Perfect Salmon Every Time: 5 Foolproof Cooking Methods

Salmon Recipes: There’s nothing worse than dry, overcooked salmon—but when done right, it’s buttery, flaky, and full of flavor! Whether you’re pan-searing, baking, grilling, or air frying, I’m sharing my tested-and-perfected techniques to cook salmon perfectly every single time.

As someone who’s cooked salmon hundreds of ways (and made plenty of mistakes along the way!), I’ve narrowed it down to the absolute best methods that guarantee restaurant-quality results at home. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Salmon Recipes

✅ Never dry again – Hit that perfect flaky-but-moist texture
✅ Ready in <20 minutes – Most methods are lightning fast
✅ Endless flavor options – From lemon-dill to maple-glazed
✅ Works with any cut – Fillets, steaks, or even whole fish
✅ Healthy & impressive – Looks fancy but couldn’t be easier

Pro Tip: Always pat salmon dry before cooking for perfect searing!

1. Perfect Pan-Seared Salmon

Crispy skin, buttery flesh in 10 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 2 salmon fillets (6-8oz each), skin-on
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• Lemon wedges to serve

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Salmon

• Pat completely dry with paper towels
• Season flesh side with salt & pepper

2. Heat the Pan

• Heat heavy skillet (cast iron ideal) over medium-high
• Add oil – should shimmer but not smoke

3. Cook Skin-Side Down

• Place salmon skin-down – should sizzle immediately
• Press gently for 30 sec to prevent curling
• Cook undisturbed 4-5 minutes until skin releases easily

4. Flip & Finish

• Add butter to pan
• Flip salmon, cook 2-3 minutes until 125°F internal temp
• Baste with butter for extra flavor

5. Rest & Serve

• Rest 3 minutes before serving
• Squeeze lemon over top

Serving Idea: With roasted asparagus & wild rice

2. Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon

Easy hands-off cooking with bright flavors

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 4 salmon fillets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon (zest + juice)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make Marinade

• Whisk oil, garlic, lemon zest/juice, oregano & salt

2. Prep & Marinate

• Place salmon in baking dish
• Pour marinade over, turning to coat
• Marinate 15-30 mins (not longer!)

3. Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F
• Bake 12-15 minutes until 130°F
• Broil 1-2 minutes for color

Pro Tip: Line pan with parchment for easy cleanup

3. Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

Smoky, restaurant-worthy results

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 1 lb salmon fillet
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cedar plank (soaked 1+ hour)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep Plank & Salmon

• Soak plank in water 1+ hours
• Mix syrup, mustard & paprika
• Brush over salmon

2. Grill

• Heat grill to medium (400°F)
• Place salmon on plank
• Close lid, cook 15-20 minutes

3. Finish

• Optional: Brush with extra glaze last 5 minutes

FAQs

1. Skin on or off?
→ On for pan-searing (gets crispy), off for baking

2. How to tell when done?
→ Flakes easily & 125-130°F internal temp

3. Best salmon type?
→ Wild-caught for flavor, farmed for fattiness

4. Fishy smell?
→ Soak in milk 20 mins before cooking

5. Leftover ideas?
→ Salmon salads, pasta, or cakes

Recipe Variations

Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

Brush with teriyaki sauce last 5 minutes

Pesto Crusted Salmon

Top with pesto + breadcrumbs before baking

Final Thoughts

Once you master these basic methods, you’ll never overcook salmon again! Which technique will you try first?

Pro Tip: Save skin to make crispy salmon cracklings!