How to Cook Perfect Salmon Fillets

If you want an easy, light, and delicious main dish, it doesn’t get much better than salmon fillets! Whether it’s a warm summer evening and you’re looking to grill or you’re craving beautifully seared salmon on a cold winter’s night, it’s perfect for any season and is delicious when cooked a variety of ways. Whether you choose to bake, air fry, grill, or pan-sear your delectable salmon fillets, tasty results are coming your way!

Prepping Salmon

Omaha Steaks offers several varieties of premium, high-quality salmon with incredible color and flavor. Our salmon fillets are frozen the day of catch for maximum freshness, so it’s important to thaw before cooking. There are two ways to thaw frozen salmon: in the refrigerator overnight or the quick-thaw method. To thaw overnight, remove salmon from the plastic packaging, then cover and refrigerate. To thaw quickly, submerge vacuum-sealed fillets in cold water for approximately 30 minutes. Once thawed, make sure to cook and eat your salmon within two days.

Season Salmon

To season, pat thawed salmon with a paper towel and brush both sides with olive oil or melted butter. Season each fillet with your favorite seafood seasoning or try our Omaha Steaks Seafood Rub with Citrus & Herb. For a flavor explosion, marinate your fillets with one of our easy seafood marinade recipes. Skip the prep work and enjoy effortless cooking with one of our pre-marinated fillets, including Marinated Salmon Fillets and Lemon Dill Salmon Fillets.

How to Cook Salmon

Once you’ve prepped and seasoned your salmon fillets, you’re ready to cook. Follow the salmon cooking guides or our comprehensive seafood cooking chart crafted by our expert chefs and cook your salmon to perfection using one of the following methods:

• Bake
• Air Fry
• Grill
• Pan-Sear

How to Bake Salmon

Baking is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to prepare salmon. Baking salmon requires no flipping, just place in the oven on a baking sheet and BOOM! Dinner is on the table in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

Get the guide: How to Bake Salmon

How to Air Fry Salmon

You can cook just about anything in the air-fryer, including salmon! The air fryer does all of the right things to create perfectly seared edges and a tender, flaky center. Low carb and low calorie, air fryer salmon produces fantastic results that are comparable to restaurant quality.

Get the guide: How to Air Fry Salmon

How to Grill Salmon

Salmon is the absolute perfect fish to fire up on the grill. The ideal seafood protein for a summer night, beautifully grilled salmon can be achieved in under 20 minutes! Salmon is truly the best fish on the grill because it’s easy, healthy, and full of flavor.

Get the guide: How to Grill Salmon

How to Pan-Sear Salmon

Pan-searing uses high heat to cook salmon in a flash! Using only a skillet, a small amount of oil, and your stove-top, pan-searing creates a golden-crisp outside and a soft, flaky center.

Get the guide: How to Pan-Sear Salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know When Salmon is Done?

Fully cooked salmon should flake easily and be opaque in appearance. Salmon fillets are ready to consume when the internal temperature reaches 145°F, as measured by a meat thermometer.

What Do I Serve with Salmon?

Bring a sweet and savory experience to the table and serve your salmon fillets on a bed of rice topped with pineapple salsa. Looking for minimal mess and extraordinary flavor? Try our sheet pan Mediterranean salmon recipe. If you’re looking for something light, add your salmon fillet to a plate of greens, like spinach or kale. Serve next to your favorite side dish and finish off your perfect at-home seafood dinner with a decadent dessert.