This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy.
Want dinner ideas? These easy salmon recipes are some of the best ways to include this tender fish on your table!
Looking for salmon dinner ideas? This fish is a popular choice when it comes to meals, but it’s notoriously tricky to cook it right. Here at A Couple Cooks, we’ve become salmon experts by testing out all the best salmon recipes to make dinnertime delicious! Try it seared, baked, or grilled, with a butter sauce or smothered in a sticky glaze. Or think outside the fillet with burgers, tacos, salad and more!
Looking for salmon basics? Try it pan seared, marinated, grilled, baked or broiled. Learn how to know when salmon is done, and browse ideas for leftover salmon.
And now…our top salmon recipes!
Garlic Butter Salmon
If there’s a perfect flavor combination, it's garlic butter lemon salmon! This recipe pairs these natural partners in harmony, making aneasy dinnerin less than 30 minutes. It’s zingy from the lemon, rich from the butter and savory from the garlic, making this tender fish taste sublime! This easysalmon recipeworks for weeknights and dinner parties, making it one ideal back-pocket idea.
Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Salmon
Want a dinner recipe that’s easy and impressive? Try thisspinach artichoke stuffed salmonrecipe! A creamy, savory filling flavored like yourfavorite dipis the ideal contrast to flaky, tender salmon. This might be one of our favorite salmon recipes because it’s so simple and a total showstopper.
Salmon Rice Crunch Bowl
Here’s a dinner idea we could eat on repeat every night of the week:Salmon Rice Crunch Bowls! This tasty bowl of salmon and rice has a few flavor secrets that make it over-the-top craveable. The chunks of tender fish are covered in an irresistible savory, garlicky and a little sweetsalmon marinade. Combine that with fluffy rice and fresh veggies, then cover it with aspicy mayoto really make it pop.
Honey Garlic Salmon
When it comes to flavor and simplicity, thisHoney Garlic Salmonrecipe delivers. The salmon is pan fried for brown, seared exterior, then baked in the oven until it’s perfectly tender. Drench it all in this stickyhoney garlic sauce, a sweet savory glaze that adds layers of complexity in flavor. It’s one of our top salmon dinner ideas to make at home!
Easy Salmon Bites
Looking for a fun way to mix up dinner? Try thissalmon bites recipe! Salmon is tasty in a fillet and all, but have you ever tried slicing it into pieces before cooking? It makes perfectly seasoned bites that are simple to eat and perfect for serving over salads or in a bowl meal. As a bonus, they’re great for kids: making it a meal the entire family will love!
Salmon Tacos with Avocado Sauce
If there’s one salmon recipe that always goes over well in this house, it’s tacos. These salmon tacos are bursting with fresh, zingy flavor, pairing blackened salmon with pineapple pico and a creamy greenavocado sauce. It’s aneasy healthy dinnerthat tastes restaurant-style, but you can whip it up in about 30 minutes.
Easy Grilled Salmon
Salmon is notoriously easy to over cook and under-season. Meet thePerfect Grilled Salmon! It’s an easy method and comes out tender with a lightly crisp crust. Even better, it’s sprinkled with our tasty magical seasoning blend: or you can make Grilled Marinated Salmon with this tasty juicy marinade.
Miso Salmon
Here’s an impressive dinner idea that’s packed withumamiand fantastically irresistible:Miso Salmon! Miso makes magic in the kitchen: it adds incredible savory flavor to everything it touches. Here it features in amiso glazethat’s so full of flavor, you’ll want to brush a glossy swipe onto just about everything.
Cajun Salmon
Want a salmon recipe to impress? ThisCajun Salmonis so tender and full of savory flavor, everyone around the table will fall head over heels. This beautiful piece of fish has a crispy blackened top, seasoned with a special blend of homemade Cajun spices. It packs a bit of heat, just enough to make you immediately want another bite.
Salmon Burgers
Here’s an impressive dinner idea that’s calling your name: these irresistibleSalmon Burgers! Each bite is hearty and juicy, topped with a creamyremoulade saucethat takes it to rockstar status. It's every bit as satisfying as a standard burger.
Here’s adinner ideathat gives you maximum return on investment: this Honey Glazed Salmon recipe! In under 30 minutes, you’ve got tender, flaky salmon fillets that are bursting with flavor from a sticky glaze of honey, soy sauce, miso and garlic. That’s what we mean by return on investment: there’s little time needed to make this incredible dish that will have everyone licking their plates clean!
Easy Pan Seared Salmon
Here’s a basic method every cook should know: Pan Seared Salmon! This is one of the best ways to cook salmon in a flash because it’s fast, it’s easy, and it results in incredible flavor. Pan fried is quicker than baked: plus you get the perfect crispy crust on the salmon.
Greek Salmon Salad
Looking for fun dinner ideas? ThisGreek salmon saladis healthy and satisfying, full of boldMediterranean flavors! The star of the show issalmon bites, bite-sized pieces that add a pop of protein to each bite. Layer them over juicy tomatoes, cool cucumber, and feta cheese, and it’s a crowd-pleasing dinner idea that’s ideal insummeror anytime.
Easy Marinaded Salmon
Want to step up your fish? Here’s an easy way: this flavor-poppingmarinaded salmon! It’s salty, tangy, garlicky, and a little sweet from brown sugar, resulting in a bite that’s positively bursting with flavor! Even better, the ingredients are ones you likely already have on hand, making this extremely simple to whip up.
Lemon Dill Salmon
Need an easy salmon dinner idea? Enter: Lemon Dill Salmon! It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s even fancy enough for entertaining. Throw it on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake for 10 minutes! It comes out perfectly savory, and doused in a zingy lemon dill sauce it’s pretty irresistible.
Baked Salmon Pasta
Looking for easy salmon recipes? Here’s one to add to your regular rotation: try this bakedSalmon Pasta recipe! This recipe is bursting with flavor, from tender flakes of salmon, zingy lemon and capers, and mix ofMediterranean-style vegetables. Salty feta cheese crumbles are baked right along with the salmon, and when you mix it all together it’s a true symphony of flavor.
Brown Sugar Salmon
We’re always game for morefast and easy dinner ideas, and this is one to bookmark to make on repeat.Brown sugar salmonis simple and comes together quickly with just a few pantry ingredients! It’s a fun trick to whip out for a weeknight meal or when you’re entertaining guests, and it comes together in a flash.
Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan Meal
We’ve got a new solution to an easy salmon recipe that pleases everyone: BakedSalmon and Asparagus! It’s simple, it’s elegant, but it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. Roasting it up on a sheet pan with lemon slices and fresh herbs adds effortless flavor that feels fresh yet refined.
Salmon with Capers
Another easy salmon recipe? Try Salmon with Capers! Thebaked salmonis infused with lemon and herbs and cooked until it’s perfectly moist. Then drizzle over a silkylemon caper sauce. Just a small drizzle packs a huge punch — and the modest quantity keeps it healthy
Lemon Pepper Salmon
Got a fillet of fish and need some ideas? Try thislemon pepper salmon recipeto cook it up into an easy and flavorful meal! Season the fillet with lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper, then pop it in the broiler or oven. It comes out incredibly moist and tender, with citrusy, savory notes to each bite.
Easy Oven Baked Salmon
Salmon for dinner? Here’s an easy method for oven baked salmon that works every time! Salmon is deceptively hard to cook. With many different varieties and thicknesses of fish, it can be hard to get it right! This baked salmon in foil removes the guesswork so that the fish comes out tender and flaky. It’s the perfect healthy dinner recipe and takes just 30 minutes to make.
Simple Salmon Bowl
So here’s a fun salmon dinner idea: the Simple Salmon Bowl! The tender, seasoned fish is offset with rice, crisp tender broccoli, and covered in an easy, creamy flavor popping sauce. Drizzle with Tahini DressingorMiso Dressing, and prepare to beamazed.
Pesto Salmon
Want the perfect zingy sauce to add life to baked salmon? Try thisPesto Salmon! Bright green pesto goes hand in hand with tender baked fish to make a stunning dinner. Because really: what isn’t better with a little pesto on top? The savory, garlicky sauce makes the flaky fish pop: you’ll already be taking your second bite before finishing the first.
Salmon Caesar Salad
Imagine: tender, perfectly seasoned chunks of salmon nestled with bursts of crunchy romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes and crunchy croutons. It’s all covered in a creamy homemadeCaesar dressingthat makes each bite absolutelysublime. This one is a smash hit every time.
Maple Glazed Salmon
Need a salmon recipe for weeknights? Try thisMaple Glazed Salmon! The fish comes out perfectly tender and flaky, the best part? It’s liberally spread with a sweet and tangy maple balsamic glaze. This turned out so tasty, and it takes just a few minutes to cook in the broiler.
Pecan Crusted Salmon
Here’s a meal that consistently makes everyone who takes a bite sayWow. Try thisPecan Crusted Salmon! It has an air of restaurant-style fancy, but it’s quick and easy to whip up on a weeknight. It takes basic salmon to the next level, coating it in a crunchy topping of nuts, seasoned breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Salmon Sandwich with Dill Sauce
Want an interesting salmon dinner idea? Try thisSalmon Sandwich with Dill Sauce! There’s something so satisfying about a good fish sandwich, and this one is irresistibly tasty. Throw a fillet of Old-Bay seasoned pan seared salmon onto a bun, then top with feta crumbles, red onion and creamy, lemonydill sauce.
Easy Salmon Steak
Got a beautiful salmon steak and not sure how to cook it? This unique piece of fish is rich and meaty, making an impressive and fun dinner idea. We were pleasantly surprised the first time we tasted one, and it’s a nice alternative to the traditional salmon fillet. This recipe comes out perfectly seasoned, cooked with a mixture of lemon, butter and olive oil and a delicious mix of spices!
Pistachio Crusted Salmon
Looking for an easy salmon recipe to impress everyone? Try thisPistachio Crusted Salmon! This method for cooking fish seems like something you’d get at a restaurant, but it’s so simple to make. The aroma wafting from the oven will have you salivating before the food even reaches your plate! Each bite of tender fish and the crunchy, Parmesan pistachio topping makes you immediately want to take another.
Lemon Garlic Salmon
Love salmon and looking for a new way to prepare it? Try thisLemon Garlic Salmon! The tender, flaky fish is draped in alemon butter saucethat tastes like pure gold. It’s rich and zingy, bringing a pop of flavor to each bite. Adding a sauce makes this salmon so much more flavorful than cooking it with lemon or even just spritzing it with juice.
Quick Broiled Salmon
One of the best ways to cook salmon? Broiled! Do away with your baked salmon recipes: with broiled, you don’t even need to preheat your oven! Let it come to room temp, then broil it for 7 to 10 minutes until cooked through. Easy as that! While it broils, we highly recommend making up ourlemon caper sauce. It makes the fish sing with tangy and briny flavor!
Blackened Salmon
ThisBlackened Salmonis so flavor filled, you’ll feel like you ordered it at a restaurant. Even better: it’sfast and easy. The cooking process takes just 5 to 8 minutes. The homemadeblackened seasoninghas a savory intrigue and makes a crispy black crust on the outside of the fish.
Teriyaki Salmon
This teriyaki salmon will become your weeknight go-to. It’s got a quick homemade teriyaki sauce, and best of all: no marinating needed! Do a quick sear on the stovetop, paint with teriyaki, then bake for a few minutes until cooked through. It’s quick and easy, and makes for a beautiful piece of salmon to adorn your plate.
Poached Salmon
Looking for a quick way to cook salmon? TryPoached Salmon! This method might not be the most popular, but it’s seriously fast and easy: just15 minutesstart to finish. The result? Perfectly tender, mild fish that melts in your mouth. Try it with acreamy sauceor flaked into asalmon Caesar salad.
Salmon Nicoise Salad
Here's a fun spin on the classic FrenchNicoise salad! Swap out the traditional tuna for salmon and you’ve got an impressive dinner that will please anyone. Use smoked or canned salmon to keep it super simple, or use whatever cooking method you like.
Tips for buying good salmon
When buying salmon for these salmon recipes, there’s one rule to keep in mind: get the best quality fish you can find and afford! Low quality salmon can taste very fishy and have a mushy texture or ooze that white stuff once it’s cooked. The quality of the fish can make or break your salmon recipe! Here’s what to look for:
- Look for wild-caught salmon.Fish that is wild caught in your country is usually a sustainable choice. (There are also quality options in well-regulated farms; seeSeafood Watch Consumer Guide.)
- Tend toward fresh salmon.Buying salmon fresh from the fish counter usually has the best flavor. Frozen can work too, just try to find high-quality frozen salmon and not a big economy-sized bag.
- Know your types of salmon.Coho salmon has a nice mild flavor: it’s a good middle of the road option in terms of price. King salmon is incredible, but on the expensive end. Atlantic salmon is often farmed, but can be a sustainable option. We find it’s better when purchased from a fresh counter (versus frozen). Ask about its source at the fish counter.
Main methods for cooking salmon
There are five main ways to cook salmon: pan fried, baked, broiled, grilled, and poached. The best way to assess doneness is with a food thermometer. Salmon is done when the internal temperature measures 125 to 130°Fat the thickest point for medium cooked salmon (medium rare is 120°F).The fish will continue to cook after you remove it from the heat. To ensure full safety, the FDA recommended temperature for seafood is 145°F or well done.
Salmon Cooking Method | Cook Time(depends on thickness) |
Pan Seared Salmon | 4 to 8 minutes on medium high heat (2 to 3 minutes skin side up to sear, then flip) |
Baked Salmon | 10 to 16 minutes at 400°F |
Broiled Salmon | 5 minutes (thin) or 7 to 10 minutes (1-inch thick salmon) |
Grilled Salmon | 5 to 10 minutes on medium high heat (375 to 450°F) (3 to 5 minutes skin side up until grill marks appear, then flip) |
Poached Salmon | 7 to 10 minutes |
The white stuff: albumin
Ever noticed that gooey white stuff that sometimes appears on the surface of the fish after it’s cooked?It’s coagulated protein that seeps to the surface while cooking, called albumin.It’s safe to eat, but it does look less than appetizing on top of a beautiful fillet. The amount of albumin varies greatly depending on the piece of fish you buy, so it’s not something you can fully control.
To reduce the albumin, experiment with different types at different grocers to find those with less white stuff. It also helps to brine the salmon in a salt and water solution before baking:
- In a large shallow dish, whisk together 4 cups room temperature water and 3 tablespoonskosher saltuntil dissolved.
- Place the salmon in the water and wait for 15 minutes.
More with salmon
There are so many ways to enjoy this tasty, tender fish! Here are a few more ideas:
- Got leftovers? Try10 Genius Leftover Salmon Recipes.
- Canned salmon makes dinner easy with these Canned Salmon Recipes.
- Opt for smoked with these Easy Smoked Salmon Recipes.
01
20 Healthy Salmon Recipes to Try
02
10 Genius Leftover Salmon Recipes
03
12 Genius Canned Salmon Recipes
04
15 Smoked Salmon Recipes
35 Easy Salmon Recipes
- Author: Sonja Overhiser
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This garlic butter salmon recipe is an easy dinner in under 30 minutes! It’s bursting with flavor from fresh lemon, butter and garlic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1pound salmon fillets, skin on (wild caught if possible)
- ¾ teaspoonkosher salt, plus more for brining
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoonsbutter
- 1 tablespoonolive oil, plus one drizzle
- 1 tablespoonlemon juice, plus a few lemon wedges
- 4garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tablespoonfinely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (if desired)
Instructions
- Brine the salmon* (optional): In a large shallow dish, whisk together 4 cups room temperature water and 3 tablespoons kosher salt until dissolved. Place the salmon in the water and wait for 15 minutes.
- If not brining, allow the salmon to come to room temperature for 15 minutes. Pat the salmon dry with a clean towel. Rub it generously with oil and sprinkle it with the kosher salt and generous grinds of fresh ground pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the butter and olive oil. When butter is melted, add the salmon skin side up and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until cooked about halfway to center of thick part of salmon.
- Reduce to medium heat and flip the salmon (a fish spatula makes easy work of it). Tilt the pan down slightly and quickly spoon the pan juices over the top of the fish a few times. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then drizzle with the lemon juice and add the minced garlic. Continuously baste the salmon by spooning the garlic butter over the salmon and cook and additional 1 to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness, until just tender and pink at the center (the internal temperature should be between 125 to 130°F in the center when removed).
- Remove from the heat. Spritz with juice from a few additional lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley (if using) and serve.
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
Keywords: Salmon recipes, salmon recipe, easy salmon recipes, salmon dinner ideas
Published on / Last updated on
Categorized In:
- Recipe Collections
- Recipes
Tagged with:
- Pescatarian
- Roundup
- Salmon
- Seafood
About the authors
Sonja & Alex
Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
About Us
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information on various topics, including salmon recipes. I can provide you with information related to the concepts used in this article. Here's what I found:
Salmon Recipes:
Salmon is a popular choice for meals, but it can be tricky to cook it right. There are numerous ways to prepare salmon, including searing, baking, grilling, and broiling. It can be served with various sauces, glazes, or as part of different dishes like burgers, tacos, salads, and more. Here are some salmon recipes mentioned in the article:
-
Garlic Butter Salmon: This recipe combines garlic, butter, and lemon to create a zingy and savory flavor. It can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and is suitable for both weeknight dinners and dinner parties.
-
Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Salmon: This recipe features a creamy and savory filling flavored like spinach artichoke dip, stuffed inside flaky salmon. It's a simple yet impressive dish.
-
Salmon Rice Crunch Bowl: This recipe combines chunks of tender salmon with fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and a spicy mayo sauce. It offers a flavorful and satisfying meal.
-
Honey Garlic Salmon: This recipe involves pan-frying the salmon for a brown, seared exterior and then baking it in the oven until perfectly tender. It is then coated with a sticky honey garlic sauce, adding layers of complexity in flavor.
-
Salmon Tacos with Avocado Sauce: These salmon tacos are bursting with fresh and zingy flavors. They feature blackened salmon, pineapple pico, and a creamy green avocado sauce. It's a quick and easy healthy dinner option.
-
Easy Grilled Salmon: Grilling salmon is a popular method, and this recipe provides a simple and flavorful way to grill salmon. It includes a tasty magical seasoning blend or a juicy marinade.
-
Miso Salmon: This recipe features a miso glaze that adds incredible savory flavor to the salmon. It's a delicious and impressive dinner idea.
-
Cajun Salmon: This recipe offers a tender and savory salmon with a crispy blackened top. It is seasoned with a special blend of homemade Cajun spices, adding a bit of heat.
-
Salmon Burgers: These salmon burgers are hearty and juicy, topped with a creamy remoulade sauce. They are a satisfying alternative to standard burgers.
-
Honey Glazed Salmon: This recipe provides tender and flaky salmon fillets with a sticky glaze made from honey, soy sauce, miso, and garlic. It's a flavorful dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
These are just a few examples of the salmon recipes mentioned in the article. There are many more recipes and variations available for cooking salmon.
Tips for Buying and Cooking Salmon:
The article also provides some tips for buying good salmon and the main methods for cooking salmon. Here's a summary:
-
Buying Salmon: When buying salmon, it's important to get the best quality fish you can find and afford. Look for wild-caught salmon, as it is usually a sustainable choice. Fresh salmon from the fish counter often has the best flavor, but high-quality frozen salmon can also work. Know the different types of salmon available, such as Coho, King, and Atlantic, and choose according to your preferences and budget.
-
Cooking Methods: There are five main ways to cook salmon: pan-fried, baked, broiled, grilled, and poached. Each method has its own advantages and can result in delicious salmon dishes. It's recommended to use a food thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked to the desired doneness. The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for seafood.
-
Albumin: The white stuff that sometimes appears on the surface of cooked salmon is called albumin. It's coagulated protein and is safe to eat. The amount of albumin can vary depending on the fish, but you can reduce it by experimenting with different types of salmon and brining the fish before cooking.
These tips can help you choose and cook salmon effectively, ensuring a delicious and enjoyable meal.
I hope this information helps you explore different salmon recipes and cooking techniques. Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with!