How to cook salmon

Choice of salmon

The first step is to choose the right salmon. It is important to pay attention to several criteria:
* Freshness: Salmon must be fresh. Check the smell of the fish - it should be mild, not overpowering. If the fish emits a pungent smell, it may mean that it is not fresh.
* Color: Fresh salmon meat should be bright in color - from pink to dark orange. The intensity of the color depends on the species and the feeding method.
* Texture: Fresh salmon meat is firm and elastic. If the surface of the fish is indented when pressed, this is a sign that it may be too old.
* Skin condition: If the salmon is skinned, the skin should be smooth and shiny, with no scales missing or damaged.

Preparation of salmon

Once you have fresh salmon, it is important to properly prepare it for cooking. Here are some important steps:
* Washing: Before cooking, the salmon should be washed well with cold water. This helps to remove dirt from the surface of the fish.
* Drying: After washing, the fish should be gently dried with a paper towel. Dry salmon will cook better and be crispier.
* Boning: Check the fish for bones. If you find them, remove them using small tweezers.
* Slicing: You can cut salmon in a variety of ways, depending on how you plan to cook it. You can leave the fillet pieces, cut into steaks or smaller pieces.

Pickling and spices

Salmon absorbs a variety of flavors well, so pickling can be a great way to enhance its flavor. Here are some popular pickling ideas:
* Lemon and herb marinade: Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper. Leave the salmon to marinate for 30 minutes.
* Soy and ginger marinade: Mix soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, honey and sesame oil. Marinating time - 20-30 minutes.
* Teriyaki Marinade: Use teriyaki sauce with garlic, ginger and sesame seeds. Marinating time - 20 minutes.

Cooking methods

There are many ways to cook salmon. Each method gives the fish a unique taste and texture. Here we will discuss a few of the most popular methods.

Baking in the oven

Baking in the oven is one of the easiest and most popular ways to prepare salmon. Here's how to do it:
1. Heat the oven: Heat the oven to 200°C.
2. Prepare the baking tray: Place baking paper or foil on the baking tray.
3. Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillet on a baking sheet. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice and olive oil.
4. Bake: Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. The salmon is ready when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Frying in a pan

Pan-frying gives the salmon a crispy crust and keeps it juicy inside. Here's how to do it:
1. Prepare the pan: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add olive oil.
2. Prepare the salmon: Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper.
3. Bake: Place the salmon fillet on the pan, skin side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Then turn and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the meat becomes matte.

Grilling

Grilled salmon takes on a unique flavor and is perfect for summer parties. Here's how to do it:
1. Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillet on the grill, skin side down. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice.
3. Bake: Bake for about 6-8 minutes until the skin becomes crispy. Then flip and cook for another 2-4 minutes until the meat becomes matte.

Salmon dishes

Now that you know the basics of cooking salmon, here are some recipes for you to try.

Lemon salmon with herbs

Ingredients:
* 2 salmon fillets
* 2 lemons
* 2 tablespoons of olive oil
* 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary
* Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
1. Pickling: Mix lemon juice, olive oil, chopped rosemary, salt and pepper. Pour the marinade over the salmon and leave to marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the salmon fillet on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
3. Serving: Serve with fresh lemon slices and salad.

Teriyaki salmon

Ingredients:
* 2 salmon fillets
* 4 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce
* 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
* 2 cloves of garlic
* 1 teaspoon of grated ginger

Preparation:
1. Pickling: Mix teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, chopped garlic and grated ginger. Pour the marinade over the salmon and leave to marinate for 20 minutes.
2. Baking: Heat a pan over medium heat. Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
3. Serving: Serve with rice and vegetables.

Salmon with garlic and honey

Ingredients:
* 2 salmon fillets
* 3 spoons of honey
* 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
* 2 cloves of garlic

Preparation:
1. Pickling: Mix honey, soy sauce and chopped garlic. Pour the marinade over the salmon and leave to marinate for 20 minutes.
2. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the salmon fillet on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
3. Serving: Serve with roasted vegetables or salad.

Tips and tricks
* Cooking time: Salmon cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillet. It is generally recommended to cook for about 4-6 minutes for every centimeter of fillet thickness.
* Don't overcook: It's important not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry. It is better to leave it slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook even after removing it from the oven or pan.
* Spices: Salmon goes well with a variety of spices, so experiment with different marinades and sauces to find your favorite combination.

Cooking salmon can be a simple and enjoyable process that gives a great result. Choose fresh fish, prepare it properly and use different marinades and cooking methods to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. Salmon is a versatile ingredient that is suitable for both everyday lunches and special occasions. Try our presented recipes and discover new flavors and serving methods that will delight you and your guests.