Broiled Salmon proves that an old recipe can learn new tricks. Perfectly crispy on top, gloriously juicy within, and on the table in less than 15 minutes, cooking salmon under your oven’s broiler is one of the most scrumptious ways to cook it.
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Salmon and I are basically besties.
It is one of my favorite all-time healthy proteins.
- It’s nutritious. Hello, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and vitamin B.
- It’s versatile. From Soy Ginger Salmon to Pesto Salmon to Spicy Salmon, there’s a recipe for every mood; even Smoked Salmon.
- Like any good friend, it’s there for me in my hour of need.
And my hour of need happens to be every night around 6:30 p.m. DINNER TIME!
A New Way to Cook Salmon
Salmon is a versatile and hearty fish that does well with a wide range of cooking methods, especially those at high temperatures like Grilled Salmon and Pan Seared Salmon.
Most often, I use the easiest and most popular way to cook salmon, in the oven with this simple Baked Salmon recipe.
Then, I came across an article in Serious Eats advocating that broiled salmon is superior to baked.
GASP! The nerve.
Have these people not tried my knock-out Honey Garlic Salmon and Bourbon Glazed Salmon???
I digress.
Broiled Salmon vs. Baked Salmon
While I can’t say whether it is better to broil or bake salmon in all circumstances—both are extremely healthy, effective, and fast methods to cook mouthwatering salmon at home—broiling salmon does have some advantages we enjoyed.
- The difference between baking and broiling salmon fillets is that the broiled salmon gets crispier on top than baked salmon, since the salmon is positioned closer to the oven’s upper heating element, and that heating element is intense.
- Broiled salmon is the best method to cook salmon quickly. A 6-ounce portion of salmon needs to broil for 7 to 9 minutes only (check it at 6 minutes, just to be safe).
- If you like your salmon on the medium-rare side, broiling is especially effective, because it cooks the top quickly, before the center overcooks.
Tip!
Since the broiler heat is high and best for quick cooking, I found broiling worked best for individual salmon portions.
For a large portion (like a whole side of salmon), I recommend baked salmon at 425 degrees F, which cooks the salmon more gently and evenly.
You can always pop it under the broiler at the very end if you’d like to crisp the top.
How to Make Broiled Salmon
Use this recipe for succulent, crispy broiled salmon fillets.
You can flavor it with just salt, pepper, and lemon, take things up a level with our house favorite magic Salmon Seasoning (it’s a magical blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, brown sugar, mustard, and more), or use this quick Salmon Marinade.
The Ingredients
- Salmon. Salmon fillets are flavorful, quick-cooking, and a wonderful source of lean protein. The broiling method used in this recipe results in a deliciously tender inside and crisp outside.
- Oil. Helps the top of the salmon crisp and brown without burning.
- Seasoning. While I love using a homemade salmon seasoning mixture, you can swap in any store-bought or homemade seasoning you enjoy. Keep a couple of options on hand for variety.
The Directions
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a baking dish lined with aluminum foil.
- Add the oil and seasoning.
- About 7 to 9 minutes is how long it takes to broil salmon in an oven. Let rest for a few minutes, then DIG IN!
How to Know When Salmon is Done Broiling in the Oven
- Temperature. Check the temperature of your salmon using an instant read thermometer. When it reaches 135 degrees F, it’s finished.
- Color. Checking the inside is how you visually tell if salmon is cooked. When your salmon is done broiling, the inside should no longer be dark pink or appear raw, and the top should be browned and crisp.
- Texture. Salmon that is cooked through should be firm and flake easily with a fork.
NOTE: Anytime you are using the broiler, it is critical to keep an eye on your food. High heat means food can progress from “not done” to “done” to “overdone” in less than a minute.
Storage Tips
- To Store. Refrigerate salmon in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.
- To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
- To Freeze. Freeze salmon in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep Tip
Up to several months in advance, prepare your seasoning mixture. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to finish the recipe.
Leftover Ideas
Flake leftover broiled salmon into small pieces, then swap it for the salmon in this Salmon Pasta recipe, or serve it over Salmon Salad.
What to Serve with Broiled Salmon
- Vegetables. Pair this salmon with an Air Fryer Baked Potato, Grilled Eggplant, Grilled Asparagus, or Sauteed Carrots.
- Pasta. Serve this salmon with Garlic Pasta or Sun Dried Tomato Pasta.
- Grains. Simple Brown Rice, Beet Risotto, Farro Risotto, or Turmeric Rice would be delicious with broiled salmon.
- Salad. Arugula Salad would be a wonderful, healthy side.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Baking Dish. Perfect for making this recipe.
- Instant Read Thermometer. The BEST way to know when your salmon is cooked through.
- Glass Jars. Perfect for storing your salmon seasonings.
This is the best recipe for broiled salmon, and we can’t stop making it!
Just call me a broiler babe.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no need to flip the salmon over for this recipe. Keeping the salmon skin-side down allows the flesh to caramelize and crisp under the broiler.
Yes, there are certain types of pans that you should not use under the broiler. Unless your non-stick pans specifically say they can be used under a broiler, do not use them. Also, you should avoid using any type of glass baking dish (such as Pyrex) with a broiler. I use a broiler-safe ceramic baking dish.
If you’d like to utilize that high oven temp for a crispy side dish, try these Smashed Brussels Sprouts or Potato Skins. They’ll need to bake before you switch the oven to broil, but you can pop them under the broiler as soon as the salmon finishes up.
If you’re wondering how to broil salmon from frozen, I actually recommend letting the salmon completely thaw first. Once it has thawed, the seasonings you use will stick better, and the fish will cook more evenly. If you want to cook salmon from frozen, try Air Fryer Salmon.
Broiled Salmon
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Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 batch seasoning Salmon Seasoning or your seasoning of choice
- Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Position the oven rack to the upper third of your oven; it should be about 6 inches from the broiling element at the top.
- Line a baking dish large enough to hold the salmon fillets in a single layer without touching with aluminum foil or broiler-safe parchment paper. Arrange the fillets evenly across the pan, skin-side down.
- Brush the fillets with oil, then use a small spoon to sprinkle evenly with the Salmon Seasoning.
- Broil the salmon fillets until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, it appears medium rare in the center, and the internal temperature on an instant read thermometer inserted at the thickest part reaches 135°F, about 7 to 9 minutes (check early at the 6-minute mark to gauge progress). If you prefer your salmon well-done, leave it in for another minute or so, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. DO NOT overcook. If at any point the top of the salmon starts to look too dark for your liking, loosely tent it with foil.
- Let the salmon rest 5 minutes (the carryover cooking will bring it all the way to temperature). Serve warm
Video
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate salmon in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.
- TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze salmon in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
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Is it a myth that glassware shouldn’t be used to broil?
Hi! I would not recommend using glass under a broiler.
This recipe was spot-on! Never broiled salmon before this and it will be a go to
Hi Meghan! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
My first time cooking salmon, and it turned out perfectly! Reached 140 degrees in 6 minutes under the broiler. So easy!! We’ll probably be eating salmon a couple times a week now! All of the tips and questions and answers were exceedingly helpful. Thank you!
Hi Anne! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
What temperature on Broil?
Hi Melissa! I actually have a whole section in the blog post called “broiler temperature and rack positions” It gives you various temperatures but typically it will be between 500 degrees F and 550 degrees F.