| How to Defrost Salmon Posted: 04 Oct 2019 01:00 AM PDT Nutritious and delicious, salmon is a highly versatile fish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. While fresh salmon tastes wonderful, frozen salmon can be easily and successfully prepared, too. Whether you're keeping a few extra fillets on hand for future meals or you're saving a fresh catch in the freezer, try thawing it in the fridge for around 12 hours for the best results. For same-day defrosting, pop the frozen fish into a resealable plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 1 hour. Microwave defrosting is also possible; it's quick but it won't produce the same moist, flaky texture. Either way, beat off bacterial growth by cooking the salmon directly after thawing it. [Edit]Thawing in Cold Water - Place the frozen salmon in a resealable plastic bag. Remove the fish from its original packaging. Pop the frozen pieces into a gallon-sized zip-top plastic bag. Squeeze out any air bubbles so that the sides of the fish are pressed against the inside of the bag. Then seal it up tightly.[1]
- Set the bagged salmon into a large, deep bowl. Choose a bowl that's wide and deep enough to hold the salmon pieces without the fish extending over the top of the bowl.[2] The fish should be fully submerged when the bowl is filled with water.
- Use 2 or more resealable plastic bags and 2 or more bowls if you're defrosting a larger quantity of salmon.
- Fill up the bowl with cold water until the salmon is submerged. Run water from the faucet until it's cold to the touch. It should reach below to prevent the growth of bacteria.[3] Once you reach the right temperature, pour enough water into the bowl to completely cover up all parts of the frozen fish. Use a sealed can or jar to weigh down the fish if it floats to the top; aim to keep all of the salmon underwater.
- Refrain from using warm water. If you warm up the outsides of the salmon, the fish will quickly lose its moisture and flavor. Plus, the insides won't be properly defrosted.
- Refresh the water every 10 to 20 minutes or use running water. For a lower-maintenance defrosting method, keep the faucet running so that cold water pours directly into the bowl. You'll need to weigh down the salmon with a sealed jar or can as it's more likely to float to the top this way. Or, if you don't want to use running water, just tip out and refill the cold water ever 10 to 20 minutes.[4]
- It's important to refresh the water so that it doesn't start to approach room temperature. It should stay close to the whole time.
- Thaw the salmon under cold water for up to 1 hour before cooking it. Allow 30 minutes of defrosting time for every of fish. Once the fish has completely defrosted, cook it immediately. Refrain from leaving it in the fridge or refreezing it.
- This method doesn't work well for whole fish, as they won't fit in a resealable gallon bag and are typically too thick to thaw completely underwater. Instead, try defrosting a whole salmon in the fridge overnight.[5]
- If any ice crystals remain in the inside cavities of a whole salmon, seal the fish in plastic wrap and run cold water over the frozen parts for up to 1 hour.
[Edit]Defrosting in the Fridge - Remove the salmon from the freezer 12 hours before you plan to cook it. Fridge defrosting yields the most successful and flavorful cooked salmon. Thin salmon fillets and pieces weighing less than each will take around 12 hours to defrost in the freezer. For whole fish or thick cuts weighing over each, take the salmon out of the freezer 24 hours in advance.[6]
- If you want to prepare your salmon fillets at 7:00 PM, take them out of the freezer first thing in the morning, at 7:00 AM.
- It's okay to leave thin cuts in the refrigerator overnight, but don't leave them in longer than 24 hours.[7] So, if you want to start cooking your salmon at 4:30 PM on Tuesday, and you won't be up at 4:30 AM that morning, you can take it out of the freezer before you go to bed on Monday night.
- Wrap each frozen salmon piece in plastic wrap. Remove the fish from its original packaging. This is especially important to do if the salmon came in a vacuum-sealed package.[8] Seal up the individual piece(s) of frozen fish in a single layer of plastic wrap.[9]
- If the fish came in a package with multiple fillets and you only want to defrost 1 or a few, remove the desired piece(s) of salmon from the package, then reseal it and return it promptly to the freezer.
- Place the plastic-wrapped salmon on a paper towel-lined dish. Set a layer or 2 of paper towels at the base of the dish to capture any moisture from the thawing process.[10] Then put the pieces of salmon side-by-side on the dish.
- Choose a plate or bowl that's large enough to fit the pieces of salmon in a single layer.
- Leave the dish of frozen salmon in the fridge for at least 12 hours. Wait around 12 hours for pieces under to defrost. For larger cuts or whole fish weighing more than , wait around 24 hours before removing the fish from the fridge.[11]
- Make sure your refrigerator is set to or less.
