Easy Salmon Recipes are perfect for fast, fabulous meals any night of the week! Sharing lots of delicious, fast cooking methods and recipes!
It seems ‘eat more fish’ is something we are told constantly.
Many people aren’t sure HOW to cook fish or if they even like it.
I have a solution: Easy Salmon Recipes!
Salmon can be prepared so many ways and they are all fast and easy.
It’s great any night of the week, and being a more mild flavored fish, salmon is adaptable to multiple flavors.
You’ll surely find at least a few new favorites in this collection of easy salmon recipes!
Why Eat Salmon
Salmon, as with most fish, is very nutrient dense.
It is a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals as well as Omega-3 fatty acids.
All of these nutrients are associated with positive effects on different aspects of health and wellness.
Salmon is a more desirable fish for many due to its meatier texture and pleasing flavor which is not ‘fishy’ in the same way stronger flavored fish can be.
It can be prepared very quickly in multiple ways making it a perfect choice for easy salmon recipes.
Before diving into the collection of easy salmon recipes, here are a few more helpful pieces of information about salmon.
Types of Salmon
There are 7 types of salmon.
Most are Pacific salmon species (in the United States) with one species of Atlantic salmon which has become extinct in the wild and is now virtually all farm-raised.
More than the species of salmon, most consumers are more aware of the wild vs farm-raised distinction.
My suggestion is to always buy salmon at a quality seafood market or grocery store with knowledgeable fish mongers who can guide on the salmon options for your needs.
Types of Salmon cuts
There are two main cuts of salmon used in most easy salmon recipes: a fillet or a steak.
Salmon Fillet
The fillet is a side cut usually having skin on one side, few if any bones.
It can be cooked in a large fillet and sliced into smaller portions.
Or individual fillets may be cooked and served directly.
Salmon Steak
The steak is a cross-cut of the salmon that includes the backbone.
It looks like horseshoe shape and serves one person.
The skin covers the sides of the salmon steak.
How to Remove Salmon Bones
Larger bones in salmon extend from the backbone and are often removed before buying salmon at the store (unless buying a whole salmon).
However, there can be ‘pin bones’ which are tiny bones that can remain in a cut of salmon.
It’s always good to look for pin bones before cooking a piece of salmon or when eating it.
The best way to remove salmon bones at home is with a set of long nose pliers.
I keep a dedicated pair of long nose pliers in my kitchen dedicated for food use only.
Once locating a pin bone, grasp it with the needle nosed pliers and pull it out.
Can Salmon Skin Be Eaten?
Yes, salmon skin is considered safe to eat!
Salmon skin contains many of the same Omega-3 oils and nutrients as the salmon. It’s mild in flavor too.
Salmon skin tastes best when it has been grilled, pan-seared or fried over steamed or baked (a method that does not crisp the skin).
It’s also very easy to remove from cooked salmon should you prefer not to eat it.
What is the Doneness Temperature of Salmon?
Salmon is fully cooked at 145 degrees F according to the U.S.D.A..
The best way to determine this is with an Instant Read Thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the salmon, not touching the pan.
Easy Salmon Recipes
I love cooking salmon in multiple ways. It’s flavorful, my whole family loves it, and it cooks very quickly making it perfect for a weeknight or weekend.
Following are a number of ways to cook salmon with easy salmon recipes for each!
How to Bake Salmon
Baking salmon is probably the most common way to cook salmon and the easiest.
A quick brush of oil, a bit of salt and pepper and the salmon can be cooked in 12-15 minutes in a 425-degree oven.
Adding a squeeze of lemon juice, sprinkling of herbs (dill is fantastic) changes up the flavor nicely.
Salmon can also be brushed with a marinade, or marinated before cooking.
How to Grill Salmon
Grilling salmon is another great choice for easy salmon recipes.
Being both a thicker fish and with more oil, it does not dry out like thinner fish.
Do not overcook salmon as it still CAN dry out losing its delicious flavor.
One of my favorite ways to grill salmon is on a cedar plank.
The plank infuses flavor and protects the salmon from the direct heat of the grill. I have a little tip too that doesn’t require the cedar plank to be soaked first!
How to Pan Sear Salmon
Pan searing salmon is cooking it in oil or butter in a skillet on the stove top.
It’s another delicious 15-minute start-to-finish cooking method.
The oil or butter add extra flavor along with any other ingredients adds.
How to Poach Salmon
Poaching is a popular way to prepare salmon and is usually a lean way to cook it.
Poaching is a wet method of cooking the salmon in liquid. It can be water, wine, broth or a mixture.
Poached salmon is a fast way to cook too.
Check out this recipe>>Poached Salmon with Mustard Dill Sauce
How to Steam Salmon
Steaming salmon is a great way to prepare it without extra oils or fats. It’s top on the easy salmon recipes list taking under 10 minutes to cook.
Steam the salmon with fresh herbs, wine, or broth (or a combination) for the steaming broth for even better flavor.
Check out this recipe>>How to Steam Salmon
How to Broil Salmon
There are many easy salmon recipes for broiling salmon which are fast and easy.
A one pan preparation, broiling is a fast higher heat way to cook salmon.
Broil salmon simply with just oil, salt and pepper or add a flavor-packed rub!
Check out this recipe>>Healthy Broiled Salmon with Sweet Spicy Rub
Check out this recipe>>Broiled Salmon with Lemon
How to Microwave Salmon
Arguably the fastest and easiest way to cook salmon is in the microwave!
Four minutes is all it takes when sealing the salmon before cooking.
Check out this recipe>>How To Microwave Salmon
Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer
Air fryers are the latest cooking ‘rage’ and there are easy salmon recipes perfect for the air fryer too!
Check out this recipe>>Perfect Air Fryer Salmon (with video)
Check out this recipe>>Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Salmon
What is YOUR favorite way to prepare salmon? Leave a comment below!
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Suzy says
Salmon is easily one of our favorite go to meals! Love all of the different options here!
Eileen M Loya says
These are all great ways to cook salmon. Salmon is my husband’s favorite fish. Oh, and I did not know you can eat the skin. I just find it too tough. But I will try crisping it in the oven!
Michelle says
I’m always looking for great salmon recipes. These all look wonderful.