Salmon Baking Time Simplified

Baked salmon is a versatile dish that can be made with just a few simple ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It's a great option for a quick, healthy, and tasty weeknight dinner, and can be served with a variety of side dishes to keep things interesting. The key to perfectly baked salmon is to avoid overcooking it, as this can dry out the fish. Depending on the size and thickness of your salmon fillets, the baking time will vary, but generally, it should be baked for 12-20 minutes at a temperature of around 350-400°F.

How to bake salmon in the oven

Baking salmon in the oven is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly baked salmon every time.

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillets or a large side of salmon
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon
• Fresh herbs (optional)
• Garlic (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for baking salmon is between 350°F and 400°F. A lower temperature of 375°F is recommended to keep the salmon moist and prevent overcooking.
• Prepare the salmon by removing it from its packaging and patting it dry with paper towels. You can leave the skin on or remove it, according to your preference.
• Line a baking sheet or dish with aluminium foil or parchment paper. Greasing the foil or using a non-stick spray will make cleanup easier.
• Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet. For added moisture and flavour, you can brush the salmon with olive oil or melted butter.
• Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings or fresh herbs, such as lemon slices, garlic, parsley, dill, or thyme.
• Bake the salmon in the preheated oven. The baking time will depend on the size and thickness of your salmon. As a guide:

• Individual salmon fillets (6 ounces) bake for 12-15 minutes at 400°F.
• Thicker salmon fillets (over 1 inch) bake for 13-15 minutes at 375°F.
• A whole side of salmon (2 pounds) bakes for 15-20 minutes at 375°F.

• Check for doneness by using a fork to flake the thickest part of the salmon. It should be opaque and easily flake, but still slightly translucent in the centre. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 125°F to 145°F.
• Once the salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Salmon:

• Do not overcook the salmon. It is better to remove it from the oven when it is slightly underdone and let it rest, as it will continue to cook.
• The salmon skin helps protect the fillet from the heat and keeps it moist, so it is recommended to leave it on during baking and remove it before serving.
• To prevent a thick white layer of albumin (a protein in the salmon) from forming, cook the salmon at a gentle temperature.
• For easy cleanup, bake the salmon in a foil packet or on a lined sheet pan.

Baked salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, potatoes, asparagus, rice, or salads. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

How long to bake salmon fillets

Baking salmon fillets is a quick and easy way to make a nutritious and delicious meal. The time it takes to bake salmon fillets depends on the thickness of the fillets and your oven, but it usually doesn't take longer than 20 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how long to bake salmon fillets:

Prepare the Salmon Fillets:

Before baking, it's important to prepare the salmon fillets properly. Here are the steps to follow:

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Removing any excess moisture will help the seasonings stick to the fish and promote even cooking.
• Let the salmon fillets come to room temperature. Taking the chill off the fish by letting it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes ensures more even cooking.
• Preheat the oven: Most recipes recommend preheating your oven to between 350°F and 425°F. A higher temperature will cook the salmon faster, resulting in tender and buttery fillets.
• Line a baking tray or sheet: It's recommended to line your baking tray or sheet with foil, parchment paper, or a silicone mat to make cleaning easier.

Season the Salmon Fillets:

Salmon is a versatile fish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here are some common steps and ingredients for seasoning:

• Brush or rub the salmon with oil or melted butter: This helps to keep the salmon moist during cooking and adds flavour.
• Season with salt and pepper: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the fillets. You can also add other seasonings like garlic, herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), or spices like paprika.
• Add lemon: Lemon juice or slices of lemon can be added to the salmon before baking, providing a bright and zesty flavour.

Bake the Salmon Fillets:

Once your salmon fillets are prepared and seasoned, it's time to bake them. Here are the key points to remember:

• Place the fillets skin-side down: This helps to cook the salmon more evenly and retain moisture.
• Baking time: The baking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. As a general rule, allow 4-6 minutes of baking time per half-inch thickness of salmon. For example:
• For a normal-sized salmon fillet (about 1 inch thick), bake for 12 to 13 minutes.
• For a thicker salmon fillet (about 1.5 inches thick), bake for 13 to 15 minutes.
• For a whole side of salmon, bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Check for doneness: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque colour. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 125°F to 145°F for moist and perfectly cooked salmon.

Serving and Storing:

• Serving suggestions: Salmon goes well with a variety of side dishes, including roasted vegetables, grains like rice or quinoa, and potatoes. It can be served hot or cold.
• Storing leftovers: Baked salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Baking salmon fillets is a simple and quick way to prepare a healthy and tasty meal. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your salmon is cooked to perfection every time.

How to know when salmon is done baking

There are several ways to check if your salmon is done baking. Firstly, it's important to note that the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet or steak, so it's a good idea to monitor the fish closely while it's in the oven.

