How long it takes: 13 minutes Equipment you’ll need: oven, a rimmed baking sheet, and foil Servings: 4 servings Today, I’m going to show you how to make broiled salmon. This easy method for succulent salmon filets is one of my never-fail, fall-back weeknight recipes. I can always count on broiled salmon to turn out crispy and caramelized on top, and perfectly juicy throughout. It’s easy to do in the oven and you can adapt the seasonings any way that you’d like.
Why You’ll Love Broiled Salmon
Good for you. Salmon is one of the best healthy proteins, with omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and potassium (Healthline). Broiling is a great way to retain all those benefits without much effort. Quick and easy. Broiled salmon is a cinch to make. It’s the best method for cooking salmon quickly, as it takes a 6-ounce filet only 6 to 8 minutes to cook under the broiler. The salmon itself turns out juicy and caramelized (especially if you use my salmon seasoning which contains just a bit of brown sugar to enhance the caramelization). Versatile. There are so many ways to serve broiled salmon, and lots of ways to customize this simple recipe with marinades, seasonings, sauces, and more. Don’t forget to scroll down for ideas!
Is It Better To Broil Or Bake Salmon?
In simple terms, broiling is cooking from above. The salmon is positioned higher in the oven, beneath the top heating element. When salmon broils, the heat from the top of your oven caramelizes the sugars, crisping up the top of the salmon. On the other hand, baked salmon is cooked in the middle of the oven, with heat from all sides. It takes slightly longer and baking results in a less crispy top. Both methods are healthy and delicious ways to cook salmon at home. I find that broiling is the best choice for quickly cooking salmon in individual portions. If you’re working with a larger portion, it’s better to bake the salmon at 425ºF for longer, to ensure even cooking. You can place baked salmon under the broiler right at the end in order to crisp up the top, if you want.
Ingredient Notes
Here I include some notes on what you’ll need. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card below the post for the full amounts, recipe instructions, and nutritional information.
Salmon – Filets are best, as they’re quick-cooking and have a lot of flavor. I usually buy a whole salmon side and cut it up into 6-ounce filets at home. You can also buy pre-portioned salmon filets or ask your local fish counter to cut them for you. Olive Oil – Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil to coat your salmon filets. The oil helps the tops to cook up nice and crisp without burning. Seasoning – I use a prepared salmon seasoning blend, but you can season your salmon any way that you’d like. Use your preferred store-bought blend or your own homemade seasoning. See below for ideas.
How to Broil Salmon In the Oven
Broiling salmon couldn’t be easier. The key is high heat, and keeping a close eye on the salmon while it cooks. Let’s get started: Preheat the broiler. Some ovens allow you to set the broiling temperature, while other models come with an existing “broil” option, usually between 500 to 550ºF. Position the oven rack about 6 inches from the top element of your oven, and set it to broil. If needed, adjust the broil temperature to 550ºF. Prepare the salmon filets. Arrange your salmon filets on a foil-lined baking sheet, then pat them dry with paper towels. Next, give each filet a good, even rub with olive oil. Sprinkle on your seasoning and press it into the fish using your hands. Broil. Pop your filets under the broiler for 6 to 9 minutes. Keep an eye on the tops of the salmon and take it out when it’s browned and cooked through. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon filets. Afterward, let the salmon rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. The internal temperature will continue to rise a few degrees.
Recipe Tips
Broiling is a wonderful way to bring out the flavors in simple salmon filets. Prepare to be hooked! Here are some final tips for broiling success: Keep an eye on your salmon as it cooks. Broiling uses high heat, which means that your salmon can go from underdone to overdone within minutes. Always stay close to the oven while you’re broiling. High heat is key to perfectly broiled salmon that’s golden and crispy on top. You can broil salmon using your oven’s broil setting, or, if needed, set the temperature to 500 to 550ºF. If your broiler only goes as high as 450ºF, that’s fine, too. Always preheat your broiler first! Give the oven at least 5 to 10 minutes to heat up before you cook your salmon. If the salmon is browning too quickly, tent the filets with aluminum foil while they finish cooking. How long you broil salmon depends on the thickness of your filets, but it usually takes between 6 to 9 minutes at a broiling temperature of 500 to 550ºF.
Make This Broiled Salmon Recipe Your Own
The simplicity of this broiled salmon recipe means there’s loads of room to make it your own. Here are some of our favorite variation ideas:
Keep things simple with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Or, borrow the dressing from my baked salmon with lemon. Use another seasoning blend, like all-purpose seasoning. Use an herb blend, like Herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning, or sprinkle on your choice of dried or fresh herbs. For a spicy kick, season your salmon with homemade Cajun seasoning. Rub on fajita seasoning to give this salmon a Tex-Mex vibe. You can also add a squeeze of lime and fresh chopped cilantro after broiling. For Asian-inspired broiled salmon, make soy glazed salmon or coat your salmon filets in an orange glaze. Broil, and then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Salmon has become such a weeknight staple in our house, and this recipe is super versatile! We love pairing succulent broiled salmon filets with fresh vegetables for a healthy dinner. Our favorites are roasted green beans, roasted broccoli, or sautéed Brussels sprouts. Salmon also goes perfectly with a side of Mediterranean green bean salad, panzanella salad, or this crunchy cabbage salad with zesty honey lime dressing. For a heartier meal, broiled salmon is great to serve with white rice or pasta. Try it with one-pan recipes like this creamy lemon orzo with greens. And, if you feel like jazzing things up a little, flaky salmon is extra luxurious served with an easy mushroom risotto, parmesan potatoes, or homemade polenta.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Fridge. Store any leftover broiled salmon covered or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days. Leftover salmon is perfect to use in lots of different ways, either cold or reheated (see below). To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You can also use the microwave. Freezer. Cooked salmon freezes great. Store your cooled leftover salmon in a freezer safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Leftover Love
Flake your leftover salmon into your favorite pasta recipes (like creamy spaghetti or this cold orzo salad). You can also use leftovers in salmon tacos, wraps, and salads, or add broiled salmon to easy meal prep ideas, like this salmon bowl or a quinoa bowl.
Interested in a weekly meal plan that includes this salmon recipe? Take a look at my Meal Plan #42 or Meal Plan #88. You’ll find a wholesome recipe for each weekday plus a categorized grocery list. Let me do the planning for you this week! We add a new meal plan weekly.
