This broiled salmon recipe is fresh salmon lightly coated with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 5-minute prep and a 10-minute broil make this quick and easy dinner recipe a weeknight win ... date night too! Learn how to cook salmon using your broiler and you might not do it any other way!
I did not love or even like salmon for the longest time. Every time I cooked it, I found it to be too dry. I couldn't make myself enjoy it. It's because I was overcooking it, which I only discovered after broiling it a few times. Broiled salmon is always juicy, flaky, and never dry because it cooks so quickly under the intense heat yet retains the moisture on the inside. Serve it next to sauteed asparagus or air fryer asparagus and your favorite starch for a complete dinner.
Broiled salmon ingredients
Ingredient amounts are included in the printable recipe below.
- fresh salmon fillets (we use frozen wild skin-on sockeye)
- extra virgin olive oil (or any oil)
- salt, pepper, and garlic granules
How to broil salmon
Full recipe instructions are in the printable recipe below.
- Adjust oven rack and preheat broiler to HIGH.
- Lay the filets skin side down on baking pan and coat with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place under broiler 7-10 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
- Allow to rest a few minutes, then serve.
There are many ways to prepare this beautiful fish and get scrumptious, juicy results. But, if you don't know how to cook salmon without overcooking it, broiled salmon is virtually foolproof!
How long to cook salmon under a broiler
You'll notice that my instructions say to broil salmon for 7 to 10 minutes. If you like it to be medium-rare, take it out of the oven after seven minutes and check for doneness. If you like it more well-done, but still juicy, check it after 10 minutes under the broiler. If it needs more time, pop it back under the broiler in 1-2 minute intervals.
Baked salmon or broiled. What's the difference?
Broiled salmon and baked salmon both use dry heat and are both cooked in the oven. However, broiling uses more direct heat and higher heat, around 550°F. Baked salmon is usually done at around 400°F. As a result, it spends less time in the oven, giving it less time to dry out, making it more juicy and tender.
This method is perfect for beginner cooks because it's virtually hands-free and uses minimal cooking skills.
What temperature is salmon when it’s done?
The FDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for cooked salmon. I prefer juicier and more tender results of salmon when it’s cooked closer to 125°F.
Measure the temperature of salmon by placing a quick-read thermometer in the thickest part immediately upon removing it from the oven.
How to know when salmon is cooked
Salmon is cooked when the flesh is opaque (no longer translucent) and “flakes” apart. Keep in mind that it will continue to cook even after it has been removed from the heat source, so it’s easy to mistake the timing and overcook it. Knowing how long to broil salmon becomes more intuitive with practice. The most effective way to know is by using a quick-read thermometer.
How to cook salmon with the skin on
When you broil salmon with the skin on, it adds great flavor and won't fall apart during transfer, just like my Chilean Sea Bass. Not only that, but removing skin from raw fish fillets is very difficult and not worth the effort.
To broil salmon with the skin on, you can use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat set on a baking sheet, or simply coat the salmon lightly with oil. Any of these options will prevent it from sticking to the baking pan. Serve salmon with the skin intact, or simply peel it off before serving. It's totally up to you. I always serve it with the skin and let the people decide if they want to eat it.
Do you flip salmon when cooking it?
When cooking salmon in the oven, baked or broiled, there's no need to flip it. Doing so creates unnecessary steps. The beauty of baking and broiling salmon is that it's hands-free. Also, the broiler thoroughly cooks it as long as you cook it for the appropriate amount of time relative to its size.
What to serve with broiled salmon
- Garlicky Oven Roasted Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Macaroni Salad
- Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
- Sauteed Asparagus
- Lemony Kale Salad
More seafood recipes
Quick and easy dinner recipes
- Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Easy Baked Chicken Legs
- Taco Pasta (Instant Pot or stove)
- Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo
- Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
Easy Broiled Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- cooking spray
- paper towel
- fish spatula to transfer cooked salmon
INGREDIENTS
- 2 (6 ounce) Salmon Fillets, skin-on or off, bones removed
- ½ teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- pinch Sea Salt
- pinch Black Pepper
- pinch Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Position oven rack 8” from broiler. Preheat broiler to HIGH. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Pat SALMON dry with a paper towel and place skin side down on the baking pan.
