How to Cook Samphire: Simple Techniques & Delicious Pairings

Ever wondered how to cook samphire to bring out its best flavours? Samphire is a unique and tasty sea vegetable that’s perfect for adding a salty crunch to your meals. Whether you’re aiming to serve it alongside fish, toss it into a vibrant salad, or simply enjoy it as a healthy snack, cooking samphire is straightforward and fun.

In this article, you will discover:

• The easiest and most delicious ways to cook samphire.
• How to store samphire so it stays fresh until you’re ready to use it.
• Tasty recipes that will make you love samphire even more.

As we have discussed before how to cook gammon streaks, Get ready to learn all about how to cook samphire and add this wonderful green to your cooking repertoire as well. Let’s get started and see how simple and rewarding cooking with samphire can be!

Understand Different Types of Samphire

Samphire comes in two main types, each with its unique flavour and uses in the kitchen. Knowing the differences can help you choose the right kind for your dishes.

Marsh Samphire

Also known as glasswort, this type of samphire is the most commonly used in cooking. It’s green, crunchy, and has a salty flavour that makes it perfect for eating raw in salads or lightly cooked. Marsh samphire grows in salty marshes and along shorelines, thriving in the muddy, saline environment.

Rock Samphire

This variety is less common and was once a popular pickled plant in the past. It has a stronger, spicier flavour compared to marsh samphire and grows on rocky cliffs. Rock samphire is often cooked to soften its tougher texture.

Both types of samphire can be a delightful addition to your meals, offering a touch of the sea to your dining table. When shopping, look for bright green, firm stalks and avoid any that are slimy or wilted.

Selecting and Storing Samphire

Choosing fresh samphire and storing it properly are key steps to enjoying this tasty sea vegetable at its best. Here’s how to do it right.

How to Choose Fresh Samphire

Choosing Fresh Samphire:

1. Look for Vibrancy: Fresh samphire should have vibrant green stalks. Avoid any bunches that look wilted or have yellowed parts.
2. Check for Firmness: The stalks should be firm to the touch. Soft, limp stalks are a sign that the samphire is past its prime.
3. Smell It: Fresh samphire will have a clean, briny scent. Any off odours suggest it’s no longer fresh.

Best Practices for Storing Samphire

Storing Samphire:

1. Refrigerate Immediately: Keep samphire in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. It’s best used within a couple of days of purchasing.
2. Keep It Dry: Wrap samphire loosely in a dry paper towel and place it in an open plastic bag. This helps to absorb any excess moisture and keeps it from getting slimy.
3. Freezing for Longer Storage: If you have more samphire than you can use quickly, it can be blanched for three minutes, cooled in ice water, and then frozen in airtight bags for up to three months.

Preparing Samphire for Cooking

Proper preparation of samphire can enhance its flavour and texture, making your dishes even more delicious. Here’s how to get your samphire ready for the kitchen.

Washing and Cleaning:

1. Rinse Thoroughly: Place the samphire under cold running water to remove any sand, dirt, or sea residue. Since samphire grows in salty environments, it’s important to wash it well.
2. Shake Off Excess Water: After rinsing, shake off the excess water or let the samphire dry on a clean kitchen towel.

Removing Tough Stems:

1. Inspect the Stalks: Feel along the samphire stems for any tough, woody parts. These are often found at the base of the stalks.
2. Trim as Needed: Use a knife to trim off any hard, fibrous parts of the stalks that might be tough to chew.

Blanching (Optional):

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Blanch Samphire: Immerse the samphire in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes. This helps to reduce its natural saltiness and soften the fibres.
3. Cool Immediately: After blanching, quickly transfer the samphire to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant green colour.

Portioning:

1. Decide Portion Sizes: Depending on your recipe or how you plan to serve the samphire, divide it into appropriate portions.
2. Ready to Cook: Once prepared, your samphire is now ready to be cooked according to your chosen method or recipe.

Cooking Techniques Explored

Now that your samphire is prepped and ready, let’s explore different ways to cook it. Each method brings out unique flavours and textures, making samphire a versatile addition to your meals.

Boiling:

1. Simple Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the samphire, and cook for 2-3 minutes. This method is quick and enhances the natural crispness and saltiness of the samphire.
2. Drain and Serve: After boiling, drain the samphire and toss it with a little butter or olive oil before serving. It’s perfect as a side dish with fish or seafood.

Steaming:

1. Steam Gently: Place the samphire in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes. Steaming preserves more nutrients than boiling and keeps the samphire crisp.
2. Flavour Enhancements: Serve steamed samphire with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of melted butter for added flavour.

Sautéing:

1. Quick Sauté: Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a frying pan, add the samphire, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. This method brings out a slightly caramelized flavour.
2. Season and Enjoy: Season with pepper and a splash of lemon juice for a tangy finish. Avoid adding salt as samphire is naturally salty.

Roasting:

1. Oven Roasting: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss samphire in a little oil, spread it on a baking sheet, and roast for about 5-10 minutes until slightly crispy.
2. Serve as a Garnish: Roasted samphire can be used as a flavorful garnish on soups, salads, or main dishes.

Grilling:

1. Grill for a Smoky Flavor: Preheat the grill and place samphire directly on the grill rack. Grill for 2-3 minutes, turning once. The direct heat adds a smoky flavour to the samphire.
2. Serve with a Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a refreshing taste.

Delicious Samphire Recipes to Try

Now that you know how to cook samphire using various methods, let’s dive into some specific recipes that highlight its unique flavour and versatility in the kitchen.

