Cooking a whole salmon for a buffet can seem like an intimidating task, but with some planning and a few simple techniques, you can serve up this impressive centerpiece dish for your guests. A baked whole salmon makes for a tasty and elegant meal that is sure to impress.
Selecting the Right Salmon
The first step is choosing a high-quality whole salmon Look for wild-caught salmon if possible, as these tend to be more flavorful Make sure the fish weighs around 5 pounds, which will provide enough portions for a buffet. Have the fishmonger clean, gut, and scale the fish for you.
Preparing the Salmon
Rinse the salmon under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Drizzle some olive oil over the fish and rub it all over the skin and flesh. Season generously inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices, fresh herbs like dill, parsley or tarragon, and thinly sliced onions or shallots. The aromatics will permeate the flesh as it bakes.
Cooking Methods
There are a few easy ways to cook your whole salmon. Baking it in the oven is a foolproof method. Place the seasoned salmon on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 7 minutes per pound, until the thickest part of the fish reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Grilling the salmon over medium heat works well too. Oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the fish for 6-8 minutes per side with the lid closed as much as possible. Rotate the salmon 180 degrees halfway through grilling on each side to get crisscross grill marks.
Handling the Cooked Salmon
A whole side of salmon is delicate once cooked. Use a large spatula to transfer it from the baking sheet or grill to a serving platter. Cooking it on a foil sling makes this process easier.
To serve, make slices perpendicular to the spine about 1-inch thick Lift off individual portions with a spatula Provide lemon wedges, chopped fresh herbs, and condiments like aioli for guests to add their own garnishes.
Side Dishes and Sauces
Some classic buffet sides that pair well with salmon include rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus or sautéed greens. For easy homemade sauces, blend up a dill yogurt sauce, lemon aioli, or brown butter with capers and parsley. You can also let the salmon stand alone with just a squeeze of lemon.
Safety Tips
Keep food safety in mind when serving salmon at a buffet. Place the platter over an ice bath to keep it chilled. Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours. Provide serving utensils and containers of lemon slices and sauces so guests don’t handle the fish directly.
With high-quality salmon and a few simple preparation tips, you can serve this elegant fish as the star of your buffet spread. Your guests will be impressed with your masterfully cooked whole salmon!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Whole Salmon for a Buffet
How long does it take to cook a whole salmon?
For a 5 pound salmon, allow about 30-40 minutes if baking in the oven at 400°F. Grilling time is around 15 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness.
Should I brine the salmon before cooking?
Brining is an optional step that helps keep the fish moist and seasoned. Dissolve 1/2 cup salt and 1/4 cup sugar into 4 cups water. Submerge salmon for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. Rinse and pat dry before seasoning.
What temperature should I cook the salmon to?
Cook until it registers 145°F at the thickest part. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done. Overcooked salmon will be dry.
How much salmon do I need per person?
Plan on around 6-8 oz of salmon per person. A whole 5 lb side of salmon generally provides 8-10 portions. Have extra fillets on hand in case you need more.
How do I prevent the salmon skin from sticking?
Rubbing oil or butter over the skin helps prevent sticking. Placing the salmon skin-side down on a preheated baking sheet or oiled grill grate leads to extra crispy skin. Use a thin metal spatula to lift the cooked salmon.
Can I stuff the salmon with anything?
Absolutely! Lemon, herbs, onions, garlic, shallots all add wonderful flavor. You can also stuff with breadcrumbs, cheese, or spinach for variety. Just avoid overstuffing which can cause uneven cooking.
What are good sauce options?
Delicious sauces for salmon include lemon-dill aioli, brown butter with capers, mustard cream sauce, chimichurri, peach salsa, and tzatziki. Provide a couple options to let guests customize.
How should I serve the salmon?
Transfer the whole cooked salmon to a serving platter. Snip any skin or uneven edges. Slice cleanly along the backbone into portions. Provide utensils for easy self-serving. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges.
Can I prepare salmon ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the salmon, let cool, then refrigerate up to 2 days ahead. To serve, bring back to room temp, and reheat gently in a 200°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through.
Cooking a whole salmon for a buffet may seem difficult, but have confidence! With high-quality fish, simple seasoning, and proper technique, you can deliver a beautiful main course salmon your guests will be sure to enjoy.
