COOK AND BASTE THE FISH Add the salmon skin-side down into the pan and gently press down to make skin contact fully with pan. Immediately, tilt the pan slightly to allow the butter to pool. Spoon the butter repeatedly over the fillets for 30 seconds, then return the pan to level.
If a recipe refers to “Baste your turkey”, as an example, the recipe is referring to spooning liquid consistently over the meat to cook it evenly.
The process of spooning or pouring pan juices over food while it cooks. This promotes moistness and a browned surface.
Salmon Basting – How to Get The Perfect Crispy Salmon Skin
FAQ
What does basting fish do?
What is butter basting?
What is the best cooking method for salmon?
How do you keep salmon moist when cooking?
Is basting a good way to cook salmon?
Not only does basting impart flavor to the protein, the same way it does in the oven, but it’s also a gentler way of cooking delicate items, like salmon. “The fat used to baste in a pan is an indirect heat source,” explains Morocco.
Do you need a spoon for basting fish?
This means you don’t have to flip the fish later on, when it is especially delicate. A large oval spoon with a deep bowl works best for basting. Butter basting can seem intimidating because things move quickly, and chefs often rely on touch and instinct alone to know when the fish is done.
Why is basting important in cooking?
Basting helps impart flavor to whatever you’re cooking because certain flavor molecules (especially in aromatic ingredients like garlic, thyme or rosemary) are not entirely water soluble. Fat easily absorbs these aromas, and basting transfers them to all sides of a given protein ensuring even flavor and heat distribution.
What happens if you skimp on butter when cooking salmon?
If you skimp on the butter you’ll find yourself scraping desperately at your pan for the basting. The butter also has a tempering effect and regulates temperature. This means more evenly cooked salmon, and less smoking / burning of fats and meat in the pan.