Salmon makes a perfect centerpiece for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
You can cook this versatile fish in many ways – from simple pan-searing to baking with flavorful glazes.
With just 20-25 minutes of cooking time, you can create a healthy and tasty salmon dinner that your whole family will enjoy.
Looking for new ways to prepare salmon? These recipes range from Asian-inspired marinades to honey-garlic glazes, giving you plenty of options to keep meals exciting.
Each recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store, making dinner prep stress-free and convenient.
1. Grilled Maple-Glazed Salmon
You can make this sweet and savory salmon dish in just 20 minutes on your grill. The glaze combines maple syrup and soy sauce for the perfect balance of flavors.
Start by placing your salmon fillets skin-side down on an oiled grill over medium heat.
Brush them with the maple glaze while they cook.
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. You’ll know it’s ready when the flesh turns light pink and opaque throughout.
This quick dinner pairs well with grilled vegetables and rice pilaf. The maple glaze creates a delicious caramelized coating that makes this salmon recipe special.
2. Pistachio-Crusted Baked Salmon
You can make this elegant salmon dish in under 30 minutes. The recipe combines fresh salmon fillets with a crunchy pistachio coating.
Start by placing the salmon on a lined baking sheet and patting it dry.
Season it with salt and pepper, then spread a mixture of Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic on top.
Sprinkle crushed pistachios and panko breadcrumbs over the mustard coating. This creates a delicious crunchy crust when baked.
Bake the salmon at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork. The pistachio crust adds a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery salmon.
3. Brown Sugar-Glazed Salmon
You can make restaurant-quality salmon at home with this sweet and savory glaze. Mix brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard to create the perfect coating.
Brush the glaze over your salmon fillets before placing them in the oven.
The brown sugar will caramelize during baking, creating a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist inside.
Bake the salmon for 18-20 minutes at 375°F until it’s cooked through. The finished dish offers a perfect balance of flavors that will impress your family or dinner guests.
This recipe works well for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. You can prepare it in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
4. Salmon and Veggie Sheet-Pan Dinner
Sheet pan dinners make cooking salmon super easy. Just place your salmon fillets on a large baking sheet with your favorite vegetables.
Popular veggie choices include asparagus, broccoli, potatoes, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.
Season everything with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.
Heat your oven to 450°F and cook for about 15-20 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done, while the vegetables become tender and lightly browned.
You’ll only have one pan to wash afterward, making this perfect for busy weeknights. This method gives you a complete meal with protein and vegetables in a single step.
5. Savory Teriyaki Salmon
Teriyaki salmon brings a tasty Japanese twist to your dinner table. You can make this dish by coating fresh salmon fillets with a glossy sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger.
Start by patting your salmon dry and cutting it into even pieces. This helps the fish cook uniformly and lets the sauce stick better.
Mix your sauce ingredients until smooth, then pour half over the salmon to marinate for 15 minutes.
The remaining sauce will be used for glazing while cooking.
Heat sesame oil in a pan and cook your salmon until it flakes easily with a fork. The finished dish should have a shiny glaze and tender texture that makes it perfect for serving over rice.
6. Lemon Garlic Herb Salmon
You can create a restaurant-worthy salmon dish at home with simple ingredients. This recipe combines fresh lemon, minced garlic, and aromatic herbs to make a perfect weeknight dinner.
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
Mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped garlic, and herbs like oregano or parsley.
You can either bake the salmon at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes or pan-sear it for a crispy exterior.
For pan-searing, cook the flesh side down first until golden, then flip to finish cooking.
The result is moist, flaky salmon with a bright citrus flavor and savory garlic notes. Serve it with your choice of sides for a healthy meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
7. Honey Soy Salmon Fillets
This quick weeknight dinner combines sweet honey with savory soy sauce for a perfect balance of flavors.
You’ll need salmon fillets, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of olive oil.
Mix equal parts honey and soy sauce in a bowl. Add minced garlic for extra flavor.
Place your salmon in a shallow dish and pour half the mixture over it to marinate.
