Cooking salmon and not sure how to tell when it’s done? This fish can be tricky to cook perfectly: undercook it and it’s rare on the inside, or go to far and it’s dry and chewy. Salmon comes in different varieties and thicknesses, and each of them cook differently! Here’s how to tell when salmon is done, and a handy cook time chart for the most popular ways to cook this fish.
How to know when salmon is done
How to tell when salmon is done? A food thermometer is the best way to get a precise reading on whether fish and meat are cooked. There are several varieties of salmon (Coho, Atlantic, King, etc.) that come in different thicknesses, so each piece will cook differently. No two pieces of fish are alike, so the exact timing will vary every time you cook it. Here’s how to know when salmon is done:
Salmon is done when the internal temperature measures 125 to 130°F at the thickest point for medium cooked salmon. For medium rare, you can stop cooking at 120°F. The fish will continue to cook after you remove it from the heat. To ensure full safety, the FDA recommended temperature for seafood is 145°F or well done. Or, salmon is done when it flakes when pricked with a fork. If you don’t have a food thermometer, you can use visual cues. Cook the fish until the salmon just starts to flake when gently pricked with a fork (the pieces of flesh separate easily). Either way, be careful not to overcook. There’s nothing worse than a dry piece of fish. We prefer our salmon cooked to medium. Keep an eye on it and don’t go too far.
Time table for cooking salmon
There are several methods for how to cook salmon, like seared, baked, broiled, poached, and grilled. Every piece of salmon is a different type and thickness, so the timing will range every time you cook it. Here are the approximate cook times for these methods:
More salmon recipes
Cooking up your salmon using a favorite recipe? Here are a few more salmon recipes to make with this popular fish:
Try fan-favorite Creamy Tuscan Salmon Go for Honey Glazed Salmon or Pan Seared Salmon (below) Opt for Stuffed Salmon or Marinaded Salmon Make Best Baked Salmon, Grilled Salmon, or Honey Garlic Salmon
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