Discover three delicious ways to cook salmon with these easy methods: baking, grilling, and pan-searing. Each technique brings out the natural flavors of salmon while offering versatile options for preparing this nutritious and flavorful fish.
Ingredients for Baked Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Baked Salmon
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Pat dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the Salmon: Drizzle olive oil over the salmon fillets. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon. Serve immediately.
Ingredients for Grilled Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Grill Salmon
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat dry the salmon fillets with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the Salmon: Brush olive oil over the salmon fillets to prevent sticking. Place the salmon on the grill, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and grill marks appear.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Ingredients for Pan-Seared Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (optional), for garnish
How to Pan-Sear Salmon
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat dry the salmon fillets with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them, until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Serve: Remove from the pan and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
About the Main Ingredients
- Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, salmon is known for its health benefits and delicious taste. It cooks quickly and adapts well to various cooking methods.
- Olive Oil and Seasonings: Enhance the natural flavors of salmon while providing essential fats and seasoning.
These three methods to cook salmon offer versatility and delicious results for any meal. Whether you prefer the simplicity of baking, the smoky flavors from grilling, or the crispy texture from pan-searing, each technique ensures a flavorful and nutritious dish that will satisfy your cravings for salmon.
