Cooking Salmon Temperature Guide

We can all agree that salmon is so delicious, but it’s also so delicate. The reason a lot of people don’t like salmon because its dry, when in reality they just overcooked it. According to the USDA recommends the salmon temperature to be 145°F. When salmon is cooked at the right temperature it’ll be moist, buttery and will flake the moment your fork touches it. However, taste is all subjective so scroll down below to see the salmon temperature needed for your desired taste and texture!

What is the Proper Temperature for Cooking Salmon?

Disclaimer: the recommended minimum internal salmon temperature set by the USDA is to ensure that any harmful bacteria that may be present in the fish are destroyed. However, If you love buttery and flakey salmon, some people prefer their salmon cooked to a lower temperature for a more rare or medium rare texture. If you prefer your salmon cooked to a lower temperature, or more rare, it’s important you ues sushi-grade salmon.

Salmon Temperature Guide By Doneness

Salmon is a delicious and versatile fish that can be prepared in many different ways, but it's important to cook it to the correct temperature to ensure that it's safe to eat and has the right texture and flavor. Here's a guide to cooking salmon to the proper temperature:

Rare: 110-115°F (43-46°C) - the flesh will still be translucent and slightly soft to the touch. This is not recommended for safety reasons.

Medium rare: 115-120°F (46-48°C) - the flesh will start to turn opaque, but will still be soft and moist.

Medium: 120-125°F (48-51°C) - For most, this will be the perfect time to remove the salmon from heat. the flesh will be fully opaque and slightly firm to the touch, with a pinkish center. Then allowing it to rest for 3-5 minutes, will gently cook it to perfection.

Medium well: 125-140°F (51-60°C) - the flesh will be firmer and the center will be light pink.

Well done: 140-150°F (60-65°C) - the flesh will be firm and fully cooked, with no pink color remaining.

Kyle’s Tips to Avoid Overcooking Salmon

Overcooking salmon can result in a dry, tough, and flavorless fish, so it's important to cook it properly to preserve its texture and flavor. Here are some tips to help you avoid overcooking salmon:

Use a timer: Overcooking salmon can happen quickly, so it's essential to keep a close eye on the fish while it's cooking. Set a timer for the recommended cooking time and check the fish for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. Since every burner has their own operating temperature, it’s important to note the time spent on your burner and weather it was cooked to your liking, and you can adjust it to perfection next time around. You’ll be a professional in no time!

Use a food thermometer: The most accurate way to determine if salmon is cooked to the correct temperature is to use a food thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fish and make sure it reads at least 145°F (63°C).

Watch the color: As salmon cooks, its color changes from translucent to opaque. When the color of the fish turns from translucent to a light pink, it's a sign that the fish is close to being cooked through. At this point, you should start checking the internal temperature with a thermometer to avoid overcooking.

Cook at a lower temperature: Cooking salmon at a lower temperature can help preserve its texture and flavor. You can try cooking salmon at 325°F (163°C) for a longer period of time to avoid overcooking.

Rest the fish: Once you've cooked the salmon to the proper temperature, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the fish stays moist and tender.

By following these tips, you can avoid overcooking salmon and ensure that it's cooked to the perfect temperature for optimal texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook salmon at 350 degrees F?

The cooking time for salmon can vary depending on its thickness, so it's best to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish to determine when it's done. However, as a general guideline, you can estimate that salmon will take approximately 12-15 minutes per inch of thickness when cooked at 350°F (175°C).

How long to cook salmon at 375 degrees F?

When cooking salmon at 375°F (190°C), the cooking time will be slightly shorter than if you were cooking it at 350°F. As a general guideline, salmon should take approximately 10-12 minutes per inch of thickness when cooked at 375°F.

How long to cook salmon at 400 degrees F?

When cooking salmon at 400°F (205°C), the cooking time will be slightly shorter than if you were cooking it at 350°F or 375°F. As a general guideline, salmon should take approximately 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness when cooked at 400°F.

How long to cook salmon at 425 degrees F?

When cooking salmon at 425°F (218°C), the cooking time will be shorter than if you were cooking it at a lower temperature. As a general guideline, salmon should take approximately 6-8 minutes per inch of thickness when cooked at 425°F.

How long to cook salmon at 450 degrees F?

When cooking salmon at 450°F (232°C), the cooking time will be shorter than if you were cooking it at a lower temperature. As a general guideline, salmon should take approximately 5-7 minutes per inch of thickness when cooked at 450°F.

Confidently Enjoy Your Salmon!

Cooking wild alaskan salmon doesn’t need to be intimidating, it’s a fun and enjoyable moment in the kitchen. After reading this article you’re now equipped with the knowledge to cook your wild alaskan salmon to the desired texture with the perfect temperature that’s required.