Salmon Steak Recipes

If you are looking for a new alternative to red meat steaks, why not try salmon? Our list of easy-to-make and nutritious salmon steak recipes guarantees an enjoyable cooking experience for everyone - including salmon newbies.

Differences Between Salmon Steak and Salmon Fillet

Salmon is one of the most well-loved seafood for its flavors, textures, and nutrition value. This fish possesses a rich and mild fishy taste with a firm feel to the touch.

Due to its large size, salmon is versatile and can be bought in different forms. Our chefs will help you distinguish between salmon steak and salmon fillet - the most common types you can find in any fish market.

• Salmon steak

Salmon steak, also known as salmon cullet, is the crosswise cut of the fish. If you’re planning to have grilled salmon over the open fire, steak is a better option. Unlike fillets, salmon steaks usually come with skin and bone attached to the flesh, which helps protect them from falling apart during cooking. Also, those big bones can be removed easily after the fish is cooked thoroughly.

• Salmon fillet

On the other hand, salmon fillets are cut parallel to either side of the spine. This thinner cut doesn’t come with big bones, instead, smaller pin bones may remain on the flesh. If you are not confident in your knife skills, you can have the fishmongers remove those bones for you.

Best Salmon Steak Recipes

With no further ado, let’s take a look at our collection of salmon steak recipes:

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Salmon Steak Recipe

A juicy filet served with baked potatoes and carrots, this Salmon Steak is guaranteed to be a hit with the entire family. It’s everything you want on a laid-back afternoon: buttery and crunchy, with a wine sauce sharp enough to brighten up the meal. Salmon would sue to be cooked and served this way.

Get the recipe.

What Spices and Herbs Go Well With Salmon Steaks?

For a flexible protein like salmon, spices help enhance the natural flavor while herbs infuse a unique fragrance in the fish. Here is a list of seasonings that pair excellently with your salmon steaks.

1. Spices

• Black pepper: Black pepper is widely used for flavoring dishes across many cultures and our salmon steak is no exception. Its woody notes and mild heat bring out a bolder version of our beloved fish.
• Garlic powder: It’s garlicky but not as strong as fresh chopped garlic. Garlic powder lends a hint of sweetness and caramel undertones to our salmon.
• Cayenne powder: No spicy-food fan can turn down a salmon steak with a sprinkle of cayenne powder. Besides, you can adjust the heat to your preference - a pinch for little kicks and a splash for direct hits.

2. Herbs

• Dill: A moderate amount of dill will not overpower the dish but add a delicate note of anise.
• Sage: This herb gives off a warm taste and earthy, lemony scent, for a crowd-pleasing salmon steak.
• Thyme: The buttery taste of salmon and the minty flavor of thyme work harmoniously with any cooking method - grilling, baking, or air-frying.

Best Ways to Cook Salmon Steak

If you are wondering what to do with a perfect salmon steak on hand, do not stress out, as the options are endless.

Before we take a glance at all the possibilities, keep in mind that room-temperature salmon is more suitable to cook. Using frozen fish makes it harder to infuse flavors and control the cooking temperature. Just let the fish defrost in the fridge for a few hours and it’s good to go. Also, opt for a 1 1/2 to 2-inch-thick salmon steak for an ideal cut.

• Instant Pot Salmon Steak: For those busy bees, Instant Pot is a life-saver as it helps reduce 70% of the cooking time. All you need to do are: pour in water, arrange the cooking racks, place the salmon steaks on top, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for 5-7 minutes followed by a quick steam release. There you have it - the ultimate flaky salmon!
• Air-fried Salmon Steak: An air-fryer is a healthy-eater’s best friend. Unlike the deep-frying method, air-frying does not require tons of oil. After 10-12 minutes of frying at 400°F, with no preheating involved, a golden brown salmon steak is ready to serve.
• Pan-seared Salmon Steak: Time management is the key to a successful salmon steak dish. Place one side of the fish steak over medium heat on a pan, and sear for 3-4 minutes. Be sure to flip the fish before it sticks to the pan. After flipping, continue to cook for 3-4 more minutes. When the salmon flesh turns completely opaque, your fish is done.
• Oven-baked Salmon Steak: If you have a little time to spare, this cooking technique is worth trying. Make sure to preheat the oven to 400°F before placing the salmon in. After 25-30 minutes of baking, you can check the doneness of the meat by gently pressing the fork into it. If the flesh flakes - meaning that it separates easily - it’s finished cooking.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you end up with some leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you want to reheat salmon steak properly, check out these tips below:

• Reheat slowly, at a low temperature: Warm the leftovers in a 275°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Low heat won’t make your fish dry out.
• Cover the dish with foil: This helps prevent the edges of the fish from drying out or burning.

Avoid the microwave if possible: It’s easy and convenient yet you may suffer from overcooked fish. Plus, microwaved fish sometimes may have an off-putting smell due to the oxidation of its fatty acids.

Walking through our list of recipes, we hope you will find ones that speak to your heart. Do not hesitate to share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment below.