Cooking the Perfect Stovetop Salmon

Last Updated on August 28, 2024

Long, hot days call for smoky salmon grilled up under sunny skies. Luckily, when summer storms make outdoor cooking impossible, you can still serve up fresh filets from your kitchen. But how do you cook salmon on the stove that’s as flaky and juicy as grilled fish? Follow this guide to find out. 

How to Cook Salmon on the Stove 

Pan-searing salmon on the stovetop is similar to grilling it and takes a few easy steps: 

1. For even cooking, let the salmon come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. 
2. Over medium-high heat, heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan. 
3. Pat the fish dry and season it generously with salt and pepper (or a homemade spice blend). 
4. Add the salmon to the hot pan skin-side down. 
5. Cook the salmon without disturbing it until it comes away from the pan easily and the skin is crispy and golden brown. 
6. Flip the filet over and continue to pan-sear until it is cooked through. 
7. Remove the salmon from the pan and let it rest for 3 minutes before serving. 

How Long to Cook Salmon: Stovetop 

The amount of time salmon needs in the pan varies based on factors such as the size of the filet and the temperature of the pan. In general, salmon takes 6-10 minutes to cook on the stovetop. Rather than setting the timer, pay attention to visual cues like the texture and color of the salmon to determine when your fish is done. 

Internal temperature is also a reliable way to test the doneness of any meat. The internal cook temp for salmon is 145 degrees Fahrenheit on an instant-read thermometer for a fully cooked filet. Some cooks prefer their salmon cook temp closer to 135 degrees for medium doneness, though either temperature should leave you with flaky, still-juicy fish. 

Thawing Frozen Salmon Before Cooking 

It is possible to cook salmon from frozen if you’re short on time, but in most cases, it’s best to thaw the fish before cooking it. Defrosting your fish in the refrigerator overnight is the ideal method, as long as any vacuum-sealed filets are placed in a new, resealable bag before thawing. For same-day cooking, place the bag in a bowl of cold water to thaw it faster. 

How Long Is Cooked Salmon Good For? 

With a fish so versatile you can eat it at every meal, it’s tempting to make a large batch to enjoy all week long. But remember that cooked salmon only stays good in the fridge for 3-4 days. For seafood lovers looking to add more fish to their regular meal rotation, try the Savor & Surf Sampler filled with wild-caught goodies.