by Joan Inong

Created on: November 24, 2010

Salmon meat is delicate, has a subtle fishy flavor, and flakes quite easily. Just as there are many types of salmon, there are also many ways to cook these meaty fish. Although people have their own preferences for cooking salmon, below are some of the easiest ways to cook salmon.

Baked

Baked salmon would be a great idea for people who want to quickly cook their fish but help it get some distinct flavors. However, don't be tempted to just bake your salmon without adding some other ingredients first. Try adding slices of lemon and rosemary, as well as sea salt and crushed black pepper, to a salmon with the skin intact. Bake it at 375 degrees F for about 12-14 minutes (for a 5-6" long 1"-1 1/2" thick fillet). You can also try other herbs and spices, such as paprika and fresh garlic, or chopped chives and lemon slices. Bake the fish using a rack so that it does not stick to the pan. This way, the fish's natural oil will also drip down.

Steamed

One way to quickly cook your salmon is to steam the fillet or whole fish. Steaming imparts a special flavor to the fish, especially depending on how you wrap the fish and what kind of herbs and spices are used in the cooking process. Place the salmon a wire rack and place this all in a deep pot. Fill enough water to about 1"-1 1/2" or so. Then, put some of your favorite herbs and spices on the salmon or in the water. As the water boils off, the steam will add the "flavor" to the salmon. All that you need to do afterward is to lightly salt the fish. You can also steam the salmon by wrapping it in tin foil and repeating the same procedural steps for filling the pot.

Fish soup

If you are looking for a healthy meal for a cool day or night, then salmon fish soup might be a good idea. Salmon fish soup is easy to make. Add your favorite soup making ingredients. Chances are, if the flavors are not too extreme, they will compliment the salmon very well. For example, there is a Filipino fish soup consisting of garlic, ginger, tomatoes, onions, fish, tamarind powder, and water. It is a simple recipe that makes good use of the salmon's meatiness. 

Grilled

If you're up to preparing the grill, then this is a good way to cook salmon. It's easy and the process results in delicious salmon that should hopefully have some grill marks on the bottom. Lightly oil both the salmon and the grill. Leave the skin on the salmon even if you will not eat it. You will have an easier time removing the salmon from the hot grill. Let the grill get nice and hot. Otherwise, the salmon may not get the grill marks and it may stick to the grill. You can also marinate the salmon before you cook it or wrap it in foil if you don't care for the grill marks and if you want a steamed salmon effect.

These four ways are the best ways to cook salmon because they typically compliment the salmon's natural flavors. 

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