How Long To Cook One Piece Of Salmon

Baked salmon should be a household staple, like roast chicken. We'll walk you through common mistakes that can make for so-so fish-then teach you our Test Kitchen's foolproof method.

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I picked up my love for salmon at a pretty young age. Spending my childhood years in a small island town in Washington state meant I was as likely to find fish at a cookout as hamburgers or hot dogs. A family friend even used to catch salmon from his backyard stream and grill it up on the spot!

Even though I now live in the Midwest, I was determined to learn how to properly cook salmon as good as the stuff I remember from my coastal childhood. To master my salmon cooking technique, I first had to avoid some key mistakes.

Common Mistakes When Cooking Salmon (and Other Fish!)

Mistake #1: Cutting up the fillet

Nothing is worse than purchasing a nice (and potentially pricey) salmon fillet, only to have it turn out dry after cooking. Avoid this fate by keeping your salmon piece whole as you bake. Why? Cutting it up small exposes more surface area. That means the fish cooks much quicker and can go from just done to overdone in a flash. The larger the salmon is, the harder it is to overcook. Simply cut into smaller portions after it's baked.

Mistake #2: Using loads of fancy ingredients

Salmon is like steak: it only needs a bit of seasoning because its natural flavors are so delicious. Salt, pepper and a smidge of olive oil will enhance and highlight the fish. Keep it simple, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the resulting rich taste.

Mistake #3: Not watching for the flake

There's a visual cue for knowing when salmon is fully cooked. Flaky white-ish protein, called albumin, will emerge from the fish as it bakes. The longer it's cooked, the more albumin is forced out. Pay attention to this as you check for doneness. The fish is ready when it flakes: gently press the tines of a fork into the fish and twist. If the fish flakes, it's ready. It not, keep cooking a little longer. (It will grow tougher as it continues to cook, so check early and stop as soon as it flakes!)

Mistake #4: Not knowing how to shop for salmon

For the best-tasting salmon, try to source from a local fishmonger. Specialized fish markets often have a more knowledgeable staff and fresher fish (due to higher turnover).

But there or at the supermarket, always check these for these signs of freshness:

• It smells good. A fresh fish won't have any offending "fishy smell." If a fish smells sour or ammonia-like, it's old and should be avoided.
• It looks good. Avoid any fish that appears discolored or has bruised skin.
• It feels firm-and there are no gaps where the flesh is pulling apart.

Knowing a little about salmon helps, too. Any commercially sold Atlantic salmon is farm-raised. If you're looking for wild-caught salmon, opt for Sockeye, Coho, or Chinook. Farmed or wild, both are good for you-but you might have a preference, so know what the labels mean.

Got your fresh fish? Got your simple seasonings? Good. We're ready to cook. Follow our recipe for step-by-step instructions and tips for success:

How to Make Baked Salmon

You'll need:

• 1 center-cut salmon fillet (1-1/2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Oven-safe skillet

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Season the Fish

Place a large oven-safe skillet in a cold oven and preheat it to 450° F.

While the oven is warming, slather your salmon with olive oil using a brush. Then, sprinkle salt and pepper on each side.

Test Kitchen Tip: Putting the oil on first allows the seasoning to adhere to the fish.

Step 2: Place the Fish in the Pan

Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Place the fish, skin side down, on the skillet. Because the pan has been heated, the initial contact will help sear the skin, giving it an irresistible crispy texture. You should hear a hiss as you lower the fish into the pan. (Be careful; you don't want oil to splatter on you.)

Step 3: Bake

Return the skillet to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 14-18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily. (Insert a fork into the fish and gently twist. You should see flakes separate.) You can also test doneness with a thermometer. The temperature should be 125°F.

Step 4: Serve Your Perfect Salmon

Take the skillet from the oven and remove the salmon with a metal spatula. (Metal spatulas are thin and can more easily slip under the fish and transfer it to a plate without breaking it. You can also use a plastic spatula, if that's all you have.)

Test Kitchen Tip: The skin will naturally stick slightly to the pan. You can serve the fish with the skin. If you prefer your salmon skinless, just wiggle the spatula under one corner between the skin and the flesh, and gently push to release the rest.

Cut the salmon into four equal portions. Get moving! Send it right to the dinner table, as fish is best when it's nice and hot. We like to add a squeeze of lemon juice to the fish as we eat.

Once you master this, try our cast iron salmon!

Salmon is a versatile protein that's great for pairing with salads and grains. Try out this Northwest Salmon Salad, or serve a fillet on top of a Colorful Quinoa Salad. It's an extra-healthy entree that every home cook should have in their repertoire.

Here are more delicious ways to enjoy salmon.

