Best Salmon Recipes

Three baked salmon filets on a wood plank

To all my seafood lovers, welcome! This post rounds up all my favorite fresh salmon recipes in one convenient spot.…

The post Best Salmon Recipes appeared first on Over The Fire Cooking.

Three baked salmon filets on a wood plank

To all my seafood lovers, welcome! This post rounds up all my favorite fresh salmon recipes in one convenient spot. If some flaky and juicy salmon with insanely good flavors sounds like your vibe, then keep on scrolling!

Three baked salmon filets on a wood plank.

From small bites to full-side salmon feasts and grilled fillets, salmon is always perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re a salmon newbie or a seasoned grilling pro looking for fresh inspiration, there’s a simple recipe here for you to try. Who needs a fancy restaurant when you can make the best salmon right in your own backyard?  

Why You’ll Love My Salmon Recipes

Salmon is seriously one of the most versatile proteins you can cook. It’s loaded with healthy fatty acids and, undoubtedly, always delivers a juicy, tender bite.

It’s also one of those types of fish that can taste amazing with simple ingredients. An easy go-to recipe for a quick dinner could be grilling with some olive oil (or unsalted butter), dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, fresh garlic and then a squeeze of lemon juice. Or, you can amp up the flavors in any number of ways, as you will soon see in my salmon recipes.

Salmon ends are some of my favorite healthy snacks.

My reliable recipes make it easy to whip up restaurant-quality meals at home without breaking the bank. Plus, salmon is a nutrient-packed, healthy meal option that’s good for your heart and brain. 

Tips for Cooking Salmon Recipes

  1. Internal Temperature: To ensure your salmon cooks perfectly, invest in an instant-read thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
  2. Skin Side Down: Start cooking your salmon with the skin side down to get that crispy skin and then to protect the flesh from overcooking.
  3. Thickness Matters: Adjust your cooking times based on the thickness of your salmon fillet. Thicker pieces will need a bit more time.
  4. Room Temperature: Let your salmon come to room temperature before cooking for even results. 

Different Types of Salmon

Alright, let’s talk salmon! Not all salmon is created equal, and knowing the different types makes you feel a little smarter. Each type has its own unique flavor, texture and best uses. Plus, where your salmon comes from can make a big difference in quality.

A whole side of salmon smoking on salmon planks.

Here’s a quick overview of the different types of salmon and where they’re sourced, so you can make the best choice for your next meal. You can usually find high-quality salmon at your local grocery store, or, you can order online through Wild Alaskan Company or Wild Alaska Salmon & Seafood

  1. Wild-Caught Salmon: Wild salmon is rich in flavor and has a firm texture. This is a great choice for those who prefer a robust taste. Some examples are King Salmon (Chinook), Sockeye and Coho Salmon, most often sourced from the Pacific Ocean, especially Alaska. 
  2. Farmed Salmon: This type of salmon is usually the most affordable. It’s generally milder and fattier, making it very tender and moist. Atlantic Salmon is the most common variety, farmed in Norway, Chile and Canada. 

Let’s dive in and discover all the ways we can make salmon taste so freakin’ delicious!

Whole Side of Salmon Recipes

Whether it’s fire-roasted, smoked or grilled; salmon sides are always satisfying to make. They feed a large crowd with minimal effort but then also with maximum results in terms of flavor and presentation. Whether you’re cooking for a backyard BBQ or a cozy dinner at home, these recipes are always a hit.

Grilled Salmon with a Creamy Horseradish Sauce.

Roasted Salmon with Horseradish Sauce

This easy recipe features grilled salmon with a creamy horseradish sauce.
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Hot Smoked Salmon with a Whisky Chipotle Glaze

Hot Smoked Salmon

This smoky salmon features the flavors of an Old-Fashioned cocktail and your favorite BBQ seasoning.
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planked salmon on the grill topped with chili lime sauce overhead

Planked Salmon

A citrus plank infuses the grilled salmon with a zesty flavor. It gets even better with a chili lime sauce.
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Crab Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Crab Stuffed Salmon

This is the perfect combo of decadent seafood all in one tasty bite!
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Bourbon Bacon Pecan Salmon with some Buffalo Trace

Bourbon Bacon Pecan Salmon

A sweet, savory and nutty way to enjoy your next salmon feast. Grilled on a a citrus plank, it's next-level tasty!
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Sweet Pineapple Teriyaki Salmon

Teriyaki Salmon

This soy-licious salmon is grilled on a pineapple plank for a Hawaiian-inspired umami flavor explosion.
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honey mustard and chili baked salmon

Honey Mustard and Chili Baked Salmon

Honey mustard and a chili-style sauce create a sweet, spicy and tangy salmon side.
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grilled salmon

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Crema

If you're looking for a refreshing salmon recipe with a little kick from some pico, this is it!
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maple bourbon smoked salmon

Smoked Salmon

The bourbon and maple syrup combo helps create a hot and tangy chipotle BBQ glaze for this smoked salmon recipe.
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leaning salmon with roasted garlic aioli

Leaning Salmon with Roasted Garlic Aioli

This is not your usual way to cook salmon but trust me, the results are insane!
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Baked, Grilled & Pan-fried Salmon Fillets

Baked, grilled and pan-fried salmon fillets never disappoint. There’s nothing like the crispy, golden exterior and tender, juicy interior that these cooking methods bring out. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

Baked Wood Plank Salmon

Baked Wood Plank Salmon

These salmon fillets are literally smoked on wood planks over the coals – so freakin' delicious!
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Garlic Soy Marinated Salmon

Garlic Soy Marinated Salmon

This recipe pairs savory umami flavors from soy with a citrus sweetness that is bright and tangy.
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Creamy Honey Cajun Salmon

Creamy Honey Cajun Salmon

Cajun spices and a bit of bourbon create one of my favorite flavor explosions in a cast-iron pan.
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Nashville Hot Cast Iron Salmon sitting on the grill but ready to be served.

Nashville Hot Cast Iron Salmon

This recipe features classic smoky and spicy flavors for our tender and flaky salmon filets.
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Cast Iron

 Cast Iron Skillet Salmon

This is a classic recipe that pairs lemon and garlic with our juicy salmon cooked in the cast-iron skillet.
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time to eat panko fried wild salmon

Panko Fried Wild Salmon

For a crunchy texture and some tender salmon inside, try my panko salmon recipe.
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Salmon Bites

Salmon bites are seriously one of my all-time favorite snacks. They’re bite-sized, packed with flavor and, ultimately, always perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick, healthy snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, salmon bites never disappoint. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Hot honey salmon bits plated and ready to devour.

Hot Honey Salmon Bites

Tender, bite-sized salmon pieces grilled to perfection and glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce.
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Maple Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Maple Bacon Bourbon Salmon Bites

Tender salmon gets a rich glaze of maple syrup, crispy bacon, and bourbon for a savory-sweet flavor explosion.
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Close up of the salmon bites

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Tender salmon pieces are wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a delicious blend of smoky and savory flavors in every bite.
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Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends garnished and served.

Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends

These sweet and salty, bite-size pieces of salmon are cured first before cooked in the smoker.
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Other Fun Salmon Recipes

Salmon Al Pastor Tacos are served!

Salmon Al Pastor Tacos

Vibrant spicy sauce glazes the gorgeous salmon, while pineapple and chiles roast directly in the coals.
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green chili salmon pinwheels on a citrus plank on the grill next to a fire

Green Chili Salmon Pinwheels

These tasty pinwheels are the best finger food and are perfect for your next gathering.
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Maple Cajun Salmon Pinwheels

Maple Cajun Salmon Pinwheels

What's not to love about cream cheese filling and a maple syrup glaze? Not to mention the bacon bits and spicy pimentos.
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Salt Baked Salmon Recipe

Salt Baked Salmon

Ever wanted to cook a whole salmon? Try this Salt Baked Salmon recipe with Cowboy Charcoal and Verlasso!
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Salmon wrapped shrimp garnished and served.

Salmon Wrapped Shrimp

This fun salmon and shrimp recipe is leveled up by my Smoked Garlic Jalapeno Lager and tasty Bang Bang sauce.
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What to Serve with Salmon

When it comes to serving salmon, the options are endless. Pair it with brown rice for a hearty, fiber-packed side that complements the richness of the fish. For something lighter, go with fresh spinach or bok choy for a nutritious and refreshing balance.

Craving comfort food? Mashed potatoes are a go-to, with their creamy texture perfectly matching the salmon. Elevate your dish by drizzling it with fresh garlic butter, making each bite even more flavorful. Roasted veggies like asparagus, carrots, and bell peppers add a colorful and tasty side that rounds out the meal perfectly.

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For more seafood, check out my Smoked Arctic Char Wreath! It’s a fish similar to salmon, but still slightly different. Or, for more of my seafood favorites, you can also check out my Best Lobster Tail Recipes and Grilled Shrimp Recipes.

How to Store Leftover Salmon and Reheat

Storing and reheating salmon properly is key to enjoying it even after the initial meal. Place your leftover salmon in an airtight container to keep it fresh and refrigerate it for up to three days.

When it’s time to reheat, the goal is to retain the moisture and avoid drying out the fish. Reheat your salmon in the oven at a low temperature, around 275 degrees F, until it warms through. This gentle reheating method helps maintain the tender texture of the salmon.

If you have any extra sauce from the original recipe, adding it when reheating can help keep the salmon juicy and flavorful. Properly stored and reheated, your leftover salmon can be just as delightful as when it was first cooked.

FAQs for Salmon Recipes

How do I know when my salmon is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 145 degrees F in the thickest part of the fillet.

Can I freeze cooked salmon?

Yes, you can freeze cooked salmon. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or parchment paper and place it in an airtight container. Or, use a good vacuum sealer. Freeze for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to cook salmon for crispy skin?

Start by patting the skin dry with a paper towel. Cook the salmon skin side down in a hot pan with a little olive oil over medium-high heat until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

What’s a typical serving size for salmon? 

A typical serving of salmon is about 4 to 6 ounces, so if you’re feeding a big crowd, make sure to pick up a couple of pounds of salmon. 

Get The Cookbooks!

Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire

By Derek Wolf

All the major tastes—salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami—are explored in depth, along with an investigation of other components you should consider when it comes to flavor, such as aroma, heat, and texture.

The post Best Salmon Recipes appeared first on Over The Fire Cooking.

Hot Smoked Salmon

Hot Smoked Salmon with a Whisky Chipotle Glaze

Get your grill out, ’cause we’re making the best Hot Smoked Salmon with some Pendleton Rye Whisky. It’s an epic recipe…

The post Hot Smoked Salmon appeared first on Over The Fire Cooking.

Hot Smoked Salmon with a Whisky Chipotle Glaze

Get your grill out, ’cause we’re making the best Hot Smoked Salmon with some Pendleton Rye Whisky. It’s an epic recipe that merges three favorites: an Old-Fashioned cocktail, BBQ seasoning, and succulent salmon with a flaky texture.

Post Sponsored by Pendleton Whisky.

Hot Smoked Salmon with a Whisky Chipotle Glaze

The final result of this culinary combo? Sweet, spicy, and smoky decadent goodness in every bite. This hot smoked salmon recipe is a variation of my Bourbon Bacon Pecan Salmon recipe. However, this time around the garlic and chipotle kick up the smoky flavor a notch or two.

Why am I recommending Pendleton Whisky? If you know, you know. And if you don’t know, then you should soon find out! Pendleton Whisky is distilled in Western Canada with glacier-fed spring water sourced from Mt. Hood, Oregon. With its exceptionally smooth texture and rich, complex flavor profile, I always keep a bottle of Pendleton Whisky in my cabinet. 

