10 Easy Ways to Cook Salmon

Baked salmon is salmon that is oven-cooked.

I love baked salmon because it's easy to accomplish and always comes out moist and delicious.

This recipe is my go-to when making a quick and tasty baked salmon because it only takes 30 minutes and walks you through the process.

Baked salmon also tends to taste a bit milder than other methods of cooking salmon, making it an excellent option for those who are not big fans of fish.

For this reason, I typically make baked salmon when cooking for other people, such as for a potluck or party, to ensure that most people will love it.

To broil salmon, heat your broiler to high and then place the salmon skin-side down on a lightly oiled baking sheet.

Broiling is very similar to grilling because it uses high heat to cook the salmon quickly.

The main difference is that with grilling, you cook the salmon directly over the heat source, whereas with broiling, the heat source is above the salmon.

I like to broil salmon because it gives the fish a nice crispy skin. Plus, it is a great option when you are short on time because it only takes 15 minutes to prep and cook!

As mentioned above, grilled salmon calls for high-heat cooking.

Grilling salmon results in a smokey flavor, which is ideal when you're eating salmon with savory side dishes such as mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables.

To grill salmon, you'll want to heat your grill to medium-high heat and then oil the grill first so that the salmon doesn't stick.

Grilling is one of the best ways to cook salmon because adding additional, flavorful ingredients, such as soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon, and garlic, is easy.

And the best part? Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, making this grilled salmon a great addition to your lunchtime salad.

To poach salmon, you’ll need to cook it in a flavorful liquid, such as water, broth, or wine.

The benefit of cooking salmon this way is that it infuses the salmon with additional flavor.

Poaching is an excellent option if you're looking for a healthy way to cook salmon because there is no need to add additional oils or fats.

However, because the cooking liquid does not come into contact with the heat source, it can be more difficult to control the cooking temperature, so it is crucial to keep an eye on the salmon while it is poaching.

Sous Vide salmon isn't the most common, but it's undoubtedly one of the best ways to cook salmon.

This method involves cooking the salmon in a vacuum-sealed bag in a water bath.

Sous Vide salmon is cooked at a lower temperature for a longer period, which results in a more evenly cooked piece of salmon.

This method is also a fantastic choice if you want to avoid overcooking your salmon, as it is challenging to overcook salmon when using the Sous Vide method, which is why I preferred it when I started learning to cook.

Slow-roasted meat and fish are also so delicious, and slow-roasted salmon is no exception.

To slow-roast salmon, you'll want to set your oven to a low temperature, around 250 degrees F.

This method of cooking salmon is great because it results in a very moist, tender, and flavorful piece of salmon.

I also love slow-roasted salmon because it's easy to make ahead of time and doesn't require much attention while cooking.

Saving time while still creating something delicious is a win-win for me.

I typically pair slow-roasted salmon with decadent sides, such as lemon garlic pasta or coconut rice.

Steaming salmon is one of the healthiest ways to cook salmon and one of the easiest, as long as you have a steamer basket.

This recipe also calls for one pot, making cleanup a breeze. 

To steam salmon, you'll want to heat your water to boiling and then place the salmon in the steamer basket.

Cover the salmon and allow it to steam until thoroughly cooked. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon.

I like to steam salmon when looking for a healthy, light meal. Steamed salmon goes particularly well with garlic and herbs.

Air fryers have become increasingly popular since you can ensure crispy textures without the high fat and calorie content you get from a deep fryer.

I appreciate that with an air fryer, I can make salmon that has seared edges while maintaining a center that's simultaneously juicy and flaky — yum!

To cook salmon in an air fryer, you'll want to start by seasoning the salmon with your favorite spices.

Spices that pair well with air fryer salmon include pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, but you can use any spices you have on hand and enjoy.

Air fryers are also quick so that you can enjoy your salmon in as little as 10 minutes!

Pan-fried is a tried and true way of making salmon that results in crispy skin and juicy, flavorful flesh.

Pan-frying salmon is also one of the easiest ways if you're already used to pan-frying on the stove.

All you have to do is heat some oil in a skillet over medium-to-high heat and then place the salmon skin-side down in the pan.

I usually opt for pan frying when I'm in a rush or want a simple weeknight meal.

I'll use the same pan afterward to cook my sides, such as veggies or potatoes, making for even less cleanup.

If you like the idea of pan frying but wish to take it up a notch, try cooking your salmon in a cast iron skillet.

Cast iron skillets are great for cooking salmon because they help to sear the flesh and create a crispy skin.

Cooking with a cast iron skillet is similar to pan frying, as you'll heat the skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil and then placing the salmon skin-side down in the pan.

I love cast iron skillet salmon because it's quick and easy but still has that wow factor when you serve it at dinner.