Colour

The colour of cooked salmon should be opaque and have a pink or orange hue, depending on the species. The flesh should no longer be translucent or raw-looking. If it still looks translucent, it needs more time. If it looks white, it may be overcooked.

Separation

As salmon cooks, the flakes of flesh will begin to separate slightly. It should be flaky but still moist. If the salmon appears mushy or falls apart, it may be overcooked.

Firmness

When you press down gently on the flesh with a fork or your finger, it should feel slightly resistant but still give way easily. It should be firm but still moist. If the salmon is still hard or resists your fork, it may need more time. If it is dry, it may be overcooked.

Texture

Cooked salmon should be opaque, flaky, and moist. If it is hard or appears translucent, it may need more time. If it is mushy or overcooked, it has likely been cooked for too long.

Temperature

The best way to check the temperature is to use a kitchen thermometer. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the salmon fillet, ensuring it does not touch the bone or the pan. The thickest part of a piece of cooked salmon should have a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Flake Test

Another way to check if your salmon is done is to use a fork or your finger to gently press down on the top of the fillet. If the flesh flakes and separates easily along the white lines that run across the fillet, it's finished cooking.

How to store and reheat baked salmon

Storing a piece of salmon is easy. Simply put it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminium foil and put it in the fridge. It will keep for about 3-4 days.

When reheating salmon, the fish is bound to lose some moisture. Before you pop it in the oven, rub a tablespoon of olive oil or squeeze half a lemon over the surface of the fish. Both methods help preserve the original flavour and freshness of the fish. Or, reheat salmon on a pan with a splash of water before turning on the burner.

Never reheat fish inside a microwave. This will severely dry out any fillet, including salmon; and even worse, it will elicit an unfavourable, fishy aroma.

When reheating salmon, it's best to reheat it slowly, at a low temperature. Put the fish on a rimmed baking sheet and warm it in a 275°F oven for about 15 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F.

The biggest mistake made when reheating salmon is forgetting to cover the fish. Lightly wrapping a fillet in foil helps restrict that fishy smell from escaping the oven. It also ensures the edges of the fish don't dry out (or burn!) before the centre is fully warm.

To reheat oven-baked salmon, warm it slowly and at a low temperature, and add a splash of water for added moisture.

Storing Cooked Salmon in the Freezer

You can also store cooked salmon in the freezer. Wrap the salmon in plastic wrap within 2 hours of cooking it. Let the salmon cool completely before you package it or moisture will condense in the packaging. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then wrap it in aluminium foil or place it into a sealable freezer bag.

Label the package with the date you cooked the salmon. Write "cooked salmon" on the package, too. Place the packaged fish into your freezer and use it within 3 months or before it develops freezer burn.

Using Leftover Salmon

Instead of simply reheating a fillet, flake your leftover salmon and use it in chowder, curry, salmon spread, or salmon burgers.

You don't have to reheat leftover salmon to make a tasty meal. Use cold flaked salmon to make creamy or fresh salads. Remove the refrigerated or thawed salmon and use a fork to break it into chunks or flakes. Then, mix it with mayonnaise, celery, and pickle relish for a different take on a tuna sandwich, or place the flaked fish on salad greens or blanched green beans.

What to serve with baked salmon

Baked salmon is a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides, from vegetables to grains, pasta, and more. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your baked salmon:

Vegetables

• Asparagus – a classic pairing with salmon. Try it roasted or with hollandaise sauce.
• Broccoli – roasted with parmesan, or in a cheesy garlicky skillet.
• Brussels sprouts – roasted or with honey balsamic glaze.
• Cabbage – try it oven-roasted, in a slaw, or caramelised.
• Carrots – roasted with honey or balsamic glaze, or with a miso glaze for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Cauliflower – roasted, grilled, or steamed.
• Green beans – buttery garlic green beans or air fryer green beans.
• Bok Choy – seared and steamed baby bok choy.

Potatoes

• Roasted potatoes – try them with herbs, parmesan, or garlic butter.
• Mashed potatoes – classic or sweet.
• Sweet potatoes – roasted or mashed.

Rice and Grains

• Couscous – try it with herbs and lemon, or with nuts, raisins, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
• Rice – cilantro lime rice, lemon rice, or sesame rice.
• Farro – in a salad with veggies and nuts.
• Risotto – creamy mushroom risotto or spinach risotto.
• Quinoa – in a Mediterranean salad.

Pasta

• Orzo – creamy spinach and parmesan or with lemon herb and green beans.
• Pesto fettuccine – a simple and tasty dish.
• Pasta salad – lemon herb, or with tomato and chickpeas.
• Gnocchi – with green beans and asparagus.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Get creative and experiment with different flavours and ingredients to find your perfect pairing!

Frequently asked questions