How to cook salmon
Learn how to cook the perfect piece of salmon, whether it's baked, roasted or pan-fried. Our guide reveals the best way to crisp skin, plus five different ways to cook this versatile fish.
Salmon is the easiest of fish to cook – pieces of fillet tend to be relatively thick and this makes them robust enough to move around and turn over halfway through cooking, should you want to. The skin also comes off easily, so if you cook pieces with the skin on, you can lift it off when the fish is cooked before serving. You can buy whole salmon (especially good value at holiday times), sides of salmon (half a fish), large pieces of fillet and individual pieces. Choose what suits you best.
Follow this guide for tips on how to cook salmon, then put these skills to use with our salmon recipes and salmon recipes for kids. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to support heart health. You can read more about the health benefits of salmon in our nutritionist's guide.
What is the best way to cook salmon?
Salmon can be baked, roasted, pan-fried, stir-fried, cooked ‘en papillote’ (wrapped in foil or paper) and steamed. The easiest way to cook salmon is in a baking dish in the oven. This causes the least mess and also – if it bothers you – less of a fishy smell in the house. You will, however, need to add a little oil to stop it sticking to the dish.
If you’d prefer not to use any oil then steam the salmon by putting it on a plate with any flavouring you want to use inside a steamer, or wrap it in foil or baking paper, then steam or bake it. If you want a crisp skin then pan-fry the salmon skin-side down to make this happen.
How to cook salmon in the oven
Baked salmon recipe
Serves 4
More like this
- 4 pieces of salmon fillet
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- chopped herbs, a slice of lemon or a sprinkle of spices
- Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Brush each piece of salmon fillet with oil or butter and season well. Add your choice of herbs, lemon or spices.
- Lay the pieces of salmon in an ovenproof dish and either cover the dish if you want the salmon to stay tender on top, or leave it uncovered if you want the flesh to roast slightly.
- Cook for 10-15 mins. The best way to gauge how long to cook for is to base the initial time on 4 mins per 1cm of thickness in the centre of the fillet. When the salmon is cooked it will look opaque and the flesh will flake if you poke a fork into the centre. Try not to overcook salmon. It can easily dry out and should be only just cooked in the centre.
Also see our simple baked salmon recipe.
5 best salmon recipes
Creamy salmon, leek & potato traybake
One of our most popular recipes, this easy traybake for two features salmon fillets nestled among leeks, baby potatoes and capers. Encased in a creamy sauce, it's equally suitable as an midweek meal, or for a more romantic occasion.
Creamy salmon, leek & potato traybake
Ginger & soy salmon en papillote
Wrap the salmon to seal in all the flavourings that you add. The steam will be extra fragrant as you unwrap the parcels.
Ginger & soy salmon en papillote
Pasta with salmon & peas
This easy salmon pasta can be on the table in under 20 minutes, ideal for a speedy family meal which kids will love. Salmon is high in omega-3 and we've used wholewheat fusilli to boost the fibre levels, but you can opt for any pasta type you like.
One-pan salmon with roast asparagus
Celebrate springtime with this comforting salmon roast with fresh asparagus, new potatoes and juicy cherry tomatoes. This simple oven bake can easily be customised according to whatever vegetables are in season.
One-pan salmon with roast asparagus
Teriyaki salmon
Teriyaki salmon is a popular restaurant dish and also super easy to make at home. Simply pan-fry salmon fillets in a wonderfully punchy sauce combining sweet chilli, honey, sesame oil, mirin and soy. Serve with sesame pak choi for a quick midweek meal, ready in just 20 minutes.
Try more delicious salmon recipes...
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