- Cook the defrosted salmon immediately after removing it from the fridge. Once the fish has thawed out, it's ready to cook. Discard the paper towel, packaging, and any plastic wrap you used.[12] Then be sure to cook the salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of .[13]
- Don't leave the salmon to sit out at room temperature unless you're planning to cook it right away.
- While it's technically safe to refreeze the uncooked salmon after you've thawed it correctly in the fridge, it will loose much of its flavor and moisture.[14]
[Edit]Using the Microwave - Take the frozen salmon out of its packaging 10 minutes before cooking it. If you're defrosting all of the fish, discard the plastic wrapping and any paper or foil packaging that it came in. If you're defrosting 1 or a few pieces from a larger package, remove the ones you want, reseal the packaging, and return it to the freezer.
- Microwave defrosting is the quickest method, but it's not highly recommended.[15] The salmon will certainly be safe to cook and eat, but it may end up tough and dry or unevenly heated.
- Place the frozen salmon on a dish between 2 pieces of paper towel. Use a microwave-safe dish that's large enough to fit all of the salmon pieces side-by-side. Line the bottom of the dish with a few pieces of paper towel to catch the melting ice crystals. Place the salmon directly onto the paper towel-lined dish, and cover it with another piece of paper towel.[16]
- Position the thickest parts of the fish towards the outside edges of the dish and the thinnest parts toward the center so the whole piece defrosts evenly.
- Use the microwave's defrost setting to gradually heat the fish. Each microwave will be slightly different but start by hitting the defrost button. Then, if prompted, enter either the weight of your salmon or the amount of time you want the microwave to run. Aim to warm up the salmon for 4 to 5 minutes per of fish you're defrosting.[17]
- The defrost setting is usually 30% of the microwave's heating power, so if you don't have a defrost feature, set the controls to 30% or Power 3.
- Pause the microwave halfway through to flip over the salmon. If you're defrosting a piece of salmon, open the microwave door about 2.5 minutes through the defrosting sequence. Carefully flip the salmon over so that the bottom side faces the top. This will help it thaw out more evenly. Then close the door and allow the microwave to continue the cycle.[18]
- Wash your hands with soap after handling the raw, partially-thawed fish.
- Remove the salmon from the microwave before it's totally thawed. Stop defrosting the fish when it's mostly pliable but still contains a few frozen patches. Feel the fish to check on its progress. If needed, keep defrosting it for 30 seconds at a time until it reaches this stage.[19]
- After handling the raw seafood, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
- Avoid overdoing the microwave defrosting. If you keep it in for too long, it may start to cook unevenly or dry out.
- Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before cooking it. Instead of totally defrosting it in the microwave, take the salmon out of the microwave and allow the heat to work through the fish while it rests at room temperature. Wait about 5 minutes for the frozen patches to thaw out. Then immediately cook the salmon.
- Feel free to cook the salmon in the microwave or in the oven.
- If you're defrosting a whole salmon, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Then check the inner cavity for ice chunks. Seal the whole fish in plastic wrap and run cold water on the cavity for around 1 hour to finish defrosting this portion, if necessary.
- Label and date your salmon before storing it in the freezer so you remember to defrost and cook it before 2 months pass.[20]
[Edit]Warnings - Keep your salmon frozen for no more than 2 months' time.[21]
- Don't attempt to thaw out frozen fish at room temperature. This promotes the growth of bacteria.[22]
- Avoid buying frozen salmon that's covered in a thick layer of frost or ice crystals. It's either been stored for too long or has been defrosted and re-frozen.[23]
- Avoid buying "frozen" salmon that's pliable. The fish should be frozen solid. If it's bendable within its packaging, this is a sign that it may have been partially defrosted already.[24]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Defrosting in the Fridge - Plastic wrap
- Large dish
- Paper towels
[Edit]Thawing in Cold Water - Resealable plastic bag
- Large bowl
- Cold, running water
[Edit]Using the Microwave - Microwave-safe dish
- Paper towels
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make a Good Podcast Posted: 03 Oct 2019 05:00 PM PDT It's pretty easy to start up a podcast and make a few episodes—all you need is some basic audio recording and editing equipment. To make a good podcast, though, requires a strong concept, a dedication to quality, and the enthusiasm to connect with listeners. Seek inspiration from podcasts and podcasters you like, but make your podcast something that suits your passion and goals. And don't forget to have fun with it! [Edit]Creating Interesting Content - Listen to podcasts for ideas and inspiration. If you're interested in making a podcast, you probably already like listening to them. Look for common factors in the podcasts you like listening to, and use them to help you brainstorm the format and focus for your own podcast.[1]
- For instance, do you prefer true crime or humor podcasts? Do you like podcasts with one, two, or many hosts, and with or without guests? How long do your favorite podcast episodes tend to run, and how often do new episodes come out?
