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Tips and Tricks for Preparing and Cooking Salmon!
October 8, 2025
Start at the Store
Salmon is one of the most versatile fish to cook with and also one of the most accessible. Having a good understanding of where to buy salmon and what to look for is the first step to creating a fantastic and flavorful dish.
Chef Ari Miller, a Philadelphia-based chef and sustainability consultant, says that “the most important ingredient when cooking salmon is the sourcing,” which is why he always looks for ASC certified seafood. With so many options out there, ASC’s sea green label is the best way to know the salmon you’re serving was farmed with care, for people and planet.
“We encourage home chefs to think outside the box when it comes to farm raised seafood. When it’s done right, responsibly farmed salmon is on par with wild caught salmon and sometimes even offers a slightly more consistent and delicate flavor due to fat content, which is often preferred by chefs,” says ASC North America’s Marketing Manager, Athena Davis.
Once you’ve made the choice to purchase a good quality cut of salmon from a reputable source (pro tip: Costco has delicious responsibly farmed salmon fillets for a great value), the world is your oyster when it comes to preparation methods.
So now you have your salmon, but not sure where to start? Fear not. “If you undercook it, it’s delicious. If you overcook it, technically no crime has been committed!” says Miller. You can always flake some overcooked salmon, mix with mayo and celery, and you’ve got an easy and delicious salmon salad. Now let’s get into methods.
Pan-seared Perfection
“Pan searing is a tried-and-true method and one of my favorite ways to achieve that exquisite balance of tender, flaky fish packed between crispy glazed skin,” says Davis. Pan-searing on the stove allows you to keep a close watch on the fish so you can cook it just right.
Begin with a fillet at room temperature and pat it dry. Miller suggests rubbing the skin with some quality olive oil and seasoning with a sprinkle of salt. “If you’re feeling fancy, give a shake of your favorite spice,” he adds. Ensure you have high-quality stainless steel or cast-iron skillet before placing the salmon skin side down and turning on medium heat.
According to the culinary team behind ASC certified salmon farm Atlantic Sapphire and Bluehouse Salmon, based in Homestead Florida, it’s best to cook your salmon fillets for about 4–5 minutes on the skin side, then flip and cook an additional 2–3 minutes, depending on thickness. “A golden crust signals perfection.”
Once you feel comfortable with pan-searing, why not mix it up by trying this sweet and spicy mouthwatering miso soy glazed salmon recipe?
Oven-roasted Goodness
Oven roasting salmon is great for folks who like a more hands-off approach in the kitchen. Ensure the oven is pre-heated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, season or marinate your fillet(s) to your desire! The Bluehouse Salmon’s culinary experts suggest oven roasts can be made simply, yet well “with lemon slices, garlic cloves, or fresh herbs.” A favorite recipe is their Parmesan Crusted Bluehouse Salmon that’s prepared in the oven “because it’s quick, easy, and even kid approved!” Watch the recipe video here.
Another simple way to cook salmon, especially with limited time, is to place undressed salmon in the oven then add it to a colorful bowl as the perfect protein addition. Try this Salmon and Avocado Rainbow Salad – sure to be your next go-to power bowl.
Out at the Grill
Salmon truly is a fish for all seasons. Get the grill out anytime of year to enjoy the savory, smoky and flaky goodness of salmon! Grilling your salmon is a great way to highlight its natural flavors. Just preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates well. Brush the salmon with olive oil and season it in whichever way you choose. Grill skin-side down first for 5–6 minutes, then flip gently and grill for another 2–4 minutes. According to Bluehouse Salmon, a fish basket or foil tray can help prevent sticking and maintain fillet integrity.
Your more typical, lightly seasoned or BBQ sauce-basted salmon fillets on the grill are always a crowd-pleaser, but Davis notes that she enjoys creating unexpected dishes that take full advantage of the open flame flavor. These salmon tikka skewers with raita are prepped into bite-size chunks, making for a quick cooking time and succulent flame-kissed final product that’s smoky flavor is complemented by the cooling qualities of bright, herbed yogurt sauce.
Practice Poaching
Poached salmon is not an immediate go-to for many people, but it’s an underrated method that delivers perfectly cooked, tender salmon with nuanced flavors resulting from baking the salmon in its own broth. Here’s how to do it according to the Bluehouse team: in a shallow pan, bring a poaching liquid—such as water, broth, or a wine and herb mix—to just below a simmer. Submerge the salmon and cook gently for 10–15 minutes. The low temperature helps retain moisture and is ideal for cold preparations like salads.
An easy starter recipe is this poached salmon with lemon and herbs, using less than 10 ingredients and a simple foil packet technique that allows the fish to deeply marinate as it cooks.
The Trusty Air Fryer
The air fryer delivers a crispy outside while keeping the center moist. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Lightly oil the salmon and season to taste. Place in the basket skin-side down and cook for 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness. No flipping needed. It’s quick, clean, and perfect for weeknight meals.
Some More Salmon Tips
For a quick seasoning, stick with sea salt, cracked pepper, and citrus zest. For marinades, combine olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs—marinate for no more than 30 minutes to avoid over-curing the flesh.
Foil is helpful in oven or grill cooking for easy cleanup and to trap moisture. However, for crisp skin or a good sear, direct contact with the pan is key.
What to pair with salmon? Salmon goes great with so many sides and additions! Pair the fillet with anything from leafy greens to roasted cauliflower, charred broccoli or grilled zucchini! It’s great “to just see what looks best and tastiest at your farmer’s market and ask the farmer what they recommend,” suggests Miller. Plus, a splash of wine with your fish can’t hurt. Check out our Guide to Wine and Seafood Pairing blog to learn more!
If you have any leftover salmon, make the most of it! Simple recipes like this Salmon Pickled Pepper Cream Cheese Spread are perfect for leftover salmon and a sure crowd-pleaser!
