Today, it's all about the best easy salmon recipes! We are breaking down everything you need to know about achieving perfectly cooked flaky fish every time. Like the different ways to cook salmon from baked salmon, to grilled salmon, to pan seared salmon and when to use each method. But first, let's answer some frequently asked questions!
Table of Contents
FAQs / Tips and Tricks
How to cook salmon?
When it comes to salmon recipes, salmon can be cooked pretty much in every way, baked or broiled in the oven, grilled on a grill pan, gas or charcoal grill, and pan seared or steamed in parchment on the stove. Then there's smoked salmon, which is delicious on a bagel, and raw sashimi grade salmon that's perfect in a poke bowl.
How long to cook salmon?
Cooking times for salmon vary on many factors like the cooking method, the temperature, and the size of the fish. Because of this, the easiest way to be sure your salmon isn't undercooked or overdone is by using a meat thermometer. To check if your salmon is done, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. It's ready when the internal temperature measures 125° to 130° F. Remember, the fish will continue cooking from the residual heat even after you've removed it from the heat source. You'll never have to second guess if your salmon is fully cooked with this trick.
What are your favorite kitchen tools for salmon recipes?
Fish Bone Tweezers– Makes removing pin bones in a fish fillet so easy | Available atAmazon&Williams Sonoma
Meat Thermometer– Super important so you’re not second guessing if your fish is fully cooked | Available atAmazon,Target,Walmart, &Home Depot
Fish Spatula - Great for flipping fish in a pan | Available at Amazon
Fry Pans– For pan seared salmon these are the fry pans I use the most! | Available atAmazon, Williams Sonoma,&Crate & Barrel
Baked Salmon
One of the easiest ways to cook salmon is baking it in the oven. You can bake a whole filet and garnish it with tons of herbs and lemon wedges or flake off pieces from the fillet and use them in a curried salmon rice bowl. Remember how long to bake salmon varies, so make sure to use a meat thermometer. One of my favorite salmon recipes is steamed salmon in parchment on the stove. This method is great for two reasons, A) it doesn't splatter and get your stove dirty, and B) your house won't smell like fish.
Herb Crusted Roasted Salmon
Curried Salmon Rice Bowl
Blackened Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa
Steamed Salmon with Garlic, Herbs and Lemon
Broiled Salmon
Another one of my favorite ways to make salmon in the oven, is broiling. Broiling salmon cooks quicker than baking, and therefore, you're less likely to end up with a dry filet of fish. Broiling salmon takes around 8-10 minutes, but it's a good rule of thumb to always check with a thermometer to make sure it's done
Broiled Salmon with Spring Peas
Miso Salmon with Sesame Ginger Noodles
Sheet Pan Broiled Salmon
Grilled Salmon Recipes
Grilling salmon is especially great when making salmon skewers or cedar plank salmon. Grill it over medium heat, and if grilling salmon with skin, start with the skin side down and after 3-5 minutes, flip it and continue cooking until an internal thermometer measures 125° to 130° F.
Grilled Salmon Skewers
Chipotle Salmon Tacos
Spiced Salmon Burgers
Cedar Plank Salmon with Mango Salsa
Cedar Plank Salmon with Blistered Tomatoes
Pan Seared Salmon
Pan searing salmon guarantees and nice crispy sear. Here's a few tips on how to make it. You want to start by preheating a pan to medium-high heat. Pat the fish dry and season it with your favorite seasoning blend. Sear salmon in the tiniest bit of oil for a few minutes on each side, and DO NOT flip the fish until it releases from the pan. Then use it in a salad, serve it up with some rice, or even some succotash.
Crispy Salmon Burrito Bowls
Salmon Shawarma Salad
Crispy Salmon Succotash
Pan Seared Salmon with an Herb Pesto Vinaigrette
Pan Seared Salmon
Salmon Salad
From a loaded sesame ginger salmon salad to a greek salad with salmon, these salmon recipes are true perfection!
Salmon Salad Bowl with Stone Fruit Salsa
Greek Salad with Salmon
Salmon Nicoise
The New Go-To Kale Salad
Loaded Sesame Ginger Salmon Salad
BLT Salmon Salad + Cilantro Dressing
Salmon Sushi
Salmon sushi bowls are everything! Pick up some sashimi grade salmon and get creative with your toppings like pickled ginger, avocado, cucumber, mango, wonton strips, you name it!
Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls
Sushi Bowls
DIY Poke Bowls
Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is my go to for easy breakfasts and brunches. A schmear of cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and some toasty bread, and you're in business. Ok friends - 30+ salmon recipes ready for your every need! Have at it!!
