Ultimate Guide on How to Cook Salmon

Photo by 李 季霖 is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0

Salmon is a delicious, versatile and nutritious fish option that acts as a great base for so many different cooking methods. Rich in natural flavor and texture, it is a popular and healthy option that makes an excellent meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through various cooking methods for salmon, as well as provide inspiration for side dishes and knowledge on some frequently asked questions. Before buying salmon, you might be curious about the different cuts or the difference between wild caught and farm raised salmon.

Cuts of Salmon

You will typically find salmon sold in two different cuts, salmon filets and salmon steaks. Salmon filets are cut horizontally across the body of the fish, while steaks are cut vertically, with the bones and skin intact. Salmon steaks are great when pan seared or baked, while salmon filets allow more versatility in your preparation. Regardless of your preference on cut, each will provide the same delicious flavor and flaky texture that makes salmon so delicious.

Farmed vs. Wild Salmon

In addition to different cuts of salmon, there are other classifications including wild caught versus farmed salmon. Unlike the cut, which has little effect on the taste, wild caught salmon and farm raised salmon can differ in terms of flavor and nutritional value.

Wild Salmon

Wild caught salmon is typically recognized as superior to farm raised, not only because of its flavor, but because of its nutritional value as well. Wild salmon tends to have fewer harmful pollutants, while also containing less fat and calories than farmed raised salmon. In addition, wild salmon is typically richer in color than farm raised due to the salmon’s natural diet.

Farmed Salmon

Farm raised salmon, as opposed to wild caught, is typically lighter in hue indicating potentially less nutrients than their wild caught counterparts. Additionally, farm salmon tends to contain a higher fat content and calorie count than wild caught.

Here at Maine Lobster House, we choose to deliver only the best quality wild caught salmon filets directly to your door. Partnering with local fishermen, we catch, flash freeze and ship right to your home, ensuring incredible quality and flavor.

What to serve with Salmon

Once you select a cooking method that works for you, you’ll probably also want some inspiration for side dishes. Salmon is such a versatile fish, it can be served with so many delicious sides. For a healthy option, green vegetables like broccoli, asparagus or snow peas make an excellent choice. Other options include mashed potatoes or steamed jasmine rice.

Salmon Nutritional Information

In addition to the delicious flavor and versatility of salmon, another great reason to eat salmon are the incredible health benefits. Rich in healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins and minerals, salmon provides an excellent source of protein and balanced nutrients for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

If you’re in need of an easy weeknight dinner recipe, oven baked salmon is the way to go! Easily feed a large number of people with ease with this quick and easy cooking method.

Ingredients for Baked Salmon

• 2 salmon filets
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 2 teaspoons of black pepper
• 1 Lemon

Tools:

• Sheet pan
• Aluminum foil

Steps:

• Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and place salmon filet on top.
• Sprinkle each filet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt to taste, and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
• Cut a lemon in half and juice half the lemon over each piece of salmon.
• When oven is heated, place baking sheet in the oven and let cook for approximately 15 minutes.
• Check for doneness by seeing if the salmon easily flakes with a fork. Alternatively, insert a cooking thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon filet and make sure it reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Serve baked salmon hot out of the oven with a squeeze of fresh lemon and your favorite side, like green vegetables and steamed rice.

This easy baked salmon recipe is perfect to keep in your meal rotation for a healthy and delicious dinner in minutes. For fresh and delicious, wild-caught salmon delivered directly to your door - place an order with us today!

Oven Baked Salmon

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SERVINGS

2 people

PRE TIME

5

COOK TIME

15

COURSE

Main Course

Learn how to make this recipe with straightforward instructions, helpful technique notes, and pro tips for better flavor and texture. We include timing guidance, doneness targets, and serving recommendations so you can cook with confidence.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 salmon filets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt
• to taste
• 2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 lemon

DIRECTIONS

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit

2. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and place salmon filet on top

3. Sprinkle each filet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt to taste, and 1 teaspoon of pepper

4. Cut a lemon in half and juice half the lemon over each filet of salmon

5. Place baking sheet in the oven (once preheated) and let cook for approximately 15 minutes

6. Check for doneness by seeing if the salmon easily flakes with a fork.

   Alternatively, insert a cooking thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon filet and make sure it reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit

7. Serve baked salmon hot out of the oven with a squeeze of fresh lemon and your favorite side, like green vegetables and steamed rice