Cook the salmon in a hot pan with olive oil for 5 minutes on each side.
The honey-soy mixture will create a beautiful glaze as it cooks. Your salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
For best results, use fresh salmon fillets and let them come to room temperature before cooking. The honey-soy glaze also tastes great with a squeeze of lime juice added at the end.
8. Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon
Pan-seared salmon gives you restaurant-quality results at home. You can create a golden, crispy skin and tender, moist flesh with just a few simple steps.
Start by patting the salmon dry and letting it reach room temperature.
Score the skin in small cuts about half an inch apart to help it crisp up nicely.
Season your salmon with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a pan until hot, then place the fillet skin-side down. Cook until the skin turns golden and crispy.
Flip the salmon and cook for another few minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is medium-rare and the fat has rendered. Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
9. Dijon Mustard and Dill Crusted Salmon
Dijon mustard creates a flavorful coating that keeps salmon moist and tender while baking. You’ll need Dijon mustard, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic, and basic seasonings.
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Mix Dijon mustard with chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Spread this mixture evenly over your salmon fillets.
Bake the salmon for 15-18 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork. The exact time depends on the thickness of your fillets. The Dijon crust will turn slightly golden on top.
This recipe works great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. You can serve it with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
10. Spicy Sriracha-Lime Salmon
This zesty salmon dish combines sweet and spicy flavors for a quick weeknight meal. The sauce blends sriracha, lime juice, and honey to create a perfect balance of heat and tang.
Mix sriracha sauce, fresh lime juice, honey, and garlic powder in a bowl.
Brush this glaze over your salmon fillet and add a pinch of salt.
Bake the salmon at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until it becomes tender and flaky. The heat from sriracha pairs wonderfully with the bright citrus notes of lime.
You can serve this with a side of sriracha-lime mayo for extra kick. Just mix mayo, sriracha, and a splash of lime juice to make the sauce.
11. Sesame Ginger Salmon
You’ll love this Asian-inspired salmon dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors. The combination of ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce creates a perfect glaze for the fish.
Mix olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and fresh ginger in a bowl.
Add sesame seeds and chopped green onions to complete the marinade.
Place your salmon in the marinade for 30 minutes or up to overnight. You can use a zip-lock bag or bowl for this step.
Cook the salmon on a preheated grill or bake it in the oven until it flakes easily. The marinade creates a flavorful glaze that coats the fish perfectly.
12. Citrus Honey Glazed Salmon
This bright and flavorful salmon dish combines sweet honey with zesty citrus notes. You can make it quickly on busy weeknights for a healthy dinner option.
Mix honey, orange juice, and lemon juice to create a simple glaze. Add a touch of ginger for extra flavor depth.
Place your salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet and brush it with the honey-citrus mixture.
Bake at 450°F for about 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
The high heat helps lock in moisture while creating a slightly caramelized glaze on top. You’ll end up with tender, juicy salmon that pairs well with rice or roasted vegetables.
13. Parmesan Herb Crusted Salmon
This easy salmon recipe takes just 30 minutes to make and creates a crispy, flavorful crust your family will love.
You’ll need fresh salmon fillets, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and your choice of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme.
Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet and cover it with the Parmesan-herb mixture. Drizzle melted butter on top to help create that perfect golden crust.
Bake at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes until the crust turns crispy and golden brown. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done.
You can serve this dish with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
14. Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls
This quick and tasty meal combines tender salmon pieces with a sweet and spicy sauce. You need just 20 minutes to make it.
Start by coating salmon chunks in sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and soy sauce. Cook the salmon until it’s perfectly flaky.
Serve your salmon over warm brown rice.
Add fresh toppings like sliced cucumbers, edamame, and red bell peppers for crunch and color. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra texture.
The combination of the sweet-spicy sauce and fresh vegetables creates a balanced bowl that’s both filling and flavorful.
You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to match your taste preferences.
