How to Prepare and Cook Salmon

by Kyle Lee September 18, 2024

Preparing and cooking salmon is a fun and rewarding experience that can take your meals to the next level. Salmon is a favorite for both beginners and experienced cooks, thanks to its delicious flavor and soft texture.

Whether you're grilling, baking, or pan-searing, salmon is versatile and works great with various cooking styles and seasonings. Plus, it's packed with health benefits, like omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it a wonderful choice for anyone looking to eat healthier.

Let’s explore some easy ways to cook salmon so you can enjoy it at its best.

How to Prepare and Cook Salmon in the Oven

Cooking salmon in the oven is a simple and foolproof way to achieve perfectly tender and flavorful results. It allows for even cooking, so you don’t have to worry about flipping the fish or constant monitoring. Baking helps keep the salmon juicy and tender while allowing the seasonings and toppings to soak in for extra flavor.

Follow these steps for cooking salmon in the oven:

Rinse the salmon under cold water and gently pat it dry with paper towels.
Remove any pin bones using tweezers and trim excess fat or skin if desired.
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
Place the salmon in the baking dish, skin-side down if applicable.
Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings.
Top with lemon slices and fresh herbs as desired.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
After baking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Prepare and Pan-Sear Salmon

Pan-searing salmon is a great option for beginners because it’s quick, simple, and doesn’t require much prep. It gives the fish a crispy, golden-brown crust in just about 7-10 minutes. The high heat locks in moisture to keep the inside tender and juicy, while the outside turns perfectly caramelized.

Follow these steps for pan-searing salmon:

Rinse the salmon under cold water and gently pat it dry with paper towels.
Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Optionally, you can add minced garlic or other seasonings.
Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough olive oil or butter to coat the bottom.
Place the salmon fillet in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Press down gently with a spatula for a few seconds to ensure good contact.
Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving the fillet. The skin should become crispy and golden.
Carefully flip the fillet using a spatula. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice or fresh herbs during the last minute of cooking for added flavor.
Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Related: How to Pan Fry Salmon

How to Prepare and Grill Salmon

One of the biggest advantages of grilling salmon is the smoky, charred flavor that grilling naturally adds to the fish. This elevates its taste without the need for complex seasonings. Whether using a gas or charcoal grill, salmon cooks in about 10-15 minutes — plus, it allows for large portions to be prepared at once!

Follow these steps for grilling salmon:

Rinse the salmon under cold water and gently pat it dry with paper towels.
Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Optionally, marinate for 30 minutes or add fresh herbs and lemon slices.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 450°F or 190°C to 232°C).
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
For skin-on fillets, place them skin-side down. If using skinless fillets, place them on a piece of aluminum foil or a grill mat to prevent sticking.
Cook for about 4-6 minutes on the first side without moving it.
Carefully flip the fillet using a spatula, and grill for an additional 3-5 minutes on the other side, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
During the last minute of cooking, you can add lemon slices or herbs on top for extra flavor.
Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Related: How to Grill Salmon Perfectly

How to Prepare and Broil Salmon

The oven broiler is a convenient way to cook salmon, but it does require close attention. Broiling uses high, direct heat from above, which can cook the salmon quickly but also means it can burn easily if you're not careful.

Here’s some advice for broiling salmon successfully:

Rinse the salmon under cold water and gently pat it dry with paper towels.
Place the salmon on a broiler-safe pan. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Optionally, add minced garlic, lemon slices, or fresh herbs for additional flavor.
Preheat your oven’s broiler on high for about 5 minutes.
Place the oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler element.
Place the pan with the salmon in the oven. Broil for about 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
If desired, you can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon just before serving.
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Related: How Long to Broil Salmon

How to Prepare and Steam Salmon

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that keeps the salmon moist and tender by cooking it with steam rather than direct heat. This helps retain the fish’s natural juices. Since steaming doesn’t require added fats or oils, it’s a low-fat, healthy way to cook salmon!

Just keep in mind that it doesn’t give the salmon a crispy texture or the caramelized flavors that other methods like grilling or pan-searing might provide.

Follow these steps for steaming salmon:

Rinse the salmon under cold water and gently pat it dry with paper towels.
Place the salmon on a plate or in a shallow dish. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter if desired and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Optionally, add lemon slices, fresh herbs, or minced garlic for extra flavor.
Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer. If using a steamer basket, make sure it fits well above the water.
Lay the seasoned salmon fillets in the steamer basket, skin-side down if applicable. Make sure they’re not overlapping.
Cover the pot with a lid. Steam the salmon for about 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Carefully remove the salmon from the steamer and let it rest for a minute. Serve with additional lemon or herbs if desired.

Summary

Each method of cooking salmon brings its unique benefits to the table. Baking and steaming preserve moisture and tenderness while grilling and broiling enhance the fish with delicious smoky and charred flavors. Pan-searing offers a quick, crispy texture that’s hard to beat!

As you explore these methods, remember that the best way to enjoy salmon is the way that suits your taste. If you’re looking for top-quality wild Alaskan salmon fillets to get started, choose Alaskan Salmon Company for a premium option.