Salmon and Spud Salad

I headed straight for the kitchen when I decided to pick up a healthier lifestyle. This salmon with veggies proves that smart choices can be simple and satisfying. —Matthew Teixeira, Milton, Ontario

You'll want to "reel in" our healthy salmon recipes, too.

Salmon with Horseradish Pistachio Crust

Impress everyone at your table with this elegant but easy salmon that's delicious and nutritious. You can substitute scallions for shallots if you like. —Linda Press Wolfe, Cross River, New York

Learn all about how to buy salmon.

Garlic & Herb Artichoke Salmon

If you're new to cooking fish (or even if you're a pro), this no-fail salmon recipe is one you have to try. It's easy enough for everyday, but also wows at dinner parties. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington

Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. The sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington (Here are more baked salmon recipes to try!)

Salmon Sweet Potato Soup

I created this recipe as a healthier alternative to whitefish chowder, which is a favorite in the area where I grew up. The salmon and sweet potatoes boost the nutrition and the slow cooker makes it more convenient. It's especially comforting on a cold fall or winter day! —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

Ginger-Glazed Grilled Salmon

Our family loves salmon prepared this way, and it's a real treat to make on a warm summer evening. These fillets may be baked in the oven at 450 degrees for 18 minutes, basting occasionally. —Wanda Toews, Cromer, Manitoba

Check out these other grilled salmon recipes.

Ginger Salmon with Green Beans

I developed this flavor-packed dinner for a busy friend who wants to eat clean. —Nicole Stevens, Austin, Texas

Salmon with Dill Sauce & Lemon Risotto

I love the classic combination of lemon and fish, and this dish is delicious and easy to throw together at the end of a long day. —Amanda Reed, Nashville, Tennessee

Spicy Plum Salmon

I created this sweet and spicy salmon after being challenged to use healthier ingredients. The fresh plum sauce really complements the smoky grilled fish. —Cheryl Hochstettler, Richmond, Texas

Green Curry Salmon with Green Beans

Like a lot of people here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, my boyfriend, Michael, loves to fish. When we have an abundance of fresh salmon on hand, this is one way we cook it. —Amy Paul Maynard, Albany, Oregon

Citrus Salmon en Papillote

This salmon dish is so simple and easy to make yet so delicious, elegant and impressive. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan

Grilled Salmon with Chorizo-Olive Sauce

Every one of the ingredients in this recipe brings a ton of flavor. Both chorizo and salmon cook in a hurry, and garlic and citrus go beautifully with them, too. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

Salmon Dill Soup

This is the best soup I have ever made, according to my husband, who loves salmon so much that he could eat it every day. It's a treat for both of us, so when I get some, I try to make it a very special dish like this one. —Hidemi Walsh, Plainfield, Indiana

Hoisin-Pineapple Salmon

My mouth waters when I think of this sweet and tangy glaze. It's a tropical treat at any time of year. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

Pistachio Salmon

This simple salmon gets its crunch from a coating of crushed pistachios, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Add steamed veggies and rice and it's dinnertime! —Anthony Oraczewski, Port St. Lucie, FL

Grilled Salmon Wraps

We eat fish on Fridays, so I like to experiment with different types. I pulled salmon, spinach and avocado from the fridge for these wraps. My kids loved them, and I did, too! They're delicious, and they contain all five food groups right in one hand-held meal. —Jennifer Krey, Clarence, New York

Salmon & Spinach Salad with Avocado

We eat a power salad packed with salmon and spinach at least once a week. It's a cinch to make, even after a hard day's work. —Jenny Dawson, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Lemon-Dill Salmon Packets

Grilling in foil is an easy technique I use with foods that cook quickly, like fish, shrimp, bite-sized meats and fresh veggies. The options are endless—and the cleanup is easy. —A.J. Weinhold, McArthur, California

Citrus Salmon Fillets with Salsa

Take lemony salmon fillets to the next level with a fresh, colorful homemade salsa. Just add a simple side of rice for a complete dinner. —Tiffany Hartpence, Lander, WY

Caesar Salmon with Roasted Tomatoes & Artichokes

This recipe is my "go to" recipe for quick dinners, family or guests. It's colorful, healthy, easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. The best part is it only calls for five ingredients! —Mary Hawkes, Prescott, Arizona

Oven-Roasted Salmon

After work, I want a fast meal. Roasted salmon is super tender and has a delicate sweetness. It's also an easy wowza for weekend company. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Walnut-Crusted Ginger Salmon

For those who aren't wild about fish, this gingery salmon is a game-changer. Baking on foil makes for extra-easy cleanup. —Becky Walch, Orland, California

Lemon Salmon with Basil

At our house we opt for healthy foods, and this lemony salmon with basil is a knockout in the good-for-you category. We have it with asparagus or zucchini. —Shanna Belz, Prineville, Oregon

Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa

My mother would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the only way we would eat fish. You can make the salsa a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the refrigerator in a covered container until ready to use. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Canton, Michigan

Salmon with Spinach & White Beans

My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee

Salmon with Horseradish Pistachio Crust

Impress everyone at your table with this elegant but easy salmon that's delicious and nutritious. You can substitute scallions for shallots if you like. —Linda Press Wolfe, Cross River, New York

Jamaican Salmon with Coconut Cream Sauce

We try to eat salmon a lot because it's so healthy, and I love thinking of new ways to make it different and delicious. This dazzler is easy and is my go-to meal for company. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

Pan-Roasted Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes

It sounds basic, but the tomato sauce is so awesome. If you have it, use white wine instead of chicken broth. I like to serve my salmon with asparagus—roast it alongside the fish. —Swati Sharan, Horseheads, New York

Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime Sauce

Lime with ginger is a favorite flavor combo for me, especially with grilled salmon. So good. Even with the cucumber sauce, this recipe is easy, too. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Salmon Veggie Packets

I feel the spirit of Julia Child when I make lemon-pepper salmon en papillote (in parchment). It's the first French recipe I learned, and the delightful little packages are family-friendly. —Renee Greene, New York, NY

Salmon Vegetable Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette

A bounty of vegetables keeps this salad light on calories, while salmon makes it hearty enough for a meal. It's become a springtime staple at our house. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas

Firecracker Grilled Salmon

Let this sensational salmon perk up dinner tonight. With a super flavorful glaze that kicks you right in the taste buds, this weeknight dish is anything but boring. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL

Creamy Salmon Linguine

Extra Pesto Grilled Salmon gives this creamy pasta toss a luxurious taste and texture. We love it as is, but you could easily sub in any veggies you have on hand for the broccoli. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington

Easy Glazed Salmon

It takes only four ingredients and a few moments to make this delightful main dish. —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia

Mesquite Salmon

Mesquite wood chips give this fish dish a smoky flavor. If using a charcoal grill, add wood chips directly to the coals. If using a gas grill, wrap the chips in a foil pouch; poke several holes in the pouch and place it on the rock grate. —Jeri Kilpatrick, Hoodsport, Washington

Lemon Basil Salmon

My husband came up with this easy, foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender salmon. This recipe is a winner. —Marianne Bauman Modesto, CA

Grilled Salmon with Nectarines

My family liked this recipe so much one evening that I made it for a potluck the very next day. Everyone raved about it there, too—even people who aren't particularly fond of fish. —Kerin Benjamin, Citrus Heights, California

Salmon Caesar Salad

This main course was invented out of a need to serve my family a balanced meal when time was limited. Even my young son loves it! —Ann Bagdonas of Antioch, California

Brown Sugar-Glazed Salmon

Pop these protein-packed salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sweet basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests. —Debra Martin, Belleville, Michigan

Seared Salmon with Balsamic Sauce

A friend gave me this quick and easy approach to salmon. It has a mildly sweet sauce and is such a hit that I've passed it to other fish fans. —Trish Horton, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Garlic Salmon Linguine

The garlic-seasoned main dish calls for handy pantry ingredients, including pasta and canned salmon. I serve it with asparagus, rolls and fruit. —Theresa Hagan, Glendale, Arizona

Spiced Salmon

This delicious, moist fish is very quick and easy to prepare. It gets a little sweetness from brown sugar, but overall the seasonings are mild and give this dish broad appeal. It's a wonderful way to enjoy healthy salmon.—Donna Reynolds, Innisfail, Alberta

Lemony Salmon Patties

Topped with a zippy white sauce, these little patties bake up golden brown in a muffin pan. They're impressive enough for company but easy enough that I can prepare them any time we like. —Lorice Britt, Severn, North Carolina

Baked Salmon

I often make this very moist and flavorful oven-baked salmon for company because I can have it ready in less than half an hour. This baked salmon with lemon is well complemented by rice or a green vegetable and a tossed salad. —Emily Chaney, Penobscot, Maine

Gingered Honey Salmon

Ginger, garlic powder and green onion blend nicely in an easy marinade that gives pleasant flavor to salmon. We also like to use this versatile mixture when grilling chicken, but we've found it tastes even better when marinated in the fridge overnight. —Dan Strumberger, Farmington, Minnesota

Crumb-Topped Salmon

Often we catch enough of our delicious Northwest salmon to send some to Michigan for my sister to enjoy. This crisp, lemony recipe is a tasty way to enjoy it. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington

How Long To Cook One Piece Of Salmon

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-cook-salmon-in-the-oven/

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