80+ Best Salmon Recipes: Beyond The Classic Salmon Burger

Looking for the best salmon recipes?

Check out these salmon recipe ideas that are healthy and easy to make. In this best salmon recipe collection, you'll find simple ways to cook salmon, like pan-searing, grilling, or baking, with tips for making it taste great every time.

Best Salmon Recipes

Enjoy this collection of 80+ best salmon recipe ideas for any occasion. These are easy and quick recipes that anyone can make at home!

How To Buy Salmon

Not sure which salmon to buy? Here are some of my best tips.

Wild salmon has no antibiotics or fake colors and has more Omega 3s. I like wild salmon in summer and frozen wild salmon in winter.

• Pacific Wild Salmon - In season from May to August, caught in the Northern Pacific Ocean. There are five types: King, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum. Mostly wild-caught.

• Atlantic Salmon - Originally from the Atlantic Ocean but now endangered in the wild, so all are farmed. Some farmed salmon are raised in ways that can hurt the environment and are treated with antibiotics and dyes.

• Sustainably-Farmed Atlantic Salmon - Raised in better conditions that are kinder to the environment and healthier for the fish. Skuna and Nordic Blu are good choices and can be found at some stores like Whole Foods.

• Sushi Salmon - For sushi, always choose wild salmon. Frozen wild salmon works too. Some will argue that there is sushi grade salmon, generally there is no such term. Sushi grade usually means that fish is the highest grade to eat raw.

• Frozen Wild Salmon - Choose flash-frozen and vacuum-sealed.

• Smell - Good salmon should smell clean like the ocean, not fishy. Ask your fishmonger how long it’s been in the case.

• Consider sustainability and farming methods when buying salmon. Look for labels like Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) to ensure quality.

Expert Tips For Cooking Salmon

🐟 Choose Fresh Salmon: Look for salmon with vibrant, firm flesh and a fresh ocean smell. If it smells overly fishy, it’s not fresh.

🧑‍🍳 Prep Properly: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure a good sear and to avoid excess moisture that can lead to steaming rather than searing.

🧂 Season Simply: A little salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil are often all you need. You can also add lemon juice or herbs for extra flavor.

🐠 Cook Evenly: Ensure your salmon fillets are of even thickness for uniform cooking. If they’re different thicknesses, the thinner parts might overcook while waiting for the thicker parts to finish.

🌡️ Use the Right Temperature: For pan-searing, cook on medium-high heat. For baking, a temperature of 375°F (190°C) works well. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high.

🥵 Avoid Overcooking: Salmon is best when cooked to medium or medium-rare, with an internal temperature of about 125°F (52°C). The fish should flake easily with a fork but still be slightly translucent in the center.

😴 Let It Rest: After cooking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the texture to set.

👉 Try the “Press Test”: Gently press the salmon with your finger. If it flakes easily, it’s done. If it feels firm and doesn’t flake, it needs more time.

For the full salmon guide, check out Cooking Salmon Temperature.

Salmon Recipes: FAQ's

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