Dishwasher salmon

Dishwasher Salmon is a unique method of cooking salmon that involves using a dishwasher as the cooking appliance. This unconventional cooking technique has gained popularity due to its novelty and the surprisingly good results it can produce.

History

The concept of dishwasher cooking dates back to the 1970s, when Italian chef Vincent Price reportedly cooked a turkey in a dishwasher on a television show. The idea was later popularized by Bob Blumer, a Canadian chef and television personality, who included a recipe for dishwasher salmon in his cookbook, "The Surreal Gourmet: Real Food for Pretend Chefs".

Preparation

To prepare dishwasher salmon, the fish is first seasoned with herbs and spices such as dill, lemon, salt, and pepper. It is then tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or placed in a heat-resistant bag to prevent water from entering during the dishwashing cycle. The wrapped salmon is placed on the top rack of the dishwasher, and a normal washing cycle is run. The heat and steam generated during the cycle cook the salmon.

Cooking Process

The cooking process for dishwasher salmon is similar to the method of poaching, where food is gently cooked in liquid at a relatively low temperature. The dishwasher provides a moist, steamy environment that is ideal for cooking delicate foods like fish. The temperature inside a dishwasher during a normal cycle is typically around 60-75 degrees Celsius (140-167 degrees Fahrenheit), which is sufficient to cook the salmon without drying it out.

Criticism and Safety

While dishwasher salmon is a fun and novel cooking method, it has been criticized for its potential wastefulness, as running a dishwasher without a full load of dishes uses a significant amount of water and energy. In terms of food safety, as long as the salmon is properly sealed and the dishwasher reaches the necessary temperature, the risk of foodborne illness is low.

See Also

• List of cooking techniques
• List of fish dishes
• Sous-vide