Heidi's 3 Favorite Ways to Cook Salmon

GRILLING

Learn how to grill salmon- a simple technique that adds great flavor to your fish.

  • Preheat grill to very hot.
  • Pat the salmon dry and brush with oil on both sides. Season salmon with your favorite flavors, or keep it simple with salt and pepper.
  • Place salmon, skin side up. Cook for 3 min, flip and cook for another 2-3 min until done.
  • There should be a slight color gradient when you check the thickest part of the fillet. If it looks cooked all the way through then it's probably over cooked.
  • HOW TO GRILL SALMON

    Learn these fast, easy steps to a perfect piece of grilled salmon from Chef Kevin Benner, formerly of Aqua by El Gaucho.

HOW CAN I TELL IF ITS DONE?

Flesh will be pale orange and flaky on the outside with a bright orange/red opaque center.

I am looking for a slight color gradient in the thickest part of the filet. The center should be slightly translucent. Remember, the salmon will continue to cook after it's removed from the heat.

Take a look! Don't be afraid to break it open. The fillet will naturally want to crack open in the thickest part where the pin bones have been removed. Use a fork or knife to check the thickest part of the salmon. You are checking for color and flakiness.

Sockeye salmon is best served medium rare. Internal temperature should be about 110-115 in the thickest part.

Just remember, always use a timer and be conservative. You can always cook it a little bit more if needed.

The below video on pan searing has some great instructions if you are new to cooking salmon! Make sure to watch the entire video!

PAN SEARING

Pan seared salmon is a good technique for beginners. We recommend using a seasoned cast iron skillet, but any non-stick pan will do.

  • Coat salmon on both sides with cooking oil.
  • Add enough cooking oil to coat the bottom of the pan and heat over medium-high heat.
  • Place salmon, skin-side up, into pan and cook until browned, about 4 minutes.
  • Carefully flip salmon and cook for another 3 minutes or until done.
  • PAN SEARING SALMON 101

    Learn an easy method for pan-seared wild Alaska sockeye salmon with YouTube chef Adam Ragusea. Pan seared salmon is quick, healthy, and delicious!

Baking

If you've got an oven and a baking dish or sheet pan, then you're all set to create this basic baked salmon recipe and master how to roast salmon!

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Line a baking dish with foil. Coat salmon with cooking oil on both sides and season to your liking.
  • Place salmon, skin-side down, in baking dish and bake for 10-15 minutes or until done.
  • Remove from oven and serve immediately.
  • HOW TO ROAST SALMON

    Roasted or baked salmon has never been easier thanks to “Alaska from Scratch” cookbook author and chef Maya Wilson.

  • HOW TO SLOW ROAST SALMON

    Award-winning chef Barton Seaver teaches a simple method for baked salmon. The secret is low and slow.

  • HOW TO BAKE SALMON AT HIGH HEAT

    Fast and flavorful! Cookbook author and chef Kim Sunée teaches us the simple technique of high heat baking.

  • HOW TO MAKE A SALMON BRUNCH SPREAD

    This snacking plate is great for guests, a date with your special someone, or Sunday brunch with friends!