Transform your dinner routine with these six mouthwatering salmon recipes that combine heart-healthy omega-3s with incredible flavor.
From perfectly grilled fillets to zesty pan-seared creations, these dishes will help you master the art of cooking this versatile fish.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, you’ll find options ranging from quick 15-minute meals to impressive dinner party centerpieces.
Get ready to explore honey-glazed, herb-crusted, Asian-inspired, Mediterranean-style, blackened, and garlic butter salmon preparations that will delight your taste buds.
Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Salmon with Crispy Skin

Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Salmon with Crispy Skin is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home.
This recipe transforms fresh salmon into a luxurious meal with perfectly crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh, all enhanced by the rich flavors of garlic butter.
It takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients:
• 2 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skin-on
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 3: Place salmon skin-side down in the hot pan. Press gently with a spatula for 30 seconds to prevent curling.
Step 4: Cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden and crispy.
Step 5: Flip salmon and add butter, minced garlic, and thyme to the pan.
Step 6: Baste salmon with the melted garlic butter for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
Step 7: Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and garnish with parsley.
Pro Tip: The key to achieving crispy skin is ensuring your salmon is completely dry before cooking and maintaining a medium-high heat throughout the searing process. Never move the salmon around while the skin is crisping up – let it do its thing undisturbed.
Honey Glazed Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon

Transform your regular salmon dinner into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with this honey-glazed cedar plank salmon recipe.
The cedar plank infuses the fish with a subtle woody essence while the sweet and savory honey glaze creates a perfectly caramelized exterior.
This method ensures your salmon stays moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
Ingredients:
• 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin on
• 1 untreated cedar plank (14×7 inches)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
Step 1: Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Mix honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and peppers in a bowl to create the glaze.
Step 3: Pat salmon fillets dry and brush them with the glaze, reserving some for basting.
Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
Step 5: Place the soaked plank on the grill until it starts to smoke (about 3 minutes).
Step 6: Arrange salmon on the plank and close the grill lid.
Step 7: Cook for 12-15 minutes, basting occasionally with remaining glaze.
Step 8: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Pro Tip: Keep a spray bottle of water handy in case the cedar plank catches fire. Always position the plank so the thicker portions of the salmon fillets are toward the hotter part of your grill for even cooking.
Asian-Style Teriyaki Baked Salmon

Asian-Style Teriyaki Baked Salmon combines the rich flavors of traditional Japanese teriyaki sauce with perfectly baked salmon.
This recipe creates a delicious glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the fish, giving you a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
Your family will love this healthy, protein-rich meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush with vegetable oil.
Step 4: Pour half the teriyaki sauce over the salmon, reserving the rest for serving.
Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with the remaining sauce.
Pro Tip: For the best results, let your salmon come to room temperature before cooking, and don’t overcook it – the fish should still be slightly translucent in the center when you remove it from the oven. A quick broil for the last minute can create a perfectly caramelized top.
Herb-Crusted Mediterranean Salmon

Transform your dinner into a Mediterranean feast with this delightfully crispy, herb-crusted salmon.
This dish combines fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and tender salmon to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this recipe serves 4 people and takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
• 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin-on
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Mix breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a bowl.
Step 4: Brush each salmon fillet with Dijon mustard.
Step 5: Press the herb mixture firmly onto the mustard-coated side of each fillet.
Step 6: Drizzle remaining olive oil over the crusted fillets.
Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and salmon is just cooked through.
Step 8: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets before serving.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the salmon – it should still be slightly translucent in the center when you remove it from the oven, as it will continue cooking for a few minutes. Always let the salmon rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute properly.
Maple Dijon Broiled Salmon

Transform your weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality meal with this irresistible Maple Dijon Broiled Salmon.
The perfect balance of sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler, resulting in a flaky, moist salmon with a slightly crispy top.
Ingredients:
• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh lemon wedges for serving
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Position your oven rack 6 inches from the broiler and preheat to broil.
Step 2: Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil it.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush with olive oil.
Step 5: Generously brush the maple-Dijon mixture over each fillet.
Step 6: Broil for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the top is caramelized.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Pro Tip: For the best results, bring your salmon to room temperature 15 minutes before cooking. Always watch closely while broiling as the glaze can burn quickly due to its high sugar content.
Lemon Dill Poached Salmon

Transform your dinner into a restaurant-quality experience with this elegant yet simple Lemon Dill Poached Salmon.
This light and flavorful dish combines the delicate taste of fresh salmon with bright citrus notes and aromatic dill, all gently cooked in a fragrant poaching liquid.
Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients:
• 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin removed
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 shallot, sliced
• 4 sprigs fresh dill, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
Instructions:
Step 1: In a large skillet, combine water, wine, lemon slices, shallot, dill sprigs, butter, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 2: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the poaching liquid simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
Step 3: Gently place salmon fillets into the simmering liquid. They should be mostly covered by the liquid.
Step 4: Cover the skillet and poach for 8-10 minutes, or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Carefully remove salmon with a slotted spoon and garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges.
Pro Tip: To ensure perfectly cooked salmon, watch for the fish to turn from translucent to opaque, and remove it from heat when it’s still slightly darker pink in the center – it will continue cooking from residual heat. Never let the poaching liquid come to a full boil, as this will make the salmon tough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best method for cooking salmon to keep it moist and tender?
Bake salmon at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until it flakes easily. Brush with olive oil and season before cooking to lock in moisture and enhance flavor.
Which herbs and seasonings pair best with grilled salmon?
Fresh dill, lemon, garlic, and rosemary create a classic flavor profile for grilled salmon. You can also try a honey-soy glaze for an Asian-inspired twist.
How can you prevent salmon from sticking to the pan when pan-searing?
Heat your pan until very hot, add oil, and place salmon skin-side up. Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes before flipping to ensure a perfect sear.
What’s the secret to making crispy-skinned salmon?
Pat the salmon skin completely dry and season with salt. Cook skin-side down in a hot pan with oil until crispy, about 6-7 minutes.
How do you know when baked salmon is perfectly cooked?
Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque pink. The internal temperature should reach 145°F at the thickest part.
Final Thoughts
These six salmon recipes offer you versatile ways to enjoy this nutritious fish, whether you prefer grilled, baked, or pan-seared preparations.
Remember to always choose fresh, high-quality salmon and handle it properly.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and marinades to suit your taste.
For the best results, avoid overcooking your salmon – it should be just opaque in the center.
With these recipes in your culinary arsenal, you can confidently prepare restaurant-quality salmon dishes right in your kitchen.