Salmon has a rich, buttery taste and pink flesh that stays moist when cooked gently. It does well with sweet and savory glazes like honey, soy, mustard, or brown sugar. Baking in the oven or searing in a hot pan are the most common ways to cook it.

Compared with cod, tilapia, and halibut, salmon is richer and has more flavor of its own, so it needs less fuss. It is firmer than tilapia and less delicate than cod. Tuna is meatier, and sardines are much stronger.

Questions folks ask

How long does salmon take to bake?

A typical fillet takes about 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F, depending on thickness.

Should I cook salmon with the skin on?

Skin helps hold the fillet together and protects it from drying out. You can leave it on and lift the flesh off after cooking.

What goes well with salmon?

Rice, roasted potatoes, asparagus, and green salads are all good partners.

Kitchen tips

Start skin-side down in the pan and let the skin get crisp.
Bake at a moderate oven heat so the center stays tender.
Tweezers help pull out any small pin bones.
A squeeze of lemon and fresh dill brighten the richness.
Leftover salmon is good flaked into salads, pasta, or patties.