How to Cook Salmon – Tips and Tricks

Salmon is a versatile fish in that there are many different ways to cook the fillets. It’s a healthy protein filled with Omega 3 Fatty Acids which have numerous health benefits, ranging from improved brain function to heart health. Salmon has lovely natural flavors so you can choose to cook and serve it unseasoned or you can add a range of seasoning to add even more flavor. The most popular methods of cooking salmon include baking, pan-frying or poaching. Read on for some handy tips on how to cook salmon.

To bake your salmon, place the fillets it on a tray that has been sprayed with olive oil spray or wrap the salmon in foil with various seasonings for example experiment with different herbs and spices or a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of soy sauce. Cook the fish in a pre-heated oven for around 15-20 minutes or until cooked to your liking (note – cooking times may vary depending on the size of your fillets). Serve the unseasoned salmon with some mayonnaise and wedge of lemon. For seasoned fillets, there is no need to serve with additional condiments. Serve the salmon with a mixed side salad for a healthy and wholesome dinner.

Salmon is delicious pan-fried or cooked on the BBQ. As with the baking method, you can pan-fry or BBQ salmon without seasoning or you can season it with salt & pepper or a herb crust. When pan-fried, the outside of the fish can become crunchy, especially if you keep the skin on. Do spray the fish with olive oil spray or brush it with olive oil before cooking it over a medium-high heat until it is cooked to your liking (usually around 4-5 minutes on each side.) Serve the salmon with your favorite combination of salad or vegetables.

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The healthiest way to cook salmon is to poach it. To do this, fill a medium-sized saucepan with around 5 cm of water and bring it to the boil. Gently place the salmon in the water, then reduce the heat so that the water becomes a gentle, rolling simmer where small bubbles appear around the fish. Cook the salmon this way for around 8 minutes, or until the salmon becomes opaque. You can flavor the liquid to give the salmon additional flavor. Try poaching the salmon in some chicken or vegetable stock, or in milk with a bay leaf and a few peppercorns. Poached salmon is terrific flaked or chopped and used in salads, sandwiches and rolls or as an addition to quiche or stirred through pasta.

Regardless of how you choose to cook your salmon or the seasonings you add (or don’t), once you know how to cook salmon, you can incorporate this delightful fish into your family diet.