The Only Salmon Recipe You'll Ever Need (2024)

The Only Salmon Recipe You'll Ever Need (1)

There are a lot of different ways to prepare salmon -- many of them good too -- but there's only one best way to cook this fish and we're going to share it with you.

When we talk about the best, we don't mean a fancy 12-hour preparation of a dinner that you'll finish in 20 under minutes. While we're sure the results of such a recipe would be impressive, we're inclined to believe that the effort is just not worth it. Nope, for us the best recipe is the perfect balance between great flavor and ease. Ease being the operative word here. (We don't want to have to work too hard for a great dinner, and we're pretty certain that neither do you.)

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For the easiest recipe, you could always just bake a fillet of salmon with salt and pepper and call it a day. Though that probably wouldn't leave you with a memorable dinner. Luckily, for a impressively delicious salmon recipe that is equally simple to make, it doesn't take much more than salt and pepper to get the job done. Actually, the best -- and only -- salmon recipe that you should be bothering with at home calls for just six ingredients. That's it.

This salmon recipe relies on the simple flavors of a few ingredients like leeks, parsley and lemon to come together in a harmonious way. Not only do the ingredients shine in this recipe, but they make a beautiful presentation too. And the best part is that this recipe takes only five minutes to prep, and 20 minutes to cook (depending on the size of your fillet).

While the fish is cooking, you can use that hands-free time to relax and pat yourself on the back for a job well done, but we recommend taking that time to make mashed potatoes instead. You'll be glad you did when you pair it with this fish.

Salmon Leek Recipe

16 oz fillet of salmon
2 leeks, washed and thinly sliced
1/2 cup of parlsey, chopped
3 Tbs olive oil
1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the salmon fillet in an oven-safe container lined with tinfoil. Lightly salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley. Top with leeks. Drizzle with olive oil. And squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon on top. Bake in the oven for roughly 20 minutes or until cooked to desired doneness. The leeks on top should be soft and nicely browned. Serve with fresh lemon wedges. (And mashed potatoes!)

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The Only Salmon Recipe You'll Ever Need (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to best salmon? ›

A dry brine gives you firmer, juicier fish fillets with kettle-chip-crisp skin. Credit... Gentl and Hyers for The New York Times.

What is the most flavorful way to cook salmon? ›

Wrap your salmon in a parchment packet with aromatics, citrus, veggies, and a drizzle of olive oil. The steam trapped in the packet will infuse the fish with flavor and cook it gently, making it tender and juicy. Bonus: The parchment packets only take about 15 minutes at 425°F and the cleanup is minimal.

What is the most delicious salmon in the world? ›

Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha), also known as King salmon, is considered by many to be the best-tasting of the salmon bunch. This large variety has a high-fat content and corresponding rich flesh that ranges from white to a deep red color.

What not to do when cooking salmon? ›

5 Common Mistakes That We All Make When Cooking Salmon
  1. Not removing pin bones. Fact: Most salmon fillets have pin bones in them. ...
  2. Mistreating the skin. ...
  3. Using the wrong pan. ...
  4. Overcooking your fish. ...
  5. Reheating leftover salmon.
May 17, 2021

What makes salmon taste better? ›

I'm talking about brining! Soaking salmon in a simple, quick brine for as little as 10 minutes (up to overnight, if you like planning ahead) is all it takes. To make it happen you need two very basic ingredients: water and salt. Combine 1 tablespoon of salt for every cup of water.

Why cook salmon in milk? ›

Because of its high fat content, whole milk is better than water or wine at absorbing flavor. It readily draws in the essence of the herbs, garlic, or any other aromatics you might throw into it, taking on the qualities more quickly and intensely.

Is it better to cook salmon in the oven or on the stove? ›

For smaller, crispy, skin-on Salmon; a crispy pan sear is recommended. For bigger fillets, and succulent, skin-off King Salmon; the best method would be cooking in an oven.

Does salmon taste better in oven or pan? ›

If you enjoy a crispy exterior, then pan seared salmon is the way to go. Baking salmon is a great option for a larger piece of fish (try this Baked Salmon in Foil for an easy technique).

Does salmon taste better with butter or oil? ›

Butter makes everything better, even salmon. I also love the way fresh herbs pair with salmon. We all know dill is a go-to pairing for salmon, it's almost like salt and pepper. They're just made to be together.

What seasonings go well with salmon? ›

Here are some spices you may have that could be good as part of a homemade salmon seasoning.
  • Paprika.
  • Chile/Chili powder.
  • Garlic powder/salt.
  • Ground cumin.
  • Onion powder.
  • Ground ginger.

What is the secret of cooking salmon? ›

So, you want skin that is super crisp and flavorful, just as you would want with chicken. Starting your salmon skin-side down, and cooking it until it is well rendered, lightly browned, and crisp, and then turning the salmon to finish the cooking, will make for a terrific dining experience.

What brings out the flavor of salmon? ›

Spices: Dried spices, such as onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin, can add depth of flavor to salmon. Smoked paprika or sweet paprika can add smokiness to the salmon. To add heat, try chili powder, cayenne pepper, jerk seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or Chinese five-spice powder.

What do you soak salmon in before cooking? ›

Before cooking salmon, you can soak it in a marinade or a brine to enhance its flavor and texture. Here are a few common options: Citrus Marinade: Combine lemon or lime juice with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs like dill or parsley. Allow the salmon to marinate in this mixture for 30 minutes to an hour.

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