This Green Tea Poached Salmon Soba Noodles bowl is healthy, nutritious and seriously satisfying!  Easy to make and even easier to devour, this warming dish is guaranteed to soothe your soul!

Hey guys!

So, is it finally feeling like the fall season where you are?!

I know that some people have already experienced their first snow storm of the year, while others are still enduring temperatures in the 90’s (hello, Mom!).

It finally feels like autumn here and I couldn’t be more excited since this means fuzzy sweaters, buttery soft blankets and suede booties galore!

Cooler weather also means all the cozy, warming dishes to soothe the soul!  And guess what?  That is exactly what I’m sharing with you today.

Green Tea Poached Salmon Soba Noodles

Silky soba noodles and tender, protein packed salmon soaked in a delicate green tea broth infused with fragrant ginger, pungent garlic sweet mirin and rich soy sauce.

Topped with peppery arugula, crisp radishes and crunchy julienned carrots, this soba noodle bowl packed with both refreshing and cozy vibes.

Nutrient dense, this poached salmon soba noodle bowl is healthy and light, yet seriously satisfying and 100% slurp-tastic!

Why is green tea good for you?

Green tea is incredibly healthy and great for you!

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, nutrients and it has impressive health benefits.

Here are a few proven health benefits of green tea:

• The caffeine in green tea is proven to have a stimulating effect and improve brain function.
• The compounds and nutrients in green tea have been shown to reduce inflammation.
• Green tea is found in many fat burning supplements as green tea has been proven to boost the metabolic rate and increase fat burning.
• Green tea has been shown to cause mild reductions in blood sugar levels.

So, what happens when you combine the power of green tea with heart healthy salmon?  Health benefits by the dozen!!

What temperature for poached salmon?

The perfect liquid temperature for poaching salmon, or any fish, is 140 degrees F.

The most accurate way to tell if the poaching liquid is at the correct temperature is by using an instant read thermometer.  To test the liquid, simply hold the tip of the thermometer in the liquid until you get a temperature reading, and then adjust the stovetop’s heat element up or down accordingly until you get a temperature of 140 degrees.

Don’t have a thermometer?  No worries!  To tell by sight alone if the poaching liquid is at the proper temperature, look for the water to have slight movement.  You should see some steam rising from the pot with barely a couple little bubbles.  Remember that the liquid should not be simmering.

How long do you poach salmon?

The length of time salmon takes to poach depends on the size and thickness of the fish.

Salmon the same size and thickness as shown in these photos generally takes me minutes 9 minutes cook.

If you are using an instant read thermometer and cooking the salmon at a constant 140 degrees F, the salmon will not overcook.  However if you are going on sight alone for the poaching liquid temperature, I would err on the side of caution and cook the fish according to the tea poached salmon recipe below.

How to tell when poached salmon is done?

There are a few different ways to tell when salmon is cooked:

• Use an instant read thermometer.  The USDA recommends a minimum temperature of 145 degrees F for fish.  Always test the temperature of fish by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the filet.
• Use a fork.  When salmon flakes easily with a fork, it is done.
• Use your sight.  When salmon is opaque on the outside with a slightly translucent, pink center, the salmon is cooked.  Salmon is overcooked when the center is opaque, and it is undercooked if the center is completely translucent.

Is poached salmon healthy?

Poaching is one of the healthiest ways to prepare salmon.

Salmon is a great source of protein, rich in omega 3’s, high in B vitamins, and provides heart and skin healthy antioxidants.

Poaching salmon not only ensures a moist, tender fish, but also preserves the nutrients and beneficial omega 3’s much better than any other method of preparation.

As well, since poaching does not require the addition of oil or fat to the fish (like pan-frying or deep-frying), there are no additional calories or fats added to the salmon.

How long will poached salmon keep in the fridge?  Can poached salmon be frozen?

Poached salmon will keep, properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days after it has been cooked.

To further extend the shelf life of poached salmon it can be frozen for 2-3 months.  Once salmon is frozen and then thawed (overnight in the refrigerator) it will keep for an additional 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

How to reheat poached salmon?  Can poached salmon be served cold?

The best way to reheat poached salmon is low and slow, meaning slowly and at a low temperature.  To reheat poached salmon simply warm it on a rimmed baking sheet in an oven preheated to 250-300 degree F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed throughout and the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125-130 degrees F.

While salmon can be reheated, my favorite way to enjoy leftover poached salmon is to serve it cold!  Simply flake the salmon and serve it cold on salads, as a filling for sandwiches or season it with a little sea salt and fresh cracked pepper and eat it plain!