Why You’ll Love Hot-Smoked Salmon

To clarify, this is not a traditional cold smoked salmon recipe made in the Traeger Smoker. We’ll use a grill and a higher temperature so that the salmon cooks for only about 20 minutes on the grill grates. The smoke flavor in the cooking process comes from the chipotle and the fruit wood chips we’ll throw in the grill.

The hot smoked salmon is planked by orange slices.

Besides the short cooking time, Hot Smoked Salmon is always a great idea for special occasions or easy weeknight dinners. Salmon doesn’t need a long time to cook so it’s perfect for summer nights when you’re not in the mood to spend hours standing by the grill. 

Overall, wild salmon with flavor love from the barbecue seasoning and the Pendleton Rye Whisky chipotle glaze is so freakin’ delicious. Each bite is rich, flavorful and memorable!

More Salmon

Delicious Smoked Salmon Recipe Ingredients

  • Full Side of Salmon – The best type of salmon is always a personal preference. Wild-caught salmon from the Pacific Northwest is my favorite, however, Atlantic salmon, farm-raised salmon or even sockeye salmon are fine. Choose whichever one you think is the better choice and season it with your favorite BBQ rub.

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  • Whisky Chipotle Glaze – A tantalizing blend of Pendleton Rye Whisky, maple syrup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Chipotle puree and sesame seeds creates a sticky, flavorful coating for the salmon.
  • Oranges – Sliced navel oranges serve as a natural “plank” for the salmon during cooking, imparting another Old-Fashioned-inspired touch.

With its tantalizing blend of flavors and easy preparation, Hot Smoked Salmon is sure to become a favorite recipe in your culinary arsenal. You’ll savor every bite of the smoky sweet goodness! 

How to Make the Best Salmon on the Grill 

First, let’s get started by firing up the grill. Preheat it to medium-high heat, aiming for around 350 degrees F.

Whisky Glaze for Hot Smoked Salmon

Next, once the grill is heated up, place a cast iron skillet over the high-heat side. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle and brown for about 2 minutes. Then comes the fun. Deglaze the skillet with Pendleton Rye Whisky and let it simmer for another 2 minutes. 

The Whisky Chipotle Glaze gets thick and sticky

Next, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients for the sweet and spicy whiskey glaze. Let everything simmer away over the flames until it thickens up, usually about 4-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it, stir it often, and if it starts bubbling too high, just pull the skillet off the flames for a bit. Once it’s nice and thick, let it cool down for a few minutes to room temperature.

Glazing the salmon is a great way to add more flavor to the dish. If this specific glaze isn’t doing it for ya, check out the glazes I use in my Bourbon Bacon Pecan Salmon, Teriyaki Salmon or Honey Mustard and Chili Baked Salmon for other options.

Salmon

While the glaze is cooling off, let’s prep the surface of the salmon. With the skin side down, generously season the top of the salmon with the BBQ Rub and set it aside. 

The top of the salmon is covered with the spicy whiskey glaze

Go ahead and grab those sliced oranges and then arrange them on the cooler side of the grill as a plank. You may have seen me use this technique before in the Planked Salmon recipe. This is one of my favorite ways to cook salmon because it’s a simple and easy way to add flavor, plus it ensures the salmon won’t stick to the grill.

Carefully lay the seasoned salmon on top of the oranges. Next up, slather the salmon generously with that delicious Whisky Chipotle Glaze. Make sure to cover every inch with that sticky and flavorful sauce. 

The vibrant and spicy whiskey glaze covers the salmon.

Grilling Hot Smoked Salmon

Close the grill lid and let it work its magic, cooking indirectly at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 135-145 degrees F. To check the temperature, make sure to use an instant-read thermometer. 

Once the salmon is done, carefully take it off the grill and sprinkle on some chopped chives and a few extra sesame seeds for good measure. All that’s left to do is serve up each piece of salmon. Lastly, enjoy every bite of that hot smoked salmon goodness!

