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A fillet of sockeye salmon baked to perfection on a serving plate
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How to Cook Salmon

Salmon fillets are a healthy and delicious protein that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you’re using the oven, grill or stovetop, learn how to prepare it quickly and easily!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: World
Keyword: salmon cook temp
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 193kcal
Author: TipBuzz

Ingredients

  • 1 pound salmon fillets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • lemon slices (optional)
  • fresh parsley (optional), or other herbs

Instructions

  • Optional: Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off and promote even cooking.
  • Place on a work surface and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub with the oil, salt and pepper on all sides.

What Temp to Cook Salmon on Grill

  • Preheat the grill to 375 to 400°F.
  • Oil the grill grates thoroughly to minimize sticking.
  • Place the salmon on the grill skin-side up and close the lid.
  • Cook for 4 to 6 minutes depending on thickness. Open the lid and flip the salmon using a fish spatula. Close the lid and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more before starting to check doneness.
  • Check doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest section and looking for 135°F for medium or 125°F for medium-rare. Alternatively, place a knife tip in the thickest section and twist slightly - the flesh should be slightly translucent.
  • Remove to a serving plate using a fish spatula. Garnish with optional lemon and parsley and serve immediately.

What Temp to Cook Salmon in Oven

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F, placing the oven rack in the upper middle position.
  • Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or aluminum foil.
  • Place the salmon skin-side down on the baking sheet and add optional lemon slices on top.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes to a medium-rare doneness, which is an internal temperature of 135°F (rising to 145°F after resting for 3 minutes). Check doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest section. Alternatively, place a knife tip in the thickest section and twist slightly - the flesh should be slightly translucent.
  • Remove from the oven and place on a serving plate. If desired, you can remove the skin using a fish spatula.
  • Garnish with optional lemon and parsley and serve immediately.

What Temp to Cook Salmon on Stove

  • Place a large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat.
  • When the pan is hot, add the oil. Using kitchen tongs, carefully place the salmon in the pan skin-side up, laying it away from you to minimize splatter.
  • Cook for 4-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature in the center reaches 135°F as measured with an instant-read thermometer (rising to 145°F after resting for 3 minutes).
  • Remove to a serving plate. Garnish with optional lemon and parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Cooking Times: Note that cooking times are highly dependent on thickness of the salmon. For more details, read this post on how long to bake salmon.
  • Albumen: During cooking, salmon will release a natural white residue called albumen. If you find it unappetizing, sprinkle fresh herbs and freshly ground black pepper on top to cover it up.
  • Bones: Before cooking, you can run your fingertips across the surface to check for bones sticking out. Use tweezers or small tongs to grab ahold of any and pull up vertically to extract. Note that sockeye salmon tends to have fewer bones than other varieties.

Nutrition

Serving: 4oz | Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 341mg | Potassium: 559mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 47IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg