To all my seafood lovers, welcome! This post rounds up all my favorite fresh salmon recipes in one convenient spot. If some flaky and juicy salmon with insanely good flavors sounds like your vibe, then keep on scrolling!
From small bites to full-side salmon feasts and grilled fillets, salmon is always perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re a salmon newbie or a seasoned grilling pro looking for fresh inspiration, there’s a simple recipe here for you to try. Who needs a fancy restaurant when you can make the best salmon right in your own backyard?
Why You’ll Love My Salmon Recipes
Salmon is seriously one of the most versatile proteins you can cook. It’s loaded with healthy fatty acids and, undoubtedly, always delivers a juicy, tender bite.
It’s also one of those types of fish that can taste amazing with simple ingredients. An easy go-to recipe for a quick dinner could be grilling with some olive oil (or unsalted butter), dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, fresh garlic and then a squeeze of lemon juice. Or, you can amp up the flavors in any number of ways, as you will soon see in my salmon recipes.
My reliable recipes make it easy to whip up restaurant-quality meals at home without breaking the bank. Plus, salmon is a nutrient-packed, healthy meal option that’s good for your heart and brain.
Tips for Cooking Salmon Recipes
- Internal Temperature: To ensure your salmon cooks perfectly, invest in an instant-read thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- Skin Side Down: Start cooking your salmon with the skin side down to get that crispy skin and then to protect the flesh from overcooking.
- Thickness Matters: Adjust your cooking times based on the thickness of your salmon fillet. Thicker pieces will need a bit more time.
- Room Temperature: Let your salmon come to room temperature before cooking for even results.
Different Types of Salmon
Alright, let’s talk salmon! Not all salmon is created equal, and knowing the different types makes you feel a little smarter. Each type has its own unique flavor, texture and best uses. Plus, where your salmon comes from can make a big difference in quality.
Here’s a quick overview of the different types of salmon and where they’re sourced, so you can make the best choice for your next meal. You can usually find high-quality salmon at your local grocery store, or, you can order online through Wild Alaskan Company or Wild Alaska Salmon & Seafood.
- Wild-Caught Salmon: Wild salmon is rich in flavor and has a firm texture. This is a great choice for those who prefer a robust taste. Some examples are King Salmon (Chinook), Sockeye and Coho Salmon, most often sourced from the Pacific Ocean, especially Alaska.
- Farmed Salmon: This type of salmon is usually the most affordable. It’s generally milder and fattier, making it very tender and moist. Atlantic Salmon is the most common variety, farmed in Norway, Chile and Canada.
Let’s dive in and discover all the ways we can make salmon taste so freakin’ delicious!
Whole Side of Salmon Recipes
Whether it’s fire-roasted, smoked or grilled; salmon sides are always satisfying to make. They feed a large crowd with minimal effort but then also with maximum results in terms of flavor and presentation. Whether you’re cooking for a backyard BBQ or a cozy dinner at home, these recipes are always a hit.
Roasted Salmon with Horseradish Sauce
Hot Smoked Salmon
Planked Salmon
Crab Stuffed Salmon
Bourbon Bacon Pecan Salmon
Teriyaki Salmon
Honey Mustard and Chili Baked Salmon
Grilled Salmon with Avocado Crema
Smoked Salmon
Leaning Salmon with Roasted Garlic Aioli
Baked, Grilled & Pan-fried Salmon Fillets
Baked, grilled and pan-fried salmon fillets never disappoint. There’s nothing like the crispy, golden exterior and tender, juicy interior that these cooking methods bring out. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Baked Wood Plank Salmon
Garlic Soy Marinated Salmon
View Recipe
Creamy Honey Cajun Salmon
Nashville Hot Cast Iron Salmon
Cast Iron Skillet Salmon
Panko Fried Wild Salmon
Salmon Bites
Salmon bites are seriously one of my all-time favorite snacks. They’re bite-sized, packed with flavor and, ultimately, always perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick, healthy snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, salmon bites never disappoint. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Hot Honey Salmon Bites
Maple Bacon Bourbon Salmon Bites
Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites
Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends
Other Fun Salmon Recipes
Salmon Al Pastor Tacos
Green Chili Salmon Pinwheels
Maple Cajun Salmon Pinwheels
Salt Baked Salmon
Salmon Wrapped Shrimp
What to Serve with Salmon
When it comes to serving salmon, the options are endless. Pair it with brown rice for a hearty, fiber-packed side that complements the richness of the fish. For something lighter, go with fresh spinach or bok choy for a nutritious and refreshing balance.
Craving comfort food? Mashed potatoes are a go-to, with their creamy texture perfectly matching the salmon. Elevate your dish by drizzling it with fresh garlic butter, making each bite even more flavorful. Roasted veggies like asparagus, carrots, and bell peppers add a colorful and tasty side that rounds out the meal perfectly.
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Born from a deep passion for food and flavor. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or live fire cooking around the world, we have what you need to transform every meal into an adventure.
For more seafood, check out my Smoked Arctic Char Wreath! It’s a fish similar to salmon, but still slightly different. Or, for more of my seafood favorites, you can also check out my Best Lobster Tail Recipes and Grilled Shrimp Recipes.
How to Store Leftover Salmon and Reheat
Storing and reheating salmon properly is key to enjoying it even after the initial meal. Place your leftover salmon in an airtight container to keep it fresh and refrigerate it for up to three days.
When it’s time to reheat, the goal is to retain the moisture and avoid drying out the fish. Reheat your salmon in the oven at a low temperature, around 275 degrees F, until it warms through. This gentle reheating method helps maintain the tender texture of the salmon.
If you have any extra sauce from the original recipe, adding it when reheating can help keep the salmon juicy and flavorful. Properly stored and reheated, your leftover salmon can be just as delightful as when it was first cooked.
FAQs for Salmon Recipes
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 145 degrees F in the thickest part of the fillet.
Yes, you can freeze cooked salmon. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or parchment paper and place it in an airtight container. Or, use a good vacuum sealer. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Start by patting the skin dry with a paper towel. Cook the salmon skin side down in a hot pan with a little olive oil over medium-high heat until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
A typical serving of salmon is about 4 to 6 ounces, so if you’re feeding a big crowd, make sure to pick up a couple of pounds of salmon.
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