How to cook salmon to perfection, regardless of the method

How to cook salmon to perfection, regardless of the method

Salmon is a tasty treat any day of the week. It’s an oily fish that is so rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a form of polyunsaturated fat. Because our bodies cannot generate these fatty acids, they need to be added to our diet often (and we are not complaining). These fatty acids are thought to help maintain joints, skin elasticity, and hormonal balance, as well as contribute to a healthy heart. 

Aside from heart disease, experts are currently looking into the function of fish consumption in cancer prevention and illnesses such as asthma, high blood pressure, macular degeneration, and rheumatoid arthritis. From age-old, we also know fish is brain food - it is recommended for memory retention and reduction of brain-loss related illnesses. So let’s discuss a few ways on how to cook salmon fillets and keep our mind, body and soul tip-top! 

Salmon is quite versatile and can be cooked in a number of ways. Today, we're going to show you how to cook salmon in pan, oven, air fryer, and even how to cook frozen salmon. So whether you're throwing a dinner party, cooking for your family, or simply looking for something nutritious and delicious to eat, this is a good read for you. 

The salmon cooking techniques we're going to show you today are simple to make and always turn out great. For your next meal prep, we propose this great salmon salad as a start. It’s a simple recipe to follow, especially if you are worried about how long to cook salmon if it’s your first time. Salmon has always been viewed as a restaurant-only meal, but today, we want to give you enough confidence to try it yourself and save those extra dollars you’d have to spend in a restaurant. 

Easy ways to cook salmon

As a beginner, you may be a bit intimidated by the thought of making your own salmon at home. Try it in easy steps:

Broiling

Broiling salmon is the simplest cooking method. Set your broiler on high then place the oven rack about 5 inches away from the coils of your broiler. To prevent sticking, place the filets on a greased aluminium foil or parchment-lined baking sheet. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings to taste. Depending on how you like your fish, broil for 5 to 8 minutes.

Baking

Try this with a large fillet instead of small ones. Using foil, cover a large baking sheet. Place your filet skin side down and bake at 350℉ for 12 to 15 mins or until pink and opaque. With how you flavor it, you can go pretty much anywhere. Remember that if you serve your salmon over a bed of lemon (or pineapple), the skin will not crisp up. 

Poaching

Poaching salmon is a lovely way to eat it moist. Start by seasoning both sides of the salmon fillets. Boil 1 cup water and 1 cup dry white wine in a big skillet. Reduce to a low heat and stir in the fish. Keep the lid on and cook for 10 mins. Use a fish spatula or a big slotted spoon and gently remove the salmon from the pan. Put some fresh herbs and garlic cloves in the skillet if you want to amp up the flavor.

Let’s get a bit more interesting:

How to cook salmon in a pan

Pan-frying salmon is a quick and easy method to prepare it. Add only a pinch of salt and pepper, as well as melted butter or olive oil, and voila!

Start frying the salmon in a pan over medium-high heat, skin-side up. Allow the fillet to sizzle for about 5 to 6 mins. Cook for 3 mins, skin-side down, with a broad spatula. Add a little salt and pepper to taste, squeeze a touch of lemon, and it's ready to eat.

How to cook salmon in air fryer

Having an air fryer is the coolest - you need not worry about burning your food or losing taste because you forgot to turn it on time and it overcooked in some parts. Cooking salmon in an air fryer produces the most tender, succulent, and delectable piece of fish, and it's also incredibly quick and simple. This 10-minute low-carb, low-calorie salmon recipe is ideal for a quick midweek meal. The salmon browns beautifully in the air fryer, producing seafood of restaurant-grade!

Rub your salmon fillets with paprika (for that nice brown colour), garlic, pepper and salt. Drizzle a bit of oil on top (your choice, but we recommend olive oil), then place the fillets in the air fryer. In 7-9 mins, your salmon will be ready (you’ll know when it easily flakes off).

How to cook salmon in oven

The best way to cook salmon in the oven is to bake it. 20 mins only, and your fish is ready. Rub in your spices as usual - include brown sugar to the salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Brush with a bit of olive oil. Have your oven at 375℉ / 190℃. Place your fillets in a lined tray pink side up (for easier cleaning afterwards) and bake for 10 to 15 mins. Once again, you will know that your salmon is done when it easily flakes off.

These are our basic ways to cook salmon. When you have mastered them, try these salmon recipes for great meals your family will love:

• Pan-poached Alaskan salmon piccata
• Pan-seared salmon with lemon, garlic and butter sauce
• Smoked salmon spaghetti
• Air fried salmon with Mediterranean couscous salad
• Roasted salmon with spring pesto
• Oven-baked salmon with vegetables
• Baked salmon with grapefruit salad
• Salmon pasta
• Salmon Teriyaki
• Salmon patties recipe