How to Cook Frozen Salmon?

Salmon is one of the highly sought-after seafood, and with good reason. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is an excellent source of protein, making it a great choice for any meal. But how can you cook frozen salmon without compromising on taste or texture? In this article, we'll walk you through different cooking methods that will help you get the best out of your frozen salmon!

Three Safe Methods to Cook Frozen Salmon

Method: 1 Through Oven

Here's a simple recipe for roasting frozen salmon in the oven.

Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) skin-on frozen salmon fillets

• Two tablespoons of olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Set your oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Take the frozen salmon fillets out of the freezer and place them on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down.

Step 3: Drizzle two teaspoons of olive oil over the top of the fillets and season the fillets with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Place the baking sheet with the salmon fillets in the preheated oven.

Step 5: Roast the salmon for 12-15 minutes or until the flesh becomes opaque. To check if it's done, use a fork to gently flake a small portion and check if it's no longer translucent.

Step 6: Now it's time Remove the baking sheet from the oven and use a spatula to transfer the salmon fillets to a plate.

Step 7: Let the salmon cool down for some time to let the juices redistribute.

Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite sauce, if desired.

Note − Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. You can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon, which should reach 145F degrees.

Method 2: Pan-searing

Pan-searing is a great way to cook frozen salmon because it allows you to quickly sear the exterior of the fish while keeping the interior moist and flavorful. Here's a step-by-step guide for pan-searing frozen salmon −

Step 1: Take the frozen salmon fillets out of the freezer and let them thaw for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Step 3: Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil (such as vegetable, canola, or olive oil) to the skillet.

Step 4 :Season the pieces with salt and pepper or your desired seasoning and put them in the skillet with skin side down.

Step 5: Cook the salmon for 2-3 minutes on the first side or until a golden-brown crust forms.

Step 6: Carefully flip the fillets over with a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. To check if it's done, use a fork to gently flake a small portion and check if it's no longer translucent.

Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the salmon fillets to a plate.

Step 8: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute.

Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite sauce, if desired.

You can refrigerate the rest of the salmon inside an airtight container. You can easily count on it as your quick meal for the next three to four days.

Method 3 Grilling

Grilling is a great way to cook frozen salmon because it imparts a smoky flavor and gives the fish a nice char. Here's a step-by-step guide for grilling frozen salmon −

Step 1: Take the frozen salmon fillets out of the freezer and let them thaw for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Step 2: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450F).

Step 3: While the grill is heating up, brush the fillets with oil (such as olive oil) to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Season the fillets with salt and pepper or your desired seasoning.

Step 5: Place the fillets, skin side down, on the grill grates.

Step 6: Grill the salmon for about 3-5 minutes per side or until it is cooked through and the flesh is opaque. To check if it's done, use a fork to gently flake a small portion and check if it's no longer translucent.

Step 7: Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the grill and place them on a plate. It is imperative to let the salmon cool down for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute.

Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite sauce, if desired.

Note − Depending on the grill, you may want to place the fish on a lightly oiled piece of aluminum foil to prevent sticking.

Tips for cooking frozen salmon

Here are some tips for cooking frozen salmon

Thawing − It's best to thaw frozen salmon before cooking it so that it cooks evenly. You can thaw salmon in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 20-30 minutes. Make sure to pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before cooking.

Cooking temperature − When cooking frozen salmon, it's important to use a high enough temperature to ensure that the fish cooks through before the exterior burns. For oven-baking, grilling, and pan-searing, a temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit, medium-high heat (around 400-450F), and medium-high heat, respectively, works well.

Timing − Cooking time for frozen salmon can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. Generally, it takes 12-15 minutes to roast in the oven and 2-5 minutes per side to pan-sear or grill. Check the internal temperature of the fish with a thermometer to ensure it reaches 145F.

Avoid Overcooking − Overcooking salmon can cause it to dry out and become tough, so it's important to keep an eye on the fish and remove it from the heat when it's done. To know whether it is done or not, gently flake a small piece of the fish with a fork and see if it's no longer translucent.

Seasoning − You can use many types of herbs and spices, such as garlic, ginger, cumin, or dill, to enhance the flavor of salmon. You could also marinate it before cooking for an extra flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions − You can choose to serve the delicious salmon with many types of healthy side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, a salad, or a grain-based dish, and sauces or toppings such as a vinaigrette, lemon or herb butter, or yogurt sauce.

Conclusion

Frozen salmon is a great, versatile ingredient that can be cooked in multiple ways to make delicious meals. We looked at roasting, grilling, and pan-searing as methods for cooking frozen salmon. Now you have the knowledge of all these different techniques so you can choose the one that fits your needs best! With these proven cooking options available to try, there's no excuse not to get creative with frozen salmon!