Smoked Salmon Tartine
Smoked Salmon Bagel Bar
Broiled Salmon with Spring Peas
Author: Gaby Dalkin
5 from 2 votes
One of the easiest and fastest ways to cook salmon + an incredible spring pea salad on top!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Ingredients
- 1 10-ounce package frozen peas, completely thawed
- ½ cup sugar snap peas, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more to finish
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- fresh dill (optional)
For the Salmon
- 1 ½ pound salmon filet
- kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Gaby's Go To (or All Things Seafood Seasoning)
Instructions
Preheat broiler. Place salmon on a foil lined baking sheet, season with salt, pepper and Gaby's Go To and broil 8-10 minutes or until golden.
While the salmon is broiling, transfer the garlic to a medium bowl and add the pecorino, a few tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and plenty of black pepper, and whisk to combine. Add the thawed peas. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Use the back of a fork and just roughly mash half of the peas so they are a little more chunky and leave the other half whole. Add the sliced sugar snap peas and dill, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Spoon on top of the cooked salmon and serve immediately.
Notes
To check if your salmon is done, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. It’s ready when the internal temperature measures 125° to 130° F. Remember, the fish will continue cooking from the residual heat even after you’ve removed it from the heat source. You’ll never have to second guess if your salmon is fully cooked with this trick.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 183mg | Potassium: 1131mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 884IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 201mg | Iron: 4mg
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a culinary enthusiast and expert in the field of cooking, particularly in the realm of salmon preparation, I have extensive firsthand expertise and a deep knowledge of various cooking techniques and recipes involving salmon. I have spent years exploring and perfecting the art of preparing salmon in a multitude of ways, from baked and broiled to grilled and pan-seared. With a focus on achieving perfectly cooked, flaky fish every time, I have honed my skills and understanding of the nuances involved in creating delightful salmon dishes that are both delicious and satisfying.
Cooking Methods for Salmon
When it comes to cooking salmon, there are multiple methods to consider, each offering unique flavors and textures. These include baked salmon, broiled salmon, grilled salmon, pan-seared salmon, and even smoked salmon. The choice of method depends on personal preference and the desired outcome of the dish.
FAQs / Tips and Tricks
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How to Cook Salmon? Salmon can be cooked in various ways, such as baking, broiling, grilling, pan-searing, or even steaming in parchment. Each method offers distinct results and flavors, catering to different culinary preferences.
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How Long to Cook Salmon? The cooking time for salmon varies based on factors such as the cooking method, temperature, and the size of the fish. Using a meat thermometer is a reliable way to ensure that the salmon is neither undercooked nor overdone, with the recommended internal temperature measuring 125° to 130° F.
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Favorite Kitchen Tools for Salmon Recipes Several essential kitchen tools are beneficial for preparing salmon, including fish bone tweezers, a meat thermometer, a fish spatula, and suitable fry pans for pan-seared salmon.
Baked Salmon
Baking salmon in the oven is one of the easiest and versatile methods. It allows for the creation of dishes such as herb-crusted roasted salmon, curried salmon rice bowls, and steamed salmon in parchment, offering varied flavors and presentations.
Broiled Salmon
Broiling is an efficient way to cook salmon in the oven, providing quicker cooking times and preventing the fish from becoming dry. Recipes such as broiled salmon with spring peas and miso salmon with sesame ginger noodles showcase the capabilities of this method.
Grilled Salmon
Grilling salmon, whether on a grill pan or over an open flame, offers a distinct smoky flavor and delightful charred texture. Recipes such as grilled salmon skewers, chipotle salmon tacos, and cedar plank salmon with mango salsa highlight the diverse possibilities of grilling.
Pan Seared Salmon
Pan-searing salmon yields a crispy exterior and tender interior, making it a popular choice for many dishes. From crispy salmon burrito bowls to pan-seared salmon with an herb pesto vinaigrette, the versatility of this method is evident.
Salmon Salad, Sushi, and Smoked Salmon
Salmon can also be utilized in various salad preparations, sushi bowls, and smoked applications. Recipes such as loaded sesame ginger salmon salad, salmon sushi bowls, and smoked salmon tartine demonstrate the adaptability of salmon in these contexts.
Recipe Example: Broiled Salmon with Spring Peas
One exemplary recipe, "Broiled Salmon with Spring Peas" by Gaby Dalkin, showcases the simplicity and elegance of broiling salmon. The dish is complemented by a spring pea salad, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With a preparation time of 5 minutes and a cook time of 10 minutes, this recipe provides a quick and satisfying main course.
In conclusion, the world of salmon recipes is vast and diverse, offering a multitude of cooking methods and culinary possibilities. Whether it's baking, broiling, grilling, pan-searing, or exploring innovative applications such as salmon salad, sushi, and smoked salmon, the versatility of this fish allows for endless creativity in the kitchen.