- Get inspiration from other podcasts, but don't try to copy their success. Maybe, for instance, you could focus your true crime podcast on historical (but relatively unknown) crimes rather than recent ones.
- Choose a podcast topic that you're passionate about. There's no magic formula for making a hit podcast that draws in a huge audience. Your best bet is to create a podcast that covers material you're excited about, that you'll have fun discussing, and that you'd want to listen to. That way, no matter how many other people end up tuning in to your show, you'll produce something that you can be proud of.[2]
- For instance, if you have a passion for cinema history, you might develop a podcast that uses each episode to delve into a classic movie that may be new to your listeners.
- If you read interviews with well-known podcasters, you'll find that many of them have no clue why their podcast is a hit. However, they'll nearly always say that they really enjoy making their podcasts.
- Determine which format suits your topic and style. There are no rules when it comes to making a podcast, which is, of course, one of the format's most appealing qualities. That said, podcasts do tend to follow one of several common formats, including:[3]
- Interview, in which the host or hosts chat with one or more guests.
- Monologue, in which a single host speaks on a given topic.
- Multiple host, in which two or more hosts banter back and forth.
- Narrative, which is similar to a monologue but focuses on a particular story.
- Mixed, which simply means that the format of the podcast can vary by episode.
- Put in far more time preparing than you do recording. Sure, you can make a podcast by simply hitting "record" and saying whatever comes to mind into your mic. But good podcasts—even unscripted ones—require a great deal of research, learning, and preparation. Many podcasters spend at least 10 hours preparing for every hour of podcast they record.[4]
- If you're relating a story or analyzing a topic, you need to research the issue in detail. Listeners must be able to hear and feel your mastery of the topic.
- If you're interviewing someone, take the time to learn as much as you can about them, and, if possible, interact with them beforehand to build a rapport.
- Even if you want your podcast to sound "off the cuff," you should still have a solid preliminary grasp on any topics you might plan to cover.
- Write a script or sketch out the content for your podcast. Scripting or sketching should make up the most important part of your prep time. That way, you can be confident in what you want to say and how you want to convey it, without having to overdo it on the editing and re-recording afterwards.[5]
- For a scripted podcast, write, revise, and rewrite your script several times, and have people you trust read it over for clarity and style. Then, practice it several times so you sound like you're speaking naturally (and not just reading a script) during the podcast.
- For an unscripted podcast, sketch out the broad strokes of what will be covered, when, and how. Leave lots of room for improvisation, but give yourself and any co-hosts or guests a framework to work with.
- Pretend you're talking to a single member of your target audience. This is one of the keys to a great podcast—you want each listener to feel like you're speaking directly to them. Script, sketch, and perform your podcast with an image of your ideal listener in your mind.[6]
- Imagining your target listener will help you shape the terminology you use and the overall tone of your podcast. For instance, if you're making an astronomy podcast for people who don't know much about the subject, you'll want to simplify the terminology you use.
- If you don't have a target audience in mind, or simply want to aim for an audience of "anyone," picture your listener as a friend or family member who you know well. Would your podcast resonate with them? Would it feel like you were communicating directly with them?
[Edit]Producing Your Podcast - Gather the necessary recording hardware for your podcast. In theory, you could record and upload a podcast using nothing more than your smartphone. At the other end of the spectrum, you could make your podcast in a recording studio with state-of-the-art equipment. To make a podcast of respectable quality without spending a fortune, you'll want to aim for somewhere between these two extremes. Try to acquire essential pieces of equipment, like the following:[7]
- A laptop or desktop computer. Practically any model will have the capabilities you need to create a podcast, although some higher-end computers may come with better audio production capabilities.
- A microphone. A mic that attaches to your computer's USB port will work, or you may want to consider an analog mic that uses an audio interface to connect to your computer.
- Headphones. Here again, a basic model will do, or you may want to invest in higher-end equipment.
- A pop filter and mic stand. These aren't essential, but the pop filter (basically a screen placed between your mouth and the mic) will definitely improve your podcast's audio quality.
- A sound mixing board. This is another non-essential option, but it will enable you to produce much higher audio quality.
