Cooking salmon to perfection requires understanding the different cooking methods and their impact on the fish’s texture and flavor. Whether you prefer grilling, baking, pan-frying, or poaching, the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet or steak and your desired level of doneness.
As a general rule, thinner fillets cook more quickly than thicker ones. For example, a 1-inch thick fillet will take about 10-12 minutes to grill or bake at 400F (200C), while a 2-inch thick fillet will take about 15-18 minutes. When pan-frying, cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side over medium heat. Poaching is a gentler cooking method, and it takes about 10-12 minutes to cook a 1-inch thick fillet in simmering water.