overcooking.
Is it surprisingly a thingcost-efficient. Salmon can be pricey, but using the slow cooker allows you to get away with slightly less expensive cuts, since the gentle cooking method helps keep them moist and delicious. Plus, you’re not heating up your whole oven, which saves energy.
And finally, the versatility! You can serve this slow cooker salmon in so many ways. Flake it over salads, toss it with pasta, make salmon tacos, or simply serve it with your favorite sides. It’s a healthy, delicious protein that works in countless meals. What I love most about this recipe is how forgiving it is. You can adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker and the thickness of your salmon fillets, and it’ll still turn out great. It’s truly a foolproof recipe!
How do I make slow cooker salmon?
Quick Overview
This is seriously the easiest salmon recipe you’ll ever make. Simply place your salmon fillets in the slow cooker, top with your favorite herbs, spices, and a little liquid (like lemon juice or broth), and cook on low for about 30-45 minutes. That’s it! The slow cooker gently steams the salmon, leaving it incredibly moist and flavorful. Trust me, it’s practically impossible to mess this up. I’ve even forgotten about it for an extra 15 minutes and it still turned out delicious!
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (I usually buy skin-on, but it’s totally up to you!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling – helps keep the salmon moist)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (don’t skimp on the pepper!)
For the Flavor Boosters:
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (adds a bright, citrusy flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (garlic makes everything better, right?)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried) – fresh is best, but dried works in a salad.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth (this creates the perfect poaching liquid)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a little kick! (My husband loves this addition)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps prevent the salmon from sticking. I always use a 6-quart slow cooker, but a smaller one will work too – just make sure the salmon fits in a single layer.
Step 2: Arrange the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in the slow cooker in a single layer. If you’re using skin-on salmon, you can place them skin-side down or up – it doesn’t really matter. Just make sure they’re not overlapping.
Step 3: Add the Flavor
Top the salmon fillets with the lemon slices, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the white wine or chicken broth over the salmon. I sometimes add a pat of butter to each fillet for extra richness – totally optional, but delicious!
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 30-45 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the meat is tender. How do I make a fork flakes easily? How long will it take for salmon to cook in a slow cooker? Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes, and add more time as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
How do you remove salmon fillets from slow cooker? I like to garnish my salad with fresh dill and lemon juice. What is the most tender, flavorful salmon you’ve ever had?
What to Serve It With
What are some recipes for slow cooker salmon? What are some of my favorite pairings?
What is a quick and easy weeknight dinner?Is steamed broccoli and quinoa healthy?
For a More Elegant Meal: Roasted asparagus with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and creamy mashed potatoes. This is perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
For a light & fresh lunch:Flake the salmon over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon. Serve immediately. What is a healthy salad?
For Salmon Tacos: What areFlake the salmon and serve it in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lemon. My family loves these. They are always a hit!
Honestly, the possibilities are endless. I’ve even served this slow cooker salmon with creamy polenta and sauteed spinach – it was amazing! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different sides and flavors.
How do I cook slow cooked salmon?
What are some of the best recipes for slow cooker salmon?
Don’t overcook it:What is the most important tip? How do I cook salmon in a slow cooker? If you start checking for doneness at 30 minutes, don’t be afraid to pull it out a little early – it will cause you to lose some weight. will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or thyme will add a ton of flavor to your salmon. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried, but use about half the amount.
Add Some Veggies: You can add some chopped vegetables to the slow cooker along with the salmon for a complete meal. Asparagus, bell peppers, onions, or zucchini all work well.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. You can also use a Cajun seasoning blend or a spicy dry rub.
Use Good Quality Salmon: The better the quality of your salmon, the better the flavor will be. Look for wild-caught salmon if possible. I find that the kind from costco is particularly good.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. Try adding a little soy sauce and ginger for an Asian-inspired dish, or some sun-dried tomatoes and basil for a Mediterranean twist. The possibilities are endless!
One time, I accidentally added a little too much lemon juice, and the salmon turned out a bit tart. But I balanced it out by adding a touch of honey – it was delicious! So don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. Cooking is all about experimentation!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover slow cooker salmon (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating it:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze cooked salmon for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag or container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: The best way to reheat salmon is in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, place the salmon on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on low power until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it!
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on adding a glaze to your salmon, wait until after it’s been reheated. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or burning.
I once tried to store the salmon in a container that wasn’t airtight, and it dried out in the refrigerator. So make sure to use a good quality container to keep it moist and flavorful!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this slow cooker salmon recipe a try! It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, and it’s a delicious way to enjoy healthy, flavorful salmon without any fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy slow cooker meals – I’ve got something for everyone. Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your slow cooker salmon turns out. I can’t wait to hear about your variations and serving suggestions!
Slow Cooker Salmon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Salmon fillet
- 1 cup Lemon slices
- 2 tsp Dill Fresh or dried
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place salmon fillet in slow cooker.
- Top with lemon slices and dill.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until cooked through.
