30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (2024)

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!

30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (1)

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

30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (2)
30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (3)

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

30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (4)
30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (5)

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

30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (6)
30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (7)

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

30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (8)
30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (9)

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

30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (10)
30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (11)

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

30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (12)
30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (13)

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

30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (14)
30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (15)

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

30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (16)

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
  • cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more to finish
  • 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

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @WhatsGabyCookin or tag #whatsgabycooking!

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

30 Best Salmon Recipes - What's Gaby Cooking (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to best salmon? ›

A dry brine gives you firmer, juicier fish fillets with kettle-chip-crisp skin. Credit... Gentl and Hyers for The New York Times.

Is salmon better in foil or no foil? ›

The foil helps cook the fish faster and just all around better. Another reason is that it's a healthy way to cook fish. Yes, salmon is already a very healthy fish. But if you cook it in foil, you don't have to use a lot of oil or butter to cook it.

Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400? ›

What's the Best Temperature for Baking Salmon? If baking individual salmon fillet portions, a higher temperature of 400 to 425 degrees F is best.

Which moist cooking method would you recommend to cook salmon why? ›

Salmon Method: Slow-Roasted in the Oven

It certainly was moist! I almost didn't think it was cooked, it was so juicy. The low oven temp also meant that there wasn't a lot of carryover cooking happening once it was out of the oven either, making it next to impossible to dry the salmon out using this method.

What is the most flavorful way to cook salmon? ›

Wrap your salmon in a parchment packet with aromatics, citrus, veggies, and a drizzle of olive oil. The steam trapped in the packet will infuse the fish with flavor and cook it gently, making it tender and juicy. Bonus: The parchment packets only take about 15 minutes at 425°F and the cleanup is minimal.

What can I put on salmon to make it taste better? ›

Here are some spices you may have that could be good as part of a homemade salmon seasoning.
  1. Paprika.
  2. Chile/Chili powder.
  3. Garlic powder/salt.
  4. Ground cumin.
  5. Onion powder.
  6. Ground ginger.

What is the white stuff coming out of my salmon? ›

The white stuff that oozes out of salmon is called albumin, a type of protein in the fish (other foods with albumin include eggs, beef and milk). You can't see albumin when the fish is raw—it only appears when the salmon is exposed to heat. As salmon cooks, the albumin turns from its liquid state into a semi-solid one.

Is it healthier to bake or pan fry salmon? ›

Baking salmon in parchment paper is one of the healthiest cooking methods. It's also easy to prep and clean up. However, some people may prefer the texture of pan-fried or grilled salmon over steamed salmon en papillote.

Should I bake salmon covered or uncovered? ›

Baked salmon is best when cooked at 425°F in the oven.

We recommend baking the salmon uncovered. Simply rub the fillets with a little oil, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, then place them in the roasting pan skin-side down before popping them in the oven.

How do you know when salmon is done? ›

Internal temperature: Use an instant-read meat thermometer; the salmon should register 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. Flakiness: When gently pressed with a fork, the fish should easily flake apart. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out the salmon.

Should salmon be room temperature before baking? ›

It is a good idea to let salmon sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking so that it can warm to room temperature. Do not let it sit out for too long. You want it to reach room temperature right before cooking. If it is at room temperature for too long it can be a food safety risk.

How many minutes do you bake salmon at 350? ›

At 350°F (175°C), a salmon fillet takes about 25 minutes to bake, and when it's done, the thickest part should flake easily. At 400°F (C), a piece of salmon takes about 10-15 minutes to bake, or until the temperature reaches 135 degrees at its thickest, most internal part.

What should I put on top of my salmon? ›

A creamy but slightly tangy sauce works really well with salmon, and it's why sour cream-dill sauce over salmon is such a classic. Try mixing in curry powder, Sriracha, or scallions into yogurt or crème fraîche for an easy, elegant salmon topper.

Does salmon taste better cooked in oil or butter? ›

Ultimately, whether salmon is better with butter or olive oil depends on your personal preference and the desired flavor profile for the dish. The easiest way to decide which cooking method you prefer is to experiment making it both ways!

What is the secret of cooking salmon? ›

So, you want skin that is super crisp and flavorful, just as you would want with chicken. Starting your salmon skin-side down, and cooking it until it is well rendered, lightly browned, and crisp, and then turning the salmon to finish the cooking, will make for a terrific dining experience.

What do you soak salmon in before cooking? ›

Brown explains that wet-brining salmon—soaking it in water seasoned with salt—helps solidify the fat within the protein, so it doesn't leach out as quickly once the fish hits the heat, “keeping it nice and succulent.” In other words: less chance of drying out. The other option is dry-brining, or curing.

What not to do when cooking salmon? ›

Here are five common mistakes that we all make when cooking salmon at home and how to avoid them.
  1. Not removing pin bones. Fact: Most salmon fillets have pin bones in them. ...
  2. Mistreating the skin. ...
  3. Using the wrong pan. ...
  4. Overcooking your fish. ...
  5. Reheating leftover salmon.
May 17, 2021

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nicola Considine CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6043

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nicola Considine CPA

Birthday: 1993-02-26

Address: 3809 Clinton Inlet, East Aleisha, UT 46318-2392

Phone: +2681424145499

Job: Government Technician

Hobby: Calligraphy, Lego building, Worldbuilding, Shooting, Bird watching, Shopping, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Nicola Considine CPA, I am a determined, witty, powerful, brainy, open, smiling, proud person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.