- Coat salmon with OLIVE OIL, SALT, PEPPER, and GARLIC POWDER.
- Broil salmon 7-10 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork *see recipe note
- Transfer salmon to a plate and serve warm.
RECIPE VIDEO
Traci's Recipe Notes
- Salmon thickness varies, which affects the degree of doneness in the given broiling time. If your salmon needs more time under the broiler, go for it! (I personally like mine med-rare, but you might like well-done).
- Skin-on or skinless salmon will work for this recipe.
- We often use wild Sockeye salmon fillets for this recipe, but any type of salmon filet can be broiled
- I’ve broiled a whole side of salmon using this exact recipe. It required a few more minutes under the broiler and I used the same techniques as I use with the smaller fillets.
- For even heating, always line up salmon fillets directly under the broiler flame.
NUTRITION
Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.
Jean says
Very good best I've eaten!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yayy! So glad to hear it, Jean 🙂 This is such a great way to enjoy salmon. Always juicy! Thanks for stopping in to let me know!
Kathryn Donangelo says
I'm always looking for new ways to cook salmon and I can't wait to try this recipe. Sounds simple, easy and perfect for dinner this week!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Kathryn! Glad you can enjoy this one. It's such an easy salmon recipe
kim says
Yum! This was such a tasty dinner... the whole family gobbled it up. I'll definitely be making again!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Kim! That's a home run...thanks for letting me know
Shanna says
I love that this has the perfect amount of lemon and spices. I can't wait to try this one.
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Shanna! Glad you can enjoy this one
Sharon says
This salmon recipe is just the thing I'm looking for when I don't have much time but I want a healthy dinner. Great with a nice green salad.
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Sharon! I'm right there with you! Salmon is so healthy and easy
Beth says
We love this simple, delicious and healthy way to cook salmon! There is nothing worse than overcooked salmon and broiling seems to be foolproof. Thanks!
Pam says
I've never had salmon broiled before. I love it every way I have had it, though, so I'm going to give this a try. It looks so easy!
Sujatha Muralidhar says
I never thougt the simple, basic ingredients can also make a dish super hit. The killer recipe does not rely on the ingredients but rely on the process we make. This is a clearly written easy to follow recipe. I'm happy here.
The Kitchen Girl says
This is very well-said, Sujatha ❤️ You're so right...this broiled salmon is all about the process Thank you!
Andrea Metlika says
Salmon is my favorite fish. This is so easy and it looks delicious. Can't wait to make this for my family.
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Andrea! Glad your family enjoys broiled salmon 🙂
Cate says
Such a perfect recipe for busy weeknight evenings! Saving this thanks for the recipe!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Cate! Broiled salmon is def a fav for busy days. Enjoy!
Jere Cassidy says
5 minute prep and 10 minute broil, that is my kind of recipe, plus I love salmon so this is a perfect meal to make.
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks so much, Jere! Love hearing that you love salmon too 🙂
Stephanie says
What an amazing salmon recipe This was delish!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Stephanie! So glad you liked it...broiled salmon is my FAV way to enjoy salmon 🙂
Emily Liao says
This broiled salmon is the answer to my weeknight meal! I love salmon and this gave it the perfect texture.
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Emily! So glad you can enjoy this one 🙂
Sharon says
I love salmon and I'm always looking for new recipes. This broiled salmon is so easy and delicious.
The Kitchen Girl says
If you want easy and delicious, this broiled salmon recipe is for you! Thanks 🙂
Dannii says
This salmon looks perfectly cooked. Great with a feta salad.
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Danni! Yep, we're crazy about perfect salmon 🙂
Adrianne says
Salmon is my favourite fish and I am loving everything about this. It looks so healthy and delicious too, yum!! It is great that this recipe doesn't take that long to cook either!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Adrianne! So glad you can enjoy this one 🙂
Michelle says
Amazing! My salmon turned out absolutely perfect thanks to this recipe
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Michelle! So glad to hear it 🙂 Thanks!
Priya @Cookilicious says
That looks perfectly cooked! Looks delicious too
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Priya...love hearing that 🙂
Biana says
This looks like such a simple and flavorful recipe -- perfect for my next menu! Thank you for sharing it.
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Biana! Yes, simple and flavorful indeed 🙂