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This broiled salmon recipe is made with fresh salmon fillets lightly coated with olive oil and a very simple fish seasoning. 5-minute prep and the quickest cooking method makes this a dinner win. Once you know how to broil salmon, you might not use any other method.
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Are you overcooking your salmon?
I didn't like salmon for the longest time. Every time I cooked it, I could never appreciate the flavor or texture, and I couldn't make myself enjoy it. Guess what? Once I learned how to broil salmon, I realized I had been overcooking it all along – and now I get excited about salmon dinner!
Here's why this recipe works. Cooked salmon can (and should) be juicy, flaky, and never dry. The broiling method causes the fish to cook so quickly under intense heat that it doesn't have time to lose moisture. Makes sense, right?
Of course you can achieve juicy, delicious results with other methods – air fryer salmon is a close favorite to broiling. But, if that's not an option, try this broiled salmon recipe and change your mind about salmon for good.
Broiled salmon ingredients
Ingredient amounts are included in the printable recipe below.
- fresh salmon fillets - I used frozen wild skin-on sockeye for this blog post
- olive oil - or preferred oil
- salt, pepper, and garlic granules - or any seasoning blend such as Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or Blackening seasoning.
How to broil salmon
Full recipe instructions are in the printable recipe below.
Step 1: (optional) Let salmon fillets rest (temper) about 20 minutes at room temperature. This helps them broil more uniformly and efficiently.
Step 2: Adjust oven rack 6-8 inches from the broiler and preheat broiler to high or medium high setting, depending on your oven. You want the broiler temperature to be about 500 degrees Fahrenheit when cooking salmon using this method.
Step 3: Pat salmon dry with a paper towel and place the fillets skin side down on a baking sheet. Coat fillets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Tip: You can spray or line the baking sheet with aluminum foil, parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easier clean up, but it's not required.
Step 4: Place salmon on the baking rack and broil 7 to 10 minutes. Properly broiled salmon fillet should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Step 5: Allow to rest a few minutes, then serve.
There are many ways to prepare this beautiful fish and get scrumptious, juicy results. If you don't know how to cook salmon without overcooking it, broiled salmon is my recommended method, especially for beginners.
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 salmon medium-rare, take it out of the oven after seven minutes and check it. If you like it more well-done, check it after 10 minutes under the broiler. If it needs more time, pop it back under the broiler in 1-2 minute intervals and don't take your eyes off of it because it can overcook so easily.
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 direct heat and higher heat, around 550 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas baked salmon is done at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, broiled salmon spends less time in the oven and has less time to dry out, therefore making it more juicy and tender.
I also recommend this broiling method to busy 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 degrees Fahrenheit for cooked salmon. I prefer juicier and more tender results of salmon when it’s medium-rare, which is closer to 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can 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 to the fish and won't fall apart during transfer, just like my Chilean sea bass.
To broil salmon with the skin on, place the salmon skin-side-down on a prepared baking sheet to prevent the the skin from sticking to the baking pan. Broil salmon according to the recipe below.
Once it's cooked, the skin peels right off – much easier than when the fish is raw. You can serve salmon with the skin on or simply peel it off and discard.
Can you eat salmon skin?
There are different schools of thought about this and I invite you to do your own research. I personally don't eat salmon skin unless it's pan fried. Even then, I usually give it do the neighbor dog because she loves it more than I do.
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.
Serving ideas
My favorite way to serve broiled salmon is alongside sauteed asparagus or air fried asparagus. Add a smidge of pasta or sweet potatoes for a complete dinner. Other delicious side dishes include oven roasted mushrooms, macaroni salad, shaved Brussels sprout salad or lemony kale salad.
More seafood recipes
Quick and easy dinner entrees
- Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Easy Baked Chicken Legs
- Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
📖 Recipe
Juicy Broiled Salmon Recipe
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Video
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.
Equipment
- cooking spray
- paper towel
- fish spatula to transfer cooked salmon
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.
Leona Colijn says
10 minutes on broil. I flanked the salmon with asparagus and the timing was perfect for both. I will play around with different spices the next time. This by far the easiest way I’ve found to do salmon. Thanks so much.
Traci says
You're so welcome and yay! Thanks for the feedback. There are so many spice possibilities that you can use on salmon. Enjoy!
Sharon Fiorello says
I love all your recipes they're my style of cooking
Traci says
Yay! So glad to hear you're enjoying them. Thanks for letting me know!
Ali says
This salmon turned out so well! Goes perfectly with some veggies and risotto on the side.
Traci says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it and I'm all for those sides. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Tia M says
The salmon really is as juicy and tender as you say it is! Thank you for all the tips - it’s just too easy!
Tian says
Hands-down my favorite way to make salmon. Thank you for all the tips!
J Allen says
Juicy salmon is right! I don't know why but broiled salmon is the absolute no-fail way to cook salmon perfectly every single time. I love it that you don't suggest too much browning because that tends to overcook it. Thanks for changing my mind about salmon 😉
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 🙂