salmon recipes

Essential Salmon Recipes

Salmon is one of the most versatile proteins—it's heart-healthy, cooks quickly, and pairs well with everything from citrus to soy. Here are three top-rated ways to prepare it.

1. Garlic Butter Baked Salmon (Foolproof Method)

Best for: Easy weeknight dinners and cooking for a crowd.

Ingredients

Salmon: 1.5 to 2 lb side of salmon (or 4 individual fillets)

Fat: 3 tbsp melted butter (or olive oil)

Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning: 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper

Acid: 1/2 lemon, sliced into rings

Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

Season: Place salmon on the sheet. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, and spices. Brush the mixture generously over the salmon.

Topping: Lay lemon slices on top of the fish.

Bake: Roast for 12–15 minutes (for fillets) or 15–20 minutes (for a whole side).

Finish: The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F or flakes easily with a fork.

2. Honey Garlic Pan-Seared Salmon

Best for: A restaurant-quality crispy skin and a sticky, sweet glaze.

Ingredients

Salmon: 2 individual fillets (skin-on preferred)

Glaze: 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp lemon juice

Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic, minced

Searing: 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Pat Dry: Use paper towels to dry the salmon skin thoroughly—this ensures it gets crispy. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Sear: Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down. Press gently with a spatula for 30 seconds.

Flip: Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is very crispy. Flip the fillets.

Glaze: Lower heat to medium. Add garlic to the pan for 30 seconds, then pour in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice.

Baste: Let the sauce bubble and thicken. Use a spoon to pour the glaze over the salmon repeatedly for 2–3 minutes until the fish is cooked through.

3. Mediterranean Lemon-Herb Marinade

Best for: Grilling or Air Frying.

Ingredients

Base: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Acid: Juice and zest of 1 large lemon

Herbs: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)

Punch: 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 cloves minced garlic

Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Marinate: Whisk all ingredients in a shallow dish. Add salmon fillets and coat well. Let sit for 20–30 minutes at room temperature (don't go longer than 1 hour or the lemon will "cook" the fish).

To Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Oil the grates. Grill skin-side down for 5 minutes, flip, and grill for another 3-4 minutes.

To Air Fry: Place in the air fryer basket at 380°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes depending on thickness.

Pro Tips for Perfect Salmon

Room Temp: Take the salmon out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.

Don't Overcook: Salmon continues to cook for a minute after being removed from the heat. Aim for a slightly translucent center if you prefer it medium.

Skin Removal: If you don't like the skin, bake it skin-side down on foil. Once cooked, the meat will slide right off the skin with a spatula.