Whether you want to pair salmon with other foods or bake it as a barbecue, overcooking or undercooking will hamper its taste, and your efforts may be wasted. Hence, you must get it right with the cooking process and time.
How long to cook salmon in oven depends on the cooking temperature and salmon size. For a cooking temperature of 180°C, salmon will be ready in 15 to 20 minutes. Note that cooking time may vary based on how you like your salmon, either crunchy on the surface or soft inside.
If you are new to cooking salmon in the oven, this article will teach you about the cooking duration of salmon, how to cook salmon in the oven, and how to know if the salmon is ready.
What Temperature Should You Cook Salmon In The Oven?
The cooking temperature of salmon in the oven depends on the number of salmon and the expected outcome. However, you can cook salmon in the oven between 1200F to 1450F (490C to 600C). These temperatures will give rare, medium-rare, medium, and well-done salmon.
For instance, if you cook salmon at 1250F (medium-rare result), it will be a little firm and smooth. Cooking salmon at 1300F to 1350F gives a medium result; the salmon will be a little moist, flaky, and not so hard. This temperature gives a juicy salmon because all the spices and seasonings get incorporated into it.
If you are cooking many salmon, they may be ready at different times because thicker and bigger salmon filets require more cooking time. Ensure to check each salmon filet before bringing them out from the oven. If the salmon is not done to your taste, leave it in the oven until it is ready.
Do You Cook Salmon Covered Or Uncovered In The Oven?
You can cover or leave your salmon open when cooking it. However, covering your salmon while cooking is ideal because covering allows seasonings and spices to be fully infused so you can have a tasty meal. You will also have a tasteful salmon if you marinate it before cooking it in the oven.
You can cover your salmon with aluminum foil or parchment paper while cooking in the oven. Whether you use aluminum foil or parchment paper, ensure that there is no air penetration or vapor escape to enable the salmon to cook fast and evenly.
Note that you can cook salmon in several ways, and you may not need to cover it in some ways. Baking, frying, broiling, grilling, searing, etc., are some ways you can prepare your salmon.
How Long To Cook Salmon In Oven | Procedure For Cooking Salmon In The Oven
On average, you should cook your salmon for 12 to 15 minutes. The cooking duration for salmon varies. Depending on the cooking temperature, salmon size, thickness, or whether it is wild or farm-raised, you can cook your salmon for a short or long time.
Each side of the filet should cook for 6 to 7 minutes. At a cooking temperature of 1800C, you should cook your salmon for 15 to 20 minutes. Thick salmon will cook longer than thin ones. Wild salmon takes a shorter time to cook because it has little fat.
Below is a table showing how long you can cook salmon or 6-ounce or 1 3/4 pounds in the oven with varying temperatures.
| Temperatures | Cooking Time |
| 3500F (1770C) | 15 to 18 minutes – 6-ounce, 20 to 25 minutes – 1 3/4 pounds |
| 3750F (1900C) | 12 to 16 minutes – 6-ounce, 18 to 20 minutes – 1 3/4 pounds |
| 4000F (2040C) | 11 to 14 minutes – 6-ounce, 15 to 18 minutes – 1 3/4 pounds |
| 4250F (2180C) | 9 to 12 minutes – 6-ounce, 14 to 15 minutes – 1 ¾ pounds |
| 4500F (2320C) | 8 to 10 minutes – 6-ounce, 11 to 13 minutes – 1 3/4 pounds |
Procedure For Cooking Salmon In The Oven
Cooking salmon in the oven is pretty simple and requires less time if you are cooking less salmon. Before you start cooking, you must buy the salmon and put the ingredients in place. Here are the ingredients you need to prepare your salmon.
- Salmon filets: Purchase the size and quantity of salmon filets you need. When buying salmon filets, look for fresh ones with no dents or foul smell. Frozen filets should be put in an airtight container. Do not buy salmon filets that have color changes or preservatives.
- Olive Oil: You can use any brand of olive oil, like extra virgin oil. You can also use butter or any other vegetable oil alternative.
- Salt: You need to add salt to taste. Kosher salt is an example of salt you can use.
- Lemon: A medium or large size.
- A blend of herb seasoning: You can combine any herb of your choice for the salmon.
- Black pepper.
- Minced garlic.
Follow the steps below to cook your salmon in the oven.
Step 1: Heat the oven beforehand to 3750F/1900C. So when you are done preparing the salmon filets, you just put them into the oven.
Step 2: You have to prepare the salmon filet. To prepare filets, start by patting them with a dry towel to dry. Bring out a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper. Mix spices, herbs, and seasonings in a bowl. Squeeze the lemon into the bowl and combine.
Step 3: Scoop the mixture onto the salmon filets. Ensure that the mixture evenly spreads on the filets so no place will be left dry. After spreading the mixture on the salmon filets, you can cover it, put it in the fridge, and cover it to marinate.
Do not add pepper and salt immediately until you are ready to put it in the oven. Cut a few thin slices of lemon and place them on the salmon filets to keep them moist.
Step 4: Put the salmon in the oven for about 15 to 18 minutes. This time can be longer or shorter if you expect a desired outcome. Check the salmon to be sure it is cooked properly before bringing it out from the oven. When you check it with a fork, a properly cooked salmon will be scaly.
Step 5: Bring it out from the oven and garnish it to your desired taste.
How To Tell When Salmon Is Done In The Oven?
There are many ways you can check if your salmon is done. You can use a meat thermometer, finger, or fork or observe it with your eyes. Here is how you can check your salmon if it is ready.
Use A Meat Thermometer
If you have a meat thermometer, you can use it to check your salmon filet. FDA recommends an inner temperature of 1450F.
Use A Fork Or Your Finger
Another way to know if your salmon is done in the oven is to feel it using your finger or fork to feel the thick parts. If it cracks easily, your salmon filet is ready.
Use Your Eyes
By looking at your salmon in the oven, you will know when it is done. If it is done, the filets will become filmy, and the color will change to light pink. Also, if it looks raw, you may still have to put it back in the oven.
Conclusion
To conclude, always check your salmon in the oven from time to time, so it does not overcook. At least cook your salmon for 12-15 minutes. Garnish your well-cooked salmon filets to your taste and pair them with your desired food ingredient.