Hot Smoked Salmon is flaky, spicy, and tasty.

For other fun salmon recipes, check out how to make Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends or even Salmon Wrapped Shrimp! Baked Wood Plank Salmon is another classic that’s easy to cook and so freakin’ delicious!

What to Serve with Fresh Salmon

Hot Smoked Salmon pairs well with many of your favorite sides. I’m thinking grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or garlic-infused mashed potatoes. For drinks, make a classic Pendleton Old Fashioned cocktail, because, of course, it’s the perfect complement. See the quick and easy recipe below. 

If you love seafood as much as me, check out the latest post about how to make a Grilled Seafood Platter.

Pendleton Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Firstly, fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes. Secondly, pour in 2 ounces of Pendleton Whisky. Next, add a quarter ounce of simple syrup. Then, add two dashes of Angostura bitters before stirring or shaking vigorously for about 30 seconds. Finally, strain the concoction into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange twist. 

Pendleton Whisky Old Fashioned

Leftovers & Reheating

If you happen to have a lot of salmon left over, first let it cool down. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat, warm the salmon over the grill tucked inside some aluminum foil at a low temperature for about 10-12 minutes. Leftover cold salmon is great on salads or in creamy pasta dishes. 

FAQs for Hot Smoked Salmon

Can I use a different type of whisky for the glaze?

While Pendleton Rye Whisky offers the best results for this salmon recipe, feel free to experiment with other spirits like bourbon. 

Can I use a different method to cook the salmon fillet? 

Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill yet, you can achieve tasty results by baking the salmon in the oven at 400 degrees for about 14-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the glaze?

Yes, to do so, you only need to adjust the amount of Chipotle puree or simply leave it out. 

Get The Cookbooks!

Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire

By Derek Wolf

All the major tastes—salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami—are explored in depth, along with an investigation of other components you should consider when it comes to flavor, such as aroma, heat, and texture.

Hot Smoked Salmon with a Whisky Chipotle Glaze
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Hot Smoked Salmon

My Hot Smoked Salmon recipe features a Whisky Chipotle Glaze made with the finest Pendleton Rye Whisky.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 150kcal
Author Derek Wolf

Ingredients

Salmon:

  • 1 Whole Side of Salmon
  • ¼ cup BBQ Seasoning
  • 4-5 Navel Oranges sliced
  • Chopped Chives for garnish

Whisky Chipotle Glaze:

  • 3 oz of Pendleton Rye Whisky
  • 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 2 tbsp BBQ Sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp of Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Chipotle Puree
  • 2 tsp Brown Sugar
  • 2 tsp Sesame Seeds

Instructions

  • Preheat a two zone medium-high heat fire (around 350F).
  • Add a cast iron skillet over the high heat side of the side. Add your minced garlic to brown for 2 minutes, then deglaze with Pendleton Rye Whisky and let simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Next, add the rest of the ingredients for the Whisky Glaze and let simmer over the flames until thickened (about 4-5 minutes). Make sure to stir it often, and pull the skillet off the flames if you see it start to bubble too high. Let it cool, then add it back to the flames and keep stirring. Once the glaze has thickened, pull it off and let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Generously season your salmon with BBQ Rub and set to the side.
  • Add all your sliced oranges to the cool side of the grill to create a “plank” for your salmon to lay on.
  • Place the salmon on top of the oranges and slather in the Whisky Chipotle Glaze. Thoroughly cover the top of the salmon with the glaze.
  • Close your grill lid and cook indirect at 350F for 15-20 minutes until it reaches 135-145F internal.
  • When the salmon is done, pull it off and garnish with chopped chives and more sesame seeds. Serve with a Pendleton Old Fashioned and enjoy!

Notes

Pendleton Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of Pendleton Whisky. Next, add a quarter ounce of simple syrup. Then, add two dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir or shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Strain the concoction into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange twist. 

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 291mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 376IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 3mg

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