How to perfectly poach salmon (notes, tips & tricks):

1. You can use any tea you prefer.  White tea would also be delicious!  Regardless, do not let the tea steep for more than 5 minutes or the liquid will become bitter
2. If you would like the salmon to have a beautiful sear (as shown in the photos), you can quickly pan sear it first and then poach the salmon in the skillet.  To sear and poach salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add the salmon filets, skin side up, and sear for 2 minutes.  Flip the salmon and add the barely simmering green tea broth.  Cover the skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the fillets are opaque and firm.  Continue with recipe as directed.
3. If you have access to an instant read thermometer, you want your green tea poaching liquid to remain a constant 140 degrees (give or take a couple degrees).  Adjust the heat under your element to obtain that temperature.  If you are going off of sight alone, no need to worry!  The tea poaching liquid should have slight movement with steam rising from the pot.  There shouldn’t be more than a couple little bubbles visible and the liquid should not be simmering.
4. If you don’t like salmon, you can substitute halibut, snapper, haddock, cod or trout.  Be sure to adjust the poaching time up or down according to the thickness of the fish filets.

Flavorful, yet healthy and light, this Green Tea Poached Salmon Soba Noodle bowl is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights!

Until next week, friends, cheers – to a new and excting way to drink tea!

XOXO

Cheyanne

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Easy Green Tea Poached Salmon Soba Noodles recipe👇

5 from 5 votes

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Green Tea Poached Salmon Soba Noodles

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Total Time

50 mins

 

This Green Tea Poached Salmon Soba Noodles bowl is healthy, nutritious and seriously satisfying!  Easy to make and even easier to devour, this warming dish is guaranteed to soothe your soul!

Course: entree, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian, Fusion

Keyword: fish, green tea, Healthy, salmon, seafood, soba noodles, tea

Servings: 4

Calories: 503 kcal

Author: Cheyanne Holzworth

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 5 Cups Water
• 3 Cloves Garlic peeled & thinly sliced
• 1 2’’ piece fresh ginger – peeled & sliced into 4 (½’’ thick) slices
• 2 Scallions – thinly sliced; white/light green parts for poaching & dark green parts for garnish
• 5 Green Tea Bags
• 3 TBS Mirin
• 2 TBS Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• 4 6 ounce Salmon Filets , center-cut
• Sea Salt & Pepper to taste

For the Soba Noodles & Bowls:

• 1 package Soba Noodles 9.5 ounces total
• 3 small Radishes sliced
• 1 medium Carrot – shredded
• 1 Cup Arugula can substitute spinach

Optional Garnish: Sesame Seeds, Chili Flakes, Cilantro, Lime Wedges

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil (for the soba). Once boiling, season the water generously with salt and lower the heat until you are ready to cook the soba noodles.
2. Prepare the tea poaching liquid: In a large deep skillet or saute pan, combine the water with garlic, ginger and scallions (light parts only). Bring to a boil over high heat. Immediately reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 3 minutes.*
3. Discard the tea bags and add the mirin and soy sauce. Return the liquid to the stovetop and bring to an almost simmer over medium heat.
4. Poach the salmon*: Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper. Once the tea liquid is barely simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low*. Add in the salmon, skin side down. Cover the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the fillets are opaque and firm. Use spatulas to gently transfer the salon to a plate or cutting board season with salt and pepper. Flake into bite-sized pieces if desired. Tent to keep warm.
5. Strain the tea poaching liquid into a small bowl
6. Meanwhile, cook the soba noodles in boiling water according to package directions (approximately 4-6 minutes). Drain the noodles and transfer to a large bowl, or individual serving bowls.
7. To serve: Top the noodles with pieces of salmon, radishes and carrots. Ladle with tea broth, top with arugula and garnish as desired. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

1. You can use any tea you prefer.  White tea would also be delicious!  Regardless, do not let the tea steep for more than 5 minutes or the liquid will become bitter
2. If you would like the salmon to have a beautiful sear (as shown in the photos), you can quickly pan sear it first and then poach the salmon in the skillet.  To sear and poach salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add the salmon filets, skin side up, and sear for 2 minutes.  Flip the salmon and add the barely simmering green tea broth.  Cover the skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the fillets are opaque and firm.  Continue with recipe as directed.
3. If you have access to an instant read thermometer, you want your green tea poaching liquid to remain a constant 140 degrees (give or take a couple degrees).  Adjust the heat under your element to obtain that temperature.  If you are going off of sight alone, no need to worry!  The tea poaching liquid should have slight movement with steam rising from the pot.  There shouldn’t be more than a couple little bubbles visible and the liquid should not be simmering.
4. If you don’t like salmon, you can substitute halibut, snapper, haddock, cod or trout.  Be sure to adjust the poaching time up or down according to the thickness of the fish filets.

 

Nutrition Facts

Green Tea Poached Salmon Soba Noodles

Amount Per Serving

Calories 503 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 93mg31%

Sodium 1001mg44%

Potassium 1110mg32%

Carbohydrates 59g20%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 44g88%

Vitamin A 2795IU56%

Vitamin C 3.7mg4%

Calcium 75mg8%

Iron 3.5mg19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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