Salmon is a popular fish that can be cooked in many different ways, such as baking, grilling, searing, or even eating raw. In this article, I want to explain how important it is to cook salmon to the right internal temperature and give a guide for how long and what steps to take. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.
What Temp Should You Cook Salmon?
The most recommended temperature range to bake salmon in the oven is typically recommended to be between 350-400°F. This temperature range strikes a perfect balance, as it’s not too high to risk overcooking the salmon, nor is it too low to leave the meat undercooked.
What Temp To Bake Salmon In Foil
Most of the time, 375°F to 400°F is the best temperature range for baking salmon in foil. This temperature range helps the salmon cook evenly and make sure it is cooked all the way through without drying out or overcooking.
We all know that foil can decrease cooking time by 25%, so if you bake salmon at 375°F without foil, it will take about 20 minutes. With foil, it will take between 12 -15 minutes.
Internal Temperature Of Cooked Salmon
According to the FDA, the safe internal temperature for cooked salmon is 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the fillet to check the temperature, and let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices.
What Minimum Internal Temperature Must The Salmon Reach
As I Mentino above The FDA says that cooked salmon must be at least 145°F (63°C) inside to be safe. But a lot of people still want to eat salmon that is slightly undercooked or even raw, especially in sushi.
Personally, I don’t like raw salmon because it can cause a lot of health problems, but in my experience, salmon can be eaten with an internal temperature range of 120°F to 155°F. So, anything between these temperatures is fine to eat.
Here are the internal temperature ranges for salmon at different levels of doneness:
- Well Done: 120°F to 125°F
- Medium Rare: 130°F to 135°F
- Medium: 140°F to 145°F
- Rare: 150°F to 155°F
Internal Temperatures For Different Salmon Dishes
Here is a list of internal temperatures for different salmon dishes:
- Salmon Cake: 145°F
- Salmon BBQ (grilled): 140°F-155°F
- Salmon Loaf: 155°F
- Smoked Salmon: Cold smoked salmon should be cured, and hot smoked salmon should be cooked to 140°F-150°F
- Salmon Patties: 150°F
How To Tell If Salmon Is Cooked In Different Ways
- Color: Salmon color indicates doneness, with raw being bright pink or orange and cooked turning lighter pink. For medium or well-done, the center is opaque and lighter than the outside. For rare or medium-rare, the center is translucent and pink.
- Texture: Well-done salmon will be firm and slightly dry, while medium or medium-rare salmon will be tender and moist. Rare salmon will be very tender and almost silky.
- Flake Test: Gently press down on the thickest part of the salmon fillet with a fork and twist slightly. If the salmon flakes easily and the center is opaque, it’s likely cooked through. If the salmon is still translucent and doesn’t flake easily, it may need more time in the oven.
How Long Do You Bake Salmon at 350 degrees F?
To bake salmon at 350°F, estimate about 10-15 minutes of baking time per inch of thickness. For example, a 1-inch thick salmon fillet would take about 10-15 minutes, while a 2-inch thick fillet would take about 20-30 minutes. Learn More about How Long To Cook Salmon At 350°F.
When you bake At 375°F in the oven Salmon will take 12 to 15 minutes per half-inch of thickness. So, if your salmon fillet is 1 inch thick, it should take about 12 to 15 minutes to bake. Learn More about How Long To Cook Salmon At 375°F.
How Long Do You Bake Salmon at 400 degrees F?
When baking salmon at 400°F, you can expect it to take approximately 8-12 minutes per inch of thickness. For example, a 1-inch thick salmon fillet would take about 8-12 minutes to bake, while a 2-inch thick fillet would take about 16-24 minutes to bake. learn more about How Long to Cook Salmon at 400°F.
How Long Do You Bake Salmon at 425 degrees F?
When baking salmon at 425°F, the cooking time is roughly estimated as follows:
How Long Do You Bake Salmon at 450 degrees F?
Salmon will cost approx 6 to 8 minutes per inch of thickness when baked at 450 ℉. For example, a 1-inch thick salmon fillet would require 6 to 8 minutes to bake, whereas a 2-inch thick fillet would require 12 to 16 minutes.
How Long To Bake Salmon In The Air Fryer AT Different Temps
- 400°F: 6-8 minutes per inch of thickness.
- 375°F: 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness.
- 350°F: 10-12 minutes per inch of thickness.
How Long To Cook Salmon On Stove
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat with oil.
- Season the salmon fillet and place it skin-side down in the pan.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes per side until crispy and fully cooked (145°F internal temperature).
- Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes.
How To Cook Salmon In The Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season both sides of the salmon with salt, pepper, or your desired seasonings.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two before serving.
How To Cook Salmon In The Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the salmon fillet in the air fryer basket.
- Season both sides of the salmon with salt, pepper, or your desired seasonings.
- Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two before serving.
How To Cook Salmon On Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Clean and oil the grates of your grill to prevent sticking.
- Place the salmon fillet on a piece of aluminum foil or a greased cedar plank.
- Season both sides of the salmon with salt, pepper, or your desired seasonings.
- Place the salmon on the preheated grill, skin-side down.
- Cover the grill and cook the salmon for 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a minute or two before serving.
FAQs
How Do You Fix Overcooked Salmon?
Add a sauce or dressing to add moisture and flavor, or flake the fish and use it in dishes where the texture won’t be as noticeable.
How To Store Leftover Cooked Salmon
Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
How To Reheat Cooked Salmon
To reheat cooked salmon, place it in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Should I Cook Salmon Skin Off Or On?
The best is to cook salmon with skin on. Leaving the skin on can help keep the fish moist and prevent sticking to the pan.
Do I Need to Cover Salmon When Cooking?
It’s not necessary to cover salmon when cooking, but doing so can help the fish cook evenly and retain moisture.
How Long To Bake Frozen Salmon
Bake frozen salmon in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