- Record your podcast in a room with at least basic soundproofing. Using a recording studio probably isn't in the budget for your podcast. In reality, recording in your bedroom or basement will work out fine if you take some simple soundproofing measures like hanging curtains and laying down thick carpet.[8]
- Even small soundproofing measures will noticeably improve the audio quality of your podcast.
- Use DAW software to edit your podcast audio. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software enables you to edit and fine-tune your podcast recording. Many desktop and laptop computers come with DAW software, or you can choose one of many software options.[9]
- Free or low-cost DAW options will typically get the job done and may be all you need for a basic podcast. However, higher-end DAW options may give you far greater capabilities to produce a professional-sounding podcast.
- GarageBand DAW software comes pre-loaded on Macs. Magix Music Maker Plus is a common starter DAW for PCs, with a free trial option.
- No matter what DAW software you choose, use it to its fullest potential! Take the time to fine-tune the sound quality and edit out things like long pauses or dull tangents.
- Choose a podcast hosting service that suits your needs. Just like with your hardware and software, you'll have many options to choose from when it comes to podcast hosting services, which are digital platforms that allow you to share your podcast with listeners. Some are free, while others require payment, but paid options aren't necessarily always superior. Evaluate several services and choose the one that suits the needs of your particular podcast.[10]
- You'll upload your podcast to your chosen hosting service's site, and they'll create an RSS feed that will alert listeners to new episodes and enable them to download the content.
- Take a closer look at services that host podcasts that you enjoy, host podcasts similar in content or style to yours, and offer the type and level of customer support you need.
- Talk to other podcasters you know for recommendations.
- SoundCloud, Libsyn, and Fireside are just a few of the many hosting service options.
- Produce consistent content on a consistent schedule. Podcast listeners want to know that they can put on their headphones every Monday morning (or Wednesday evening, or whenever else) and have a fresh, high-quality edition of their favorite podcast ready to go. Once you decide on a production schedule—weekly, for instance—stick to it. If you're not there when listeners expect you to be, they'll look elsewhere.[11]
- Treat every episode like it's your first and most important podcast. You never know how many first-time listeners are tuning in, and you don't want to turn them (or longtime listeners) off with substandard content.
- Your podcast isn't likely to be more popular if you release new episodes on Mondays or Fridays, or at 8 am or 8 pm. What matters most is that you stick to the release schedule that you set.
- If you can't make an episode deadline, complete it as soon as possible after the deadline.
[Edit]Building Your Audience - Let your audience know that you want to engage with them. If you want to build a dedicated audience, don't let your podcast be a one-way street. Give your audience numerous ways to get in touch with you. This will help them feel like they have a real connection to your podcast, and it gives you valuable audience feedback.[12]
- Of course, social media is a great way to engage with listeners. You can either interact through your personal social media presence or create one specifically tied to your podcast.
- Don't ignore options like email, voice mail, and maybe even old-fashioned fan mail.
- Promote your podcast as many different ways as possible. In addition to having a strong social media presence, rely on things like old fashioned word-of-mouth. Don't be shy about telling everyone you know to give your podcast a listen. And ask them to tell their friends![13]
- Give anything a try. Print up flyers for the local coffee shop and bookstore. Make a T-shirt and wear it around town. Have fun with spreading the word!
- Build name recognition as a guest on other podcasts. Podcasters tend to view each other more as comrades than competitors, so feel free to ask around for advice. Better yet, see if you can wrangle a spot as a guest on one or more other podcasts—the more popular, the better![14]
- As a guest, you can promote your own podcast to your host's audience.
- Return the favor and invite your host to be a guest on your podcast!
- Take the opportunity seriously—if you come off as well-spoken, interesting, and charming as a guest, there's a better chance you'll draw listeners to your podcast.
[Edit]References |
| How to Toast Pecans Posted: 03 Oct 2019 09:00 AM PDT If you've ever bitten into a baked good only to find a chewy pecan, you know how important toasting nuts is. Gently toasting pecans in the oven, stove, or microwave will intensify their flavor and make them extra crunchy. If you're using the toasted pecans in a recipe, just heat them with a little butter to give them a rich flavor. You can also play around with seasoning them. Try toasting pecans with cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or sugar for a healthy snack that's packed with flavor. [Edit]Ingredients - 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter
- 1 cup (65 g) of pecan halves
- 3/4 teaspoon (4 g) of kosher salt
- 2 pinches of ground red pepper, optional
Makes 1 cup (65 g) of pecan halves [Edit]Oven-Roasting Pecans - Preheat the oven to and melt the butter. You can heat 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter in a very small saucepan over low heat or microwave it for about 10 seconds until it melts.[1]
- You can use salted or unsalted butter, but you'll have more control over flavor if you use unsalted.
