How to Cook Salmon

Salmon is chock full of omega-3 fatty acids, which doctors including Dr. Mehmet Oz recommend you eat once per week to help your brain stay flexible and healthy. If you’re looking to incorporate this brain-boosting cold water fish into your diet, here are three great ways to cook it.

BAKE
Baking is a very simple, but effective, way to cook salmon. For 8-oz filets, skin removed, try this: preheat oven to 425°F and roast until the salmon is opaque, 16-18 minutes.

PAN ROAST
Pan roasting with sauce is a combination of pan-cooking and roasting. By sauteeing your ingredients first, you develop caramelization, drawing out the sugars and adding lots of flavor to the dish. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450°F. Heat a heavy, large, ovenproof skillet over high heat and prepare or add a sauce to the skillet. Arrange the fish fillets in the sauce and spoon a little over each. Drizzle the fillets with a little more olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven until the fish is cooked through, about 10 minutes.

SMOKE
If you have the right equipment, you’ll never have to buy smoked salmon again.

Start by soaking a cedar plank in water for 1-2 hours. (Tip: Make sure you’re using a plank made for this purpose.)

Using a charcoal grill, get a fire going on one side of the grill. Warm your pre-soaked cedar plank on the grill with the lid closed for a few minutes. Remove cedar plank with tongs, put the fish on it, then put back into the grill, but on the side without fire. (This is important!) Shut the lid for about 15 minutes. Remove and dress the fish with a fresh-cut lemon.

Check Out These Salmon Recipes:

Wolfgang Puck’s Salmon Veracruz-Style with Tomatoes, Chiles and Olives

Salmon en Croute

Everything Salmon