Name: Sous Vide Wild King Salmon
Prep time: 610 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 630 min
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 pounds center cut wild king salmon fillet cut into 5 fillets; Diamond Crystal kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 5 fresh thyme sprigs

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something truly magical about cooking fish, especially when it comes to the luxurious Sous Vide Wild King Salmon. I remember the first time I decided to try sous vide cooking; the idea of achieving perfectly cooked salmon that practically melts in your mouth was too tempting to resist. It was a quiet evening, and I wanted to impress a few friends with something special. I knew that with the sous vide technique, I could achieve that tender, flaky texture while locking in all the natural flavors of the salmon.

The rich, buttery taste of wild king salmon is elevated even further by the method of sous vide cooking, which ensures the fish remains moist and flavorful. I recall standing by the kitchen counter, lovingly preparing my ingredients, the aroma of fresh herbs filling the air. Every detail matters in this process, from selecting high-quality salmon to using fresh thyme sprigs. It’s not just about the dish; it’s about the experience, the anticipation, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

As I placed the vacuum-sealed packets into the warm water bath, I felt a sense of excitement. Would they turn out as perfect as I envisioned? When the time was up, and I pulled the packets from the water, I was greeted with beautifully cooked salmon, ready to be seared for a delightful finish. The combination of textures and flavors is simply unbeatable. Trust me, once you try this Sous Vide Wild King Salmon, you’ll want to make it a regular feature on your dinner table.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
10 hr 30 mins

Prep Time:
610 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
40 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
Skillet

Why This Sous Vide Wild King Salmon Is a Winner

Perfectly Cooked Every Time

The sous vide method revolutionizes how we approach cooking any type of fish, and with the Sous Vide Wild King Salmon, you can rest assured you’ll achieve a perfect result every single time. The precision of temperature control means that the salmon cooks evenly throughout, avoiding the common pitfall of overcooking.

Enhanced Flavor

When vacuum-sealed with the right seasonings, the salmon absorbs all the flavors, leading to a dish that is not only perfectly cooked but also bursting with taste. The addition of olive oil and fresh herbs infuses the fish with rich flavors that sing on your palate.

Health Benefits

Wild king salmon is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart health benefits. This makes the Sous Vide Wild King Salmon not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a nourishing choice for your body.

Impressive Presentation

Serving sous vide salmon is a showstopper. The beautiful color and texture of the fish are sure to impress your guests. It comes out looking restaurant-quality, making it perfect for entertaining or special occasions.

Minimal Cleanup

One of my favorite things about sous vide cooking is the minimal cleanup involved. You can simply vacuum seal your salmon and toss it in the water bath. There’s no need to worry about pans sticking or splatters on the stove – just pop everything away once you’re done!

Versatile Pairings

The Sous Vide Wild King Salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, whether you want something fresh like a salad or something heartier like creamy mashed potatoes. This versatility means you can tailor the meal to suit any occasion or preference.

Sous Vide Wild King Salmon Ingredients

The ingredients for this recipe come together to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Each element plays a vital role in achieving the perfect dish. The star of the show is undoubtedly the wild king salmon, known for its rich flavor and firm texture. We also incorporate extra virgin olive oil to enhance the moisture and depth of flavor, while kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper bring out the natural taste of the salmon. Lastly, fresh thyme adds an aromatic quality that elevates the dish to new heights.

5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: This ingredient not only adds richness but also helps in preserving the moisture of the salmon during cooking.
2 pounds center cut wild king salmon fillet cut into 5 fillets: Known for its buttery flavor and firm texture, wild king salmon is the perfect choice for sous vide cooking.
Diamond Crystal kosher salt: A key seasoning that enhances the flavor of the salmon without overwhelming it.

Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat that complements the richness of the fish.
5 fresh thyme sprigs: These fragrant herbs provide an aromatic touch that elevates the overall dish.

How to Cook Sous Vide Wild King Salmon

Cooking the Sous Vide Wild King Salmon is a straightforward process that allows you to achieve incredible results with minimal effort. Follow these detailed steps to ensure you get the best out of your salmon.

Begin by freezing a tablespoon of olive oil in a small container. Repeat this process with the remaining olive oil, allowing it to freeze for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial as it allows the oil to be solid when vacuum-sealing the salmon later.
Next, take your salmon fillets and cut them into five equal portions. It’s essential to ensure even portions for consistent cooking. Season the fillets generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
Individually vacuum-seal each fillet, adding a frozen cube of olive oil and a sprig of thyme to each packet. Make sure they are securely sealed to prevent any water from getting in during the cooking process.

Once the packets are prepared, place them in a bowl filled with ice and refrigerate them for a short while. This will help maintain the temperature of the salmon as it cooks later.
Now, it’s time to prepare your sous vide machine. Fill your Sous Vide Supreme with water and set the temperature to 125°F. This precise temperature ensures that the salmon will cook gently and evenly.
After the machine reaches the desired temperature, carefully drop the vacuum-sealed salmon packets into the water bath. Allow them to cook for 20 minutes. This time is perfect for achieving that tender medium-rare texture.

If you prefer your salmon cooked a little more than medium-rare, you can finish it in a hot skillet. After the sous vide cooking time is up, remove the salmon packets from the water bath.
Unseal the packets, and for an additional layer of flavor and a beautiful sear, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each fillet for about 2 minutes on each side. If you have a kitchen torch, you can use that for a quick char as well.
Once seared, serve your Sous Vide Wild King Salmon immediately. You can garnish with more fresh thyme if desired, adding a beautiful touch to the presentation.