- Toss the pecans with the butter and spread them on a baking sheet. Put 1 cup (65 g) of pecan halves into a bowl and pour the melted butter on them. Then, stir the pecans so they're coated and transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet.[2]
- Arrange the pecans so they're in a single layer. This will help them toast evenly.
- Bake the pecans for 25 minutes and stir them at the halfway point. Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook the pecans for about 12 minutes. Then, put on oven mitts and remove the sheet. Use a spoon or flat spatula to stir the pecans and put the sheet back into the oven. Toast the nuts for another 12 to 13 minutes.[3]
- The pecans will smell fragrant and nutty once they've finished toasting.
- Remove the sheet and season the pecans with salt and red pepper. Turn off the oven and carefully remove the baking sheet. Sprinkle 3/4 teaspoon (4 g) of kosher salt and 2 pinches of ground red pepper over the nuts.[4]
- If you don't want the heat from the red pepper, you can leave it out or substitute a different seasoning, such as ground cumin or rosemary.
- Cool the pecans on the baking sheet. Stir the toasted pecans and then leave them on the baking sheet until they're completely cool. If you try to eat a hot pecan, it will be chewy instead of crunchy.[5]
- Store the cooled, toasted pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
[Edit]Toasting Pecans on the Stove - Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Set a skillet on the stove and put 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter into it. Then, turn the burner to medium and let the butter melt.[6]
- If you prefer, substitute olive, canola, or coconut oil for the butter.
- Stir in the pecans, salt, and red pepper. Add 1 cup (65 g) of pecan halves to the skillet along with 3/4 teaspoon (4 g) of kosher salt. If you'd like the pecans to have a little spice to them, stir in 2 pinches of ground red pepper.[7]
- If you'd like to double this recipe, toast the pecans in batches instead of crowding the skillet.
- Cook the pecans for 2 to 5 minutes and stir them frequently. Keep the burner turned to medium and stir the pecans about every minute to prevent them from burning. Toast the nuts until they smell fragrant and look darker.[8]
- If you stored the pecans in the refrigerator or freezer, they may take an extra minute to toast.
- Transfer the pecans to a plate and cool them completely. Since pecans can continue to cook in the skillet even after you've turned off the burner, put the toasted nuts onto a plate. Set them aside to cool before you enjoy them.[9]
- Put the cooled nuts into an airtight container at room temperature and store them for up to 1 week.
[Edit]Using the Microwave - Mix the butter, pecans, salt, and pepper in a dish. Get out a shallow microwave-safe dish, such as a pie plate, and put 1 cup (65 g) of pecan halves into it. Stir in 1 tablespoon (14 g) of melted butter and 3/4 teaspoon (4 g) of kosher salt. If you'd like to give the nuts a little heat, add 2 pinches of ground red pepper.[10]
- Consider using seasoned salt instead of kosher salt for additional flavor.
- Microwave the nuts for 1 minute. Put the dish of buttered pecans into the microwave and heat them at full power for 1 minute. You'll probably start to smell the nuts and they'll begin to turn a little darker.[11]
- Heat the pecans for 1 to 2 minutes and stir them every 30 seconds. Open the microwave and stir the pecans before heating them for another 30 seconds. Then, stir the nuts again. Continue to microwave the pecans for a total of 1 to 2 more minutes or until they smell fragrant and toasted.[12]
- It's important to stir the nuts frequently as they're toasting to prevent them from burning on 1 side.
- Cool the pecans before you use them. Wear oven mitts to take the pecans out of the microwave since the dish will be hot. Transfer the nuts to a rimmed baking sheet or plate and let them cool completely.[13]
- Put the cooled pecans into an airtight container and store them for up to 1 week.
- If you're toasting chopped pecans, heat them for 2 to 3 minutes less since they'll cook faster than whole pecans.
- Always toast pecans before adding them to pies, cakes, or candies, such as pecan turtles. Toasting the nuts ensures they'll add a nice crunch to the food you're baking.[14]
- For a vegan alternative, substitute coconut oil for the butter.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Oven-Roasting Pecans - Measuring cups and spoons
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Bowl
- Spoon
- Oven mitts
[Edit]Toasting Pecans on the Stove [Edit]Using the Microwave - Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave-safe dish
- Oven mitts
- Plate or rimmed baking sheet
- Spoon or flat spatula
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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