Never overcook salmon again – these expert tips will help you achieve professional results every time

Overcooked fish is always such a disappointment, especially when you've gone to the effort of choosing the perfect piece from the market or store. I love fish recipes, so have made it my goal to learn how to cook salmon like a professional - no burnt skin or dry fish in sight. Here's what they had to say so you can give it a try too.

How to cook salmon in a pan

'My favorite way to cook salmon is in a cast iron pan,' says Josh Gadsden, Executive Chef at High Cotton, Charleston. 'Turn the stove on medium heat, add some oil to your pan, and let it get nice and hot. While you're waiting, season your salmon – I like to go with kosher salt and white pepper – and then place your salmon in the pan skin-side down.'

The secret to a perfect pan-sear is to cook the salmon for the majority of time on one side before flipping it. 'I like a heavy sear on my fish, so I'll do most of the cooking on one side,' explains Josh. 'I cook it for 8 to 12 minutes; once the fish is almost done, I flip it over and turn off the heat before adding butter, garlic, and thyme and basting the fish for just under two minutes.'

Though I'm always tempted to move the salmon around in the pan for a better sear, there's no need to flip it early. 'Don’t poke and prod the fish,' advises cookbook author and food blogger Megan Keno. 'It's delicate and can break apart easily if you try to flip it too soon. Use your patience, and the salmon will naturally release from the pan when it's cooked and ready to flip.'

How to cook salmon in the oven

I always rely on oven-cooking for a more hands-off approach (I've recently learnt how to cook bacon in the oven, and I'm never going back), and roasting salmon is no different.

'To start, preheat your oven to 400°F and place your salmon fillets skin-side down in a ceramic or stainless steel baking dish,' says Dan Rothstadt, Chef Instructor and Culinary School Specialist for kitchenware brand HENCKELS. 'I brush the fillets with olive oil and add lemon slices or herbs for flavor. Roast for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness, but be careful not to overcook the fish; it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.' If you're worried about the salmon burning or drying out, you can always add a drizzle of oil and tent the fillets in foil.

How to cook salmon on the grill

Although I love grilled fish, I'll often avoid grilling salmon at home (since there's nothing I dread more than getting fish skin stuck to a metal grate).

The key, I've now discovered, is simply to remove the salmon skin – or to use a fish basket or non-stick mat. 'I'll typically skin salmon if I grill it since the skin is prone to sticking and burning, but if you have a non-stick fish pan, you can leave the skin on,' explains Matthew Niessner, Executive Corporate Chef at Hall Management Group.

'I recommend using a fish basket or a good grill spatula,' adds Dan. 'Preheat the grill, oil the grates, and cook over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side.' You can finish things off by popping the salmon in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

How to poach salmon

It might not be as popular as searing or roasting, but poaching is guaranteed to lock in the moisture of your salmon.

'Poaching is one of my favorite ways to prepare salmon: it's the most forgiving method and it gives you ultra-moist results,' Dan confirms. 'Use a wide, shallow pan filled with your poaching liquid – you can use water, broth, or wine flavored with aromatics like dill, garlic, or lemon.'

The trick here? 'Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, but do not let it come to a boil,' Dan explains. 'Add in the salmon and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until it just turns opaque. Once it's done, the fish can be served either hot or chilled.'

How to cook salmon in the air fryer

'The best air fryers are extremely effective for cooking salmon: giving you crisp edges and a tender middle in no time,' says Dan. 'Simply preheat your air fryer to 390°F, season your fillets with salt and pepper, and place them skin-side down in the basket. Cook for 7–9 minutes, checking around the 7-minute mark.'

And there's no need to line the basket with foil either. 'just make sure the fillets aren’t overcrowded so the air circulates properly,' Dan advises.

FAQs

How to marinate salmon

The simplest way to marinate salmon is to use a blend of 'soy, citrus, fresh ginger, and a little honey,' says Jeff Martin, Executive Chef and Partner at Up Hospitality Partners. 'This will add depth without masking the fish.' If you're partial to more Mediterranean flavors, however? 'Lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, and fresh dill work beautifully,' he adds.

What to pair with salmon

'Pair salmon with seasonal veggies, grain bowls, compound butters, or fresh summer salads to create a rounded meal,' advises dietitian and food blogger Rima Kleiner.

'Salmon’s richness pairs well with bright, acidic, or herb-driven sides,' adds Jeff. 'I like to serve it with Szechuan green beans and coconut rice.'

Shop the salmon cooking essentials

Now that I'm armed with these professional tips for how to cook salmon, I can't wait to try out this firepit salmon with preserved lemon relish, which is a lovely way to cook out over fire.