Enjoy your delicious salmon, perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The combination of sous vide and a quick sear creates an unforgettable dish that is sure to impress!

Things Worth Knowing

Temperature Control: Sous vide cooking relies on precise temperature control. Always ensure your sous vide machine is set to the correct temperature for optimal results.
Quality Ingredients: The quality of your salmon significantly impacts the flavor of the dish. Always opt for fresh, high-quality wild king salmon for the best outcome.

Vacuum Sealing: Make sure to properly vacuum seal the salmon to prevent any water from entering the packets. This is key to achieving the correct texture and flavor.
Resting Time: Let the salmon rest for a minute after removing it from the sous vide bath. This helps the juices redistribute for better flavor.

Expert Tips about Sous Vide Wild King Salmon

Cooking the Sous Vide Wild King Salmon can be a delightful experience, especially when you have some expert tips at your disposal. Here’s how to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Storage: If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon will keep well for up to three days. You can enjoy it cold in salads or reheated gently.
Freezing: You can freeze the vacuum-sealed salmon for up to three months. Just ensure they are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Pairing: Consider serving your Sous Vide Wild King Salmon with a refreshing cucumber salad or roasted vegetables. The lightness of the sides complements the rich flavor of the salmon beautifully.

Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs or spices when vacuum-sealing your salmon. Dill, garlic, or citrus zest can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
Cooking from Frozen: If you forget to thaw your salmon, you can cook it from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the sous vide cooking time for best results.

Great Combinations for Sous Vide Wild King Salmon

When it comes to serving the Sous Vide Wild King Salmon, the options are endless! Here are some fantastic combinations that will elevate your dining experience:

Fresh Salads: Pair your salmon with a garden-fresh salad. Think mixed greens with slices of avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots are great complements to the rich salmon.
Couscous or Quinoa: Serve the salmon over a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa tossed with lemon juice and herbs for a satisfying meal.

Rice Dishes: A side of jasmine or basmati rice can soak up the delicious juices from the salmon, making each bite heavenly.
Occasions: This dish is perfect for special occasions like dinner parties, anniversaries, or even just a cozy night in. The sophistication of the salmon makes it suitable for any celebration.
Storage Tips: For any leftover salmon, store it in an airtight container. It can be enjoyed cold the next day in salads or wraps or reheated gently.

Seasonal Pairings: This dish can work for any season. In summer, serve with fresh corn salad, whereas in winter, a warm potato salad would be delightful!

FAQ

Sous vide cooking is a technique that involves sealing food in a vacuum-sealed bag and cooking it in a water bath at a precise temperature. This method allows for even cooking and retains moisture and flavor. It’s become increasingly popular for cooking meats, fish, and even vegetables, offering restaurant-quality results at home.

Absolutely! One of the great advantages of sous vide cooking is that you can cook food directly from frozen. If you forgot to thaw your wild king salmon, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, and you’ll still achieve perfect results. Just be sure to ensure it’s vacuum-sealed properly before starting.

With sous vide cooking, the temperature you set is the temperature your food will reach. For salmon, 125°F will give you a medium-rare result, which is often preferred. If you want it more cooked, you can increase the temperature to 130°F for medium. The beauty of sous vide is that you can’t really overcook it, provided you stay within the recommended cooking times.

The Sous Vide Wild King Salmon pairs beautifully with all sorts of sides! Consider serving it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a light grain like quinoa or couscous. It’s also delicious with creamy sides such as mashed potatoes or a lemony risotto. The flavors of the salmon will shine through no matter what you choose to serve alongside it!

Conclusion

The Sous Vide Wild King Salmon is not just a meal; it’s an experience that showcases the beauty of sous vide cooking. Perfectly cooked and infused with rich flavors, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. I encourage you to give it a try and discover how simple yet luxurious it can be. Treat yourself to this delightful dish tonight!

Sous Vide Wild King Salmon

Experience the ultimate flavor sensation with Sous Vide Wild King Salmon, a dish that brings rich, buttery textures to your dinner table. Perfectly cooked and infused with herbs, it's an easy weeknight dinner that will impress anyone. Treat yourself to this culinary delight tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 10 30

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 5 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Skillet

Ingredients

5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 pounds center cut wild king salmon fillet cut into 5 fillets

Diamond Crystal kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
5 fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions

Freeze a tablespoon of olive oil in a small container and repeat for the rest of the olive oil for at least 2 hours. This allows the oil to be solid when you vacuum seal the salmon later.
Cut your salmon fillets into 5 equal portions. Season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Individually vacuum-seal the fillets with a frozen cube of olive oil and a sprig of thyme.

Place the packets in a bowl of ice and pop it in the fridge. Fill up your Sous Vide Supreme and set the temperature to 125°F.
Dump the salmon packets into the preheated Sous Vide Supreme and let them bathe for 20 minutes.
If you like your salmon medium-rare, serve them straight out of the packet. If you prefer it less rare, cook the salmon on a cast iron skillet for ~2 minutes on each side.

Notes

Tip 1: If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon will keep well for up to three days.
Tip 2: You can freeze the vacuum-sealed salmon for up to three months. Just ensure they are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Tip 3: Consider serving your Sous Vide Wild King Salmon with a refreshing cucumber salad or roasted vegetables.

Tip 4: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs or spices when vacuum-sealing your salmon.
Tip 5: If you forget to thaw your salmon, you can cook it from frozen.