How to Cook Salmon

Incorporating protein-rich foods, like salmon, into your diet has many benefits, from building muscle mass and supporting bone health to aiding in body repair after injuries. Salmon contains high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great choice for any meal.

Besides being nutritious, it is known for its unique pink color and is versatile in the kitchen, with various cooking methods that bring out delicate flavors. Cooking salmon can be daunting for those doing it for the first time or those who rarely cook it.

A slight mistake in timing can result in the luscious fish getting overdone, leaving it dry, rubbery, or with flabby skin that can be wildly unappealing. You can avoid these mistakes by learning from our tips and tricks on making a perfect salmon, from the selection to the preparation. 

Choosing the Right Type of Salmon

While a fishmonger is a great place to buy this pink fish, it is also available in the supermarket and some butcher shops. Despite its availability, salmon comes in several varieties, which makes choosing the right type a daunting task.

When buying salmon, consider factors like flavor, texture, and the recipe you plan on using. This will guide you and help you to find the perfect type to suit your taste and cooking needs.

Wild-Caught vs. Farmed Salmon

What is the best salmon to buy, wild-caught or from the farm? This is a legitimate question since fish is not just fish; there is a significant difference between the potential health benefits, texture, and flavor, depending on where it comes from, which makes the whole difference. 

Wild-caught salmon is leaner and more flavorful. Since it is harvested from its natural habitat, it offers a rich source of omega-3s. Farmed salmon raised in a controlled environment tends to be milder and slightly fattier, making it suitable for various recipes. Since wild and farmed pink-colored fish have their benefits, you should consider which best suits your recipe.

Fresh vs. Frozen Salmon

Another common dilemma people face when buying salmon is deciding between one that is fresh and that which is frozen. Unless you get the salmon straight off the boat, getting high-quality frozen salmon over fresh fish is better. 

Freezing this pink-colored fish helps to preserve its texture, taste, and freshness. Additionally, the fish will quickly lose its flavor and texture beyond the first day. When buying frozen salmon, buy it from a reputable vendor that ensures it is properly preserved and processed. 

Preparing Salmon for Cooking

After buying salmon, the next step is preparing it. You can use different methods to cook salmon, especially if you have a reliable induction cooktop. Here is a summary of the preparation process.

1. Removing Bones and Skin 

It is possible to buy salmon that is already de-ones and de-skinned. However, if this is not the case, you can use a few steps to remove the bones and the skin.

• Removing Pin Bones

Run your fingers gently over the length of the filet; you should easily feel the ones under the surface. They will all be lined up. If you feel one, the others will be close. Use tweezers to grasp each bone and pull them out in the same direction to avoid tearing the fish. 

• Remove the skin

To remove the skin, lay the skinny side of the salmon down on a cutting board.  Then, at the corner end of the fish, place a sharp knife between the skin and the flesh. Angle down the knife towards the skin and slowly slide the blade between the skin and the flesh. Pull the skin taut as you slice, and work slowly to avoid leaving flesh on the skin.

1. Seasoning and Marinades

When seasoning salmons, simplicity goes a long way. A sprinkle of salt and pepper can bring out the meal’s richness, while herbs like parsley or thyme can add a refreshing contrast. 

Those who enjoy bolder flavors can marinate the fish with lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce, honey, or ginger. Marinate for 30 minutes or less to avoid overpowering the pink-colored fish or affecting its texture. You can top it up with cheese for a smoother feel.

Different Methods for Cooking Salmon

Salmon is one of the few dishes that hit the trifecta: delicious, easy to prepare, and healthy. This meal is versatile as you can bake pan-sear, grill, poach, or broil. All you need is a quality gas cooker or the modern induction cooktop. Here are a few ways to prepare salmon for any recipe. 

Baking

Using the oven is the best way to cook salmon if you need an effortless, straightforward way of preparing this meal. Baking is excellent for preparing this meal quickly since you can fit the fish and vegetables in one dish and cook everything simultaneously. 

1. Preheat the oven to about 450oF
2. Add salt, pepper, and other spices on both sides
3. Place salmon in a baking dish (it should be lightly greased or with a sheet pan)
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes; you do not have to flip it
5. It is ready to serve

Pan-Searing

Pan-frying salmon requires you to be hands-on, as it cooks quickly on the gas, electric, or induction cooktop. 

1. Add butter or any high-smoking point oil over medium heat in a skillet
2. Then, take the salmon and put it in the skillet with the skin side facing up 
3. If the skillet is hot enough, it should sizzle- let it cook for 6 minutes
4. Turn the skin down using a spatula and cook for 3 mins
5. Season the meat with salt and pepper 
6. You can also squeeze a little lemon before serving

Grilling

Grilling salmon is easy, and the best part about cooking using this method is the smoky flavor the grill will add to the fish.

1. Preheat the grill until hot
2. Prepare the salmon by bruising oil with the desired seasoning
3. Brush with oil to prevent 
4. Cut the salmon into the desired plating size to make it easier to flip
5. Let each side cook for 5 minutes before removing it from the heat

Poaching

The healthiest way to cook salmon is by packing it as it uses little fat. The best part is that it will be ready in a few minutes. 

1. Start by seasoning a pot of water with salt and a splash of vinegar for acidity
2. Bring the liquid to a simmer
3. Add the salmon portions and ensure that you do not overpower the liquid; it should remain at a gentle simmer
4. It should be ready in 6 minutes

Broiling

A great hands-off method of cooking salmon is broiling. However, you need to keep your eyes on the oven when using this method since broiling can blacken the pink-colored fish quickly.

1. Preheat the oven and set the top rack about six inches from the heat source
2. Season the fish before putting it in a lined sheet pan
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side.
4. If you prefer your salmon to be well cooked at the center, then after this time, turn off the broiler and let the fish sit in the oven for a few minutes

How to Tell When Salmon Is Done

If you are cooking salmon for the first time, you might wonder how you can tell when the fish is done. Knowing when the fish is cooked is the key to achieving a tender and flaky texture.

A well-cooked salmon will become opaque and flake easily when pierced with a fork. It will have a slightly translated pink at the center. If you have an instant-read thermometer, you can use it as salmon will be done when it reaches an internal temperature of 125-130 degrees F. If you prefer a meal that is well done, then you should let it cook in the oven until it reaches 140 degrees F. 

Tips for Avoiding Over-Cooked or Uncooked Salmon

The best way to avoid overcooking or undercooking salmon is by using a meat thermometer. This will help you check the internal temperature and ensure that you remove it from the heat before it is fully cooked. After removing the salmon from the heat, it will continue to cook slightly, which is normal.

To avoid undercooking salmon, you should monitor the color and texture loosely. Ensure the flash turns to opaque with a slight center before removing it from the heat. 

Serving Suggestions and Flavor Pairings

After making your delicious salmon, the next important thing is to ensure you serve it right. For serving, garnish the salmon with herbs like dill or parsley. Add a few drops of lemon to improve brightness.

Serve this with flavors that complement its rich, battery tats like roasted vegetables, citric salads, and wild rice. Also, note that you can use sources like a honey mustard glaze or garlic batter to add depth. If you plan to add a side dish, ensure it is light, which will help keep the meal balanced. 

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Cooking Salmon

Cooking salmon to perfection is an art; it is all about balance, from choosing the type to seasoning and choosing the right cooking method. At first, the whole process can seem daunting, but once you get used to it, you will make this meal like a pro.

Salmon is a great dish to prepare because it pairs beautifully with different flavors. That means you can create a unique meal each time that is delicious and memorable. However, you should invest in a quality cooktop to enjoy cooking this and other dishes.