Buttery Samphire with Garlic and Lemon

Ingredients:

• Fresh samphire, prepared and washed
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

1. Heat the butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Toss in the samphire and cook for about 2-3 minutes until vibrant and slightly tender.
4. Finish with lemon juice and a sprinkle of black pepper before serving. This dish is perfect alongside grilled fish or as a vibrant side to poultry.

Samphire and Crab Salad

Ingredients:

• Fresh samphire, blanched and cooled
• 200 grams of white crab meat
• 1 avocado, diced
• A handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
• Dressing: olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper

Preparation:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the samphire, crab meat, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
2. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a light dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve this refreshing salad as a light lunch or a starter.

Samphire with Lemony Salmon Linguine

Ingredients:

• Fresh samphire, washed
• 200 grams of linguine pasta
• 2 salmon fillets, grilled and flaked
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Preparation:

1. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat, add garlic, and cook until soft.
3. Add the samphire to the pan and sauté briefly, then mix in the cooked pasta, flaked salmon, lemon juice, and zest.
4. Toss everything together and serve warm. This dish makes a satisfying main that combines the flavours of the sea with fresh citrus notes.

Creative Pasta and Salad Combinations

Experiment with samphire in your favourite pasta dishes or salads. Its salty crunch pairs well with creamy sauces, fresh vegetables, or as a unique addition to traditional pasta salads.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Samphire is a versatile ingredient that complements a wide range of dishes. Here are some ideas on how to serve and pair samphire to enhance its unique flavour and add a touch of elegance to your meals.

Pairing Samphire with Proteins

• Fish and Seafood: The salty crunch of samphire pairs beautifully with the delicate flavours of fish and seafood. Try it with grilled salmon, pan-fried sea bass, or alongside a seafood platter.
• Lamb: For a more robust pairing, serve blanched samphire with roasted or grilled lamb. The freshness of samphire balances the rich flavour of the meat.
• Poultry: Add a green twist to chicken dishes by including samphire. It goes well with both roasted and pan-seared chicken.

Incorporating Samphire into Salads

• Samphire adds a briny depth to salads. Combine it with softer leaves like spinach or watercress, and add some sweetness with fresh or dried fruit to balance its saltiness.
• For a textural contrast, mix samphire with crunchy vegetables like sliced radishes or cucumbers.

Using Samphire as a Garnish

• Enhance the presentation and flavour of dishes by using small amounts of samphire as a garnish. Its bright green colour and unique shape add visual appeal to both hot and cold dishes.
• Sprinkle lightly cooked samphire over soups or stews just before serving to introduce an unexpected salty note and a crunchy texture.

These serving and pairing ideas are designed to inspire you to integrate samphire into various culinary creations, from simple family meals to more elaborate dinner party dishes. Whether used as a main component or a subtle addition, samphire can elevate your cooking with its distinctive taste and texture.

Adapting Samphire Dishes

To make the most out of samphire in your kitchen, consider how you can adapt and customize dishes to suit your tastes and the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some tips on how to vary your samphire recipes for different flavours and occasions.

Customizing Flavors: Balancing Saltiness with Acidity and Sweetness

• Add Acidity: To counterbalance samphire’s natural saltiness, add a splash of lemon juice, and vinegar, or include other acidic components like tomatoes in your recipes.
• Incorporate Sweetness: Adding elements such as roasted bell peppers, sweet corn, or a drizzle of honey can complement the briny flavour of samphire and create a more balanced dish.

Recipe Variations and Adaptations:

• Spice It Up: Introduce spices such as chilli flakes, cumin, or coriander to give samphire dishes a warm, aromatic twist.
• Herb Infusions: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or tarragon can enhance the flavour profile of samphire, especially when paired with seafood.
• Try Different Cooking Methods: Experiment with roasting, grilling, or even pickling samphire to discover new textures and flavours.

Conclusion

You’ve now explored the diverse world of samphire, from selecting and storing this unique sea vegetable to cooking and incorporating it into a variety of delicious recipes. With its crisp texture and salty flavour, samphire is a wonderful addition to any meal, enhancing dishes with its distinctive maritime character.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Samphire

How Do You Cook And Eat Samphire?

To cook samphire, you can boil, steam, sauté, or even grill it. For a simple preparation, boil it for 2-3 minutes, then toss with butter or olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. It’s great to eat as a side dish with seafood or mixed into salads.

Is Samphire Good For You?

Yes, samphire is good for you! It’s low in calories and rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium. It also contains dietary fibre, which is beneficial for digestive health.

Should You Wash Samphire?

Absolutely! Always wash samphire thoroughly under cold water to remove any sand, dirt, or salt residue before cooking. This ensures it’s clean and pleasant to eat.

Can You Microwave Samphire?

Yes, you can cook samphire in the microwave. Simply place the washed samphire in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water, cover, and microwave on high for about 2 minutes or until tender.

Must Know Samphire Warnings!

Be cautious with adding extra salt to dishes containing samphire, as it naturally tastes quite salty. Also, those on a sodium-restricted diet should consume samphire in moderation.

How to Cook Samphire in the UK?

In the UK, samphire is often steamed or boiled briefly and served with fish, especially salmon or sea bass. Boil it for 2-3 minutes, then dress it with butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

How to Cook Samphire With Salmon?

Samphire pairs beautifully with salmon. Try steaming or lightly sautéing samphire and serving it as a bed under grilled or baked salmon. The saltiness of samphire complements the richness of the salmon perfectly.

How to Cook Samphire in an Air Fryer?

To cook samphire in an air fryer, lightly toss it with a bit of oil, spread it in the air fryer basket, and cook at 200°C (390°F) for about 3-4 minutes. This method yields a crispy texture, making it a unique side dish.