Perfectly Tender Slow Cooker Salmon: Dinner Made Easy!

 

 Who knew your slow cooker could deliver perfectly cooked, flaky salmon with minimal effort? While salmon is often associated with quick cooking methods, the slow cooker offers a fantastic way to prepare it, especially when you want a hands-off approach that guarantees tender, moist results every single time. No more dry salmon!

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a healthy, delicious meal without hovering over the stove. The low and slow cooking method gently infuses the salmon with flavor and ensures it's cooked through without drying out. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

Why you'll love slow cooker salmon:

• Effortless: Practically hands-off cooking from start to finish.
• Moist & Tender: The gentle heat prevents overcooking and keeps the salmon incredibly flaky.
• Flavorful: Infuses the salmon with delicious seasonings as it cooks.
• Versatile: Easy to adapt with your favorite herbs and spices.
• Healthy: A lean protein packed with omega-3s.

Ready to put your slow cooker to work for a fantastic salmon dinner? Let's get cooking!

The Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1.   Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker insert with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2.   Season the salmon: In a small bowl, combine the dried dill, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each salmon fillet.

3.   Layer and add liquid: Place half of the lemon slices in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Carefully arrange the seasoned salmon fillets on top of the lemon slices. Place the remaining lemon slices on top of the salmon. Pour the broth (or wine) around the salmon fillets.

4.   Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your salmon and your slow cooker, so check for doneness around the 1.5-hour mark. Be careful not to overcook!

5.   Serve: Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the slow cooker using a spatula. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes like roasted asparagus, quinoa, or a simple green salad. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.

Enjoy this incredibly tender and flavorful slow cooker salmon! It's a testament to how versatile this appliance can be for healthy and delicious meals.