Salmon is one of those versatile fish with great flavor that you can cook in lots of ways. Some of the best ways to cook salmon is broiling, grilling, pan frying and baking. Each technique has its own benefits and can create deliciously different flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the differences between broiled salmon vs grilled salmon, the pros and cons of each method, and some tips for getting the best results every time.
Before we dive in: For the best way to choose fresh salmon fillets, such as Pacific vs Atlantic salmon, or farm-raised salmon, your best resource is to check the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch for safe and sustainable salmon sources.
Jump to:
Broiled Salmon
Broiling is a cooking method that involves exposing food to direct, intense heat from above. The heat source is above the salmon. This cooking process gets similar results to grilling, but is done indoors using your oven.
How to Broil Salmon
- Preheat the Broiler: Start with your oven rack positioned about 6 inches from the heat source. Turn on the oven broiler and let it preheat.
- Prepare the Salmon: Place salmon fillets, skin side down, on a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil. Squeeze lemon juice on top of the salmon. Rub minced garlic onto the salmon, if desired. Then brush the salmon with olive oil. Season them with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Broil: Place the pan in the oven. Broil for 6 to 8 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the salmon reads 145 degrees F and the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Benefits of Broiling
- Convenience: Broiling is easy and quick. It’s an excellent method for a simple salmon dinner.
- Flavor: The intense heat caramelizes the surface, giving the salmon a delicious crust.
- Texture: The salmon retains more moisture because the fats are not dripping away.
- Easily Scalable. The serving size of this broiled salmon recipe can be easily decreased to 1 or increased to multiple servings.
Grilled Salmon
Grilling involves cooking food at high temperatures over an open flame or heat source. This can be done using a gas grill or charcoal grills. Grilling imparts a smoky flavor that many people love.
How to Grill Salmon
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the Salmon: Arrange the fillets on a baking sheet and brush the salmon fillets with oil to prevent sticking. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Grill: Place the salmon, skin side down, on the grill grates. Close the cover and grill for about 6 to 8minutes. Turn over, close cover and grill for an additional 2 to 4 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Benefits of Grilling
- Flavor: Best method to give the salmon a unique smoky flavor.
- Texture: Broiling allows excess fat to drip away from the fish and makes for crispy skin.
- Versatility: You can grill other meats and vegetables at the same time.
- Outdoor Cooking: Perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings.
- Easily Scalable. Since it is just as easy to grill many pieces of salmon as it is just a few, you can easily grill enough your backyard party.
Methods of Cooking Salmon
These are a couple of the different ways to cook salmon, each providing unique flavors and textures. In addition to those mentioned here, you may want to try pan-searing, oven baking or cooking en papillote.
Any of these simple methods will give you easy ways to enjoy perfect salmon. And since salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, so it is a great way to add those nutrients into your meal planning.
Tips for Perfect Salmon
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for salmon fillets or salmon steaks based on your preference. Salmon steaks are often thicker so your cooking time will need to be adjusted
- Season Well: Use a mix of spices, herbs, or a marinade to enhance the flavor.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.
- Open of Close the Oven Door, If you have an electric oven, you may want to keep the oven door slighlty ajar to prevent overheating. Check with manufacturer for the best method.
Storing Leftover Salmon
- Uncooked salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen up to 8 months.
- Leftover broiled salmon can be refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen salmon place them in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can put the fillets in a resealable plastic bag (such as Ziploc) and place them in a bowl of ice cold water in the sink. Drizzle cold water from the tap over the salmon until thawed.
More Cooks Tips
- Make sure your salmon fillets are evenly sized. When they are evenly thick, they will get done at the same time. Avoid cuts from nearer the tail as these are thinner.
- When broiling salmon, you need to watch the broiling time closely so your salmon doesn't burn or get over cooked.
- Know your salt. We prefer kosher salt. The coarse grains of kosher salt compared to fine table salt are suited for seasoning foods to taste. It is easier to sprinkle with your fingers and dissolves more quickly. But even kosher salt brands vary, so test them first.
Both broiled and grilled salmon are excellent methods of cooking this rich and nutrient-packed dish. They each offer unique flavors and benefits. Whether you prefer the convenience of broiling or the smoky taste of grilling, you can’t go wrong. Try out the recipes and tips provided to enjoy a delicious salmon dinner at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you supposed to cook salmon with the skin on?
Yes, leaving the skin on while cooking helps keep the salmon moist and adds flavor. The skin holds the flaky salmon together. You can remove it easily after cooking.
Do you broil fish skin up or down?
Broil fish with the skin side down for a crispy finish. It protects the delicate flesh while giving a nice texture.
How do I prevent salmon from sticking to the grill?
Brush the salmon with oil before grilling and ensure your grill grates are clean.
What are some good seasonings for salmon?
Lemon, dill, garlic, honey, and soy sauce are popular seasonings for salmon.
Can I use an air fryer to cook salmon?
Yes, air fryer salmon is a great alternative. It’s quick, easy, and results in a crispy exterior.
This recipe for broiled salmon can easily be adapted to your grill. Give it a try and let me know how you enjoyed it in the comments.
📋 Recipe
Easy Broiled Salmon With Crispy Skin
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced basil
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 20 ounces skin-on salmon fillets cut across the thickest part of the salmon
- Lemon, cut into wedges optional
Instructions
- Position an oven rack 6 inches below the top of the oven. Preheat the broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the butter and olive oil and cook, swirling the pan, until butter is melted and bubbly. Add red-pepper flakes and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant. Remove from the heat. Stir in lime zest and basil. Set aside.
- Place salmon fillets, skin side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Brush lightly with some of the butter mixture. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Turn the salmon over. Drizzle butter mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Broil salmon for 5 minutes or until the salmon turns opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Serve with lemon wedges if using.
Cooks Tips
Cook's Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption. - When broiling, keep the salmon about 6 inches away from the broiler's heating element for even cooking. - To achieve the crispiest skin, make sure the skin is dry before seasoning by patting it with a paper towel.Storage:
- Uncooked salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen up to 8 months.
Leftover broiled salmon can be refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. - To thaw frozen salmon place them in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can put the fillets in a resealable plastic bag (such as Ziploc) and place them in a bowl of ice cold water in the sink. Drizzle cold water from the tap over the salmon until thawed.
Leave a Reply