Two online cooks have shared a poaching method for salmon that they say produces “incredibly moist” and “soft” results in under 15 minutes, offering an alternative to oven baking. The all-in-one pan technique is designed for midweek dinners and is said to be almost impossible to overcook.
Why poaching beats the oven
While salmon can be pan-fried, air-fried or baked, these methods are easier to overcook. Adam and Joanne, who share recipes on TikTok to over 200,000 followers, recommend poaching instead. In a 2024 video, Joanne explained that poaching is the answer for anyone who has had problems with dry salmon.
She said: “Here’s one of our favourite ways to cook salmon. If you’ve ever had problems with overcooking salmon or having it turn out dry, poaching is your answer.”
How to poach salmon
The recipe involves placing salmon fillets on a bed of aromatics—lemon, shallot, dill and fennel—in a lidded pan. The fruit and vegetables underneath help steam the fish and release flavour. Joanne uses four to five fillets, seasoned with salt and pepper, and recommends skin-on fillets as they are easier to remove after cooking and act as a barrier to heat.
Joanne added: “To poach the salmon, we need liquid. We like the citrusy aromas that wine adds and find the combination of white wine and water to be perfect. Bring to a simmer, cover with the lid and turn to low. Gently cook until the thickest part of the salmon flakes when pierced with a fork.”
Cooking time and other uses
The salmon should take five to 12 minutes to cook, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The poaching technique can also be applied to chicken and prawns, with restaurants often poaching chicken for tender results.
