Current:Home > reviewsLooking for a baked salmon recipe? What to know about internal temp, seasoning, more. -WealthMindset Learning
Looking for a baked salmon recipe? What to know about internal temp, seasoning, more.
View
Date:2025-04-16 18:41:34
Salmon is among the healthiest types of fish to add to your weekly dinner rotation – it’s a great source of Omega-3, an essential fat that 68% of U.S. adults don’t consume enough of.
It’s also one of the top seafood choices in American diets. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. produces more than 32 million pounds of farmed-raised Atlantic salmon annually.
Here’s your definitive guide to throwing a salmon fillet in the oven, including safe temperatures, seasonings and techniques.
How long to bake salmon
According to U.S. Food Safety guidelines, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees, or until the flesh does not appear translucent and can be easily separated with a fork.
Using a food thermometer is the best way to ensure your salmon is thoroughly cooked.
Here’s how long to cook your salmon based on oven temperature, according to the Alaskan Salmon Company:
- 350 degrees: 12-15 minutes per inch of thickness
- 375 degrees: 10-12 minutes per inch of thickness
- 400 degrees: 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness
- 425 degrees: 6–8 minutes per inch of thickness
- 450 degrees: 5-7 minutes per inch of thickness
Healthiest fish:Best options for protein, fat, safety and environmental impact
How to bake salmon
Overcooking is the downfall of any baked salmon. Using a food thermometer and monitoring the temperature of the fish can help prevent this, but there are a few other things to keep in mind.
First, you’ll want to set your oven to the desired temperature – a lower temperature, like 375 degrees, is recommended because it helps the salmon cook evenly. Cover the salmon in a bit of oil and the seasonings of your choice and place it skin-side down on a baking sheet.
Next, watch the color as it turns light pink and the fish goes from translucent to opaque. Using a timer, a thermometer and your own eyes guarantees a perfectly cooked salmon.
You can also pull the salmon out a few minutes before it's done (around 120 degrees or so, according to Bon Appetit) and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. The leftover heat will continue to cook the salmon and prevent overcooked, dry fish.
Another method is to try the “flake test” by using your fork to gently press against the fish. If the salmon separates into “flakes” smoothly and without much resistance, your fish is done.
How to season salmon
Salmon is pretty versatile – you can go for a sweet, savory or even citrusy flavor with your seasonings. You can season your fish right before cooking, or try a salt brining method by leaving salted salmon to rest in the fridge overnight.
Here are some other tasty seasoning combinations to try:
- Classic salt and pepper from the Food Network
- All-purpose sweet and smoky from Well Plated
- Lemon garlic from The Mediterranean Dish
- Crispy garlic parmesan from Cafe Delites
- Pepper and chickpea from chef Jamie Oliver
Easy weeknight dinner:One-skillet salmon fillet with saucy vegetables
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Why do dogs eat grass?" to "How to get rid of gnats" to "Why is Pluto not a planet?" − we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- US agency to end use of ‘cyanide bomb’ to kill coyotes and other predators, citing safety concerns
- Tina Knowles defends Beyoncé against 'racist statements' about 'Renaissance' premiere look
- Person arrested with gun after reports of gunshots at Virginia’s Christopher Newport University
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Storm closes schools in Cleveland, brings lake-effect snow into Pennsylvania and New York
- Who advanced in NBA In-Season Tournament? Nuggets, Warriors, 76ers among teams knocked out
- Mayo Clinic announces $5 billion expansion of Minnesota campus
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- This 3-year cruise around the world is called off, leaving passengers in the lurch
Ranking
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Dolly Parton reveals hilarious reason she refuses to learn how to text
- Florida elections security chief lay dead for 24 minutes without help outside Gov. DeSantis' office
- Former Indiana lawmaker pleads guilty to casino corruption charge
- Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
- Host of upcoming COP28 climate summit UAE planned to use talks to make oil deals, BBC reports
- Kendall Jenner Reveals How She Navigates Heated Conversations With Momager Kris Jenner
- Michigan man says he'll live debt-free after winning $1 million Mega Millions prize
Recommendation
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
Connecticut woman sues Chopt restaurants after allegedly chewing on a portion of a human finger in a salad
Israeli hostage returned to family is the same but not the same, her niece says
House begins latest effort to expel George Santos after damning ethics probe
North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
Illinois man wins $25K a year for life from lottery ticket after clerk's lucky mistake
Georgia’s state taxes at fuel pumps to resume as Brian Kemp’s tax break ends, at least for now
More than a decade after launching, #GivingTuesday has become a year-round movement