15. Smoked Paprika Salmon
Smoked paprika salmon delivers a rich, smoky flavor that transforms your regular salmon dinner into something special. You can make this dish in under 30 minutes.
Season your salmon fillets with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and sea salt. This spice combination enhances the natural taste of the fish without masking it.
You can choose to bake the salmon at 400°F or pan-fry it for a crispy exterior. Both methods work well and give you tender, flaky results.
Pair your paprika salmon with wilted spinach or top it with fresh mango salsa for a complete meal. The sweet and spicy combinations work great with the smoky flavors.
16. Miso-Glazed Salmon
Miso-glazed salmon brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table in just 20 minutes. The rich umami taste comes from miso paste, a fermented soybean mixture that creates a perfect glaze.
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients: salmon fillets, miso paste, sake or mirin, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar.
Mix the glaze ingredients and spread them over your salmon before cooking.
Cook your salmon under the broiler for 8-10 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and the fish flakes easily. Serve with coconut rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
17. Balsamic Glazed Salmon
Transform your salmon with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. This recipe combines balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard to create a rich coating that caramelizes beautifully on the fish.
Mix garlic, balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, and a splash of white wine in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture until it thickens into a glossy glaze.
Brush the glaze over your salmon fillets before and during baking. The result is a perfectly cooked piece of fish with a sophisticated flavor that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
You can store any leftover salmon in your fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in a 350°F oven until it’s warm throughout.
Nutritional Benefits of Salmon
Salmon stands out as one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. Each serving packs essential nutrients that support your heart, brain, and overall health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon provides large amounts of EPA and DHA, two powerful omega-3 fatty acids.
A 6-ounce serving contains about 2,000 mg of omega-3s. These fats help reduce inflammation in your body and support brain function. They also lower your risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure and blood clots.
Your body can’t make omega-3s on its own, so eating salmon 2-3 times per week helps you get these essential fats.
High-Quality Protein
A 6-ounce salmon fillet gives you about 34 grams of protein. This protein contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs.
The protein in salmon helps build and repair your muscles. It also keeps you feeling full longer than carbohydrates do.
Salmon protein is easy to digest compared to some other protein sources. This makes it a great choice for your evening meal.
Vitamins and Minerals
Salmon is rich in B vitamins, especially B12 and B6. These help your body make red blood cells and turn food into energy.
Key minerals in salmon include:
- Selenium: Supports thyroid function
- Potassium: Helps control blood pressure
- Iron: Carries oxygen through your blood
- Zinc: Boosts immune system function
A single serving provides 100% of your daily vitamin D needs. This vitamin helps your body absorb calcium and keeps your bones strong.
Tips for Cooking Salmon
Perfect salmon starts with the right fish and proper cooking techniques. A few key steps make the difference between dry, tough salmon and a moist, flavorful meal.
Choosing the Right Salmon
Look for salmon with bright, shiny skin and firm flesh that springs back when touched. Fresh salmon should smell clean like the ocean, not fishy.
Best Types of Salmon:
- King (Chinook): Rich, buttery flavor
- Sockeye: Deep red color, bold taste
- Atlantic: Mild flavor, widely available
- Coho: Medium flavor, great for grilling
Buy salmon with the skin on when possible. The skin helps keep moisture in while cooking and adds extra nutrients.
Seasoning Techniques
Pat your salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps seasonings stick better and creates a better sear.
Basic Seasoning Mix:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
Try glazes made with maple syrup, brown sugar, or bourbon for sweet-savory flavor. Brush them on during the last few minutes of cooking.
Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and thyme complement salmon well. Add them just before serving to keep their bright flavor.
Cooking Methods
Cook salmon until it reaches 145°F internal temperature. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Popular Cooking Methods:
- Baking: 400°F for 12-15 minutes
- Pan-searing: 4-5 minutes per side
- Grilling: 4-6 minutes per side
- Broiling: 8-10 minutes total
Let salmon rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside instead of running out when you cut it.
Cook salmon skin-side down first when pan-searing. This creates crispy skin and helps prevent sticking.