How to Tell when Salmon Is Cooked

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Salmon is a delicious fish that can be pan-fried, grilled, or broiled for a healthy dinner. But preparing the fish at home can be tough because it can be very easy to overcook it. Checking the color and texture of the fish can help give you an idea whether it's done, but using a thermometer is the most foolproof way to tell if the salmon's cooked to your desired doneness. You can work to prevent overcooking by preparing the salmon in the right way for cooking, though, so you never wind up with dry salmon again.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Color and Texture

PDF download Download Article
  1. You’ll need to look at the interior of the fish to see if it’s finished cooking. To get a peek at the inside of the salmon, use just the tip of a sharp knife to push into it about halfway down. [1]
    • You can use a fork, but they usually do more damage to the salmon, which may mar your presentation .
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Tell when Salmon Is Cooked
    While the fish should be an opaque white, beige, or brown on the outside depending on the cooking method, it should still be a slightly translucent pink in the center. [2] If the center of the salmon is opaque, it’s likely overcooked. If the center is completely translucent, it likely needs to cook further. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. You don’t want the salmon to flake. If it flakes, it’s likely overcooked and dried out. Instead, the salmon should resist flaking but give way and pull apart into pieces when you press the knife into it. [4]
  4. If the salmon is opaque on the outside and slightly translucent on the inside and gives slightly when you poke it, it’s likely done. It will still continue to cook for several minutes off the heat, so remove it from the stove, oven, or grill, and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes before serving. [5]
    • Because the salmon continues to cook off the heat, it's okay if you remove when it's slightly under cooked. If you wait until the center is a slightly translucent pink and the fish gives way easily with the fork, it should be perfectly done after it sits.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Temperature

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Tell when Salmon Is Cooked
    An instant-read thermometer works best for checking the salmon’s temperature. Make sure to stick the test end in the thickest part of the fish, though, because that area will take the longest time to cook. [6] [7]
    • You can purchase an instant-read thermometer at most home goods and cooking supply stores.
  2. [8] If the temperature is below 110°F (43°C), the salmon is essentially raw. At 110°F to 125°F (43°C to 52°C ), the fish is medium-rare. Between 125°F and 140°F, it’s medium to well-done. You don’t want it to reach above 140°F (60°C), though, because it will be dried out and tough. [9]
  3. When you’ve reached your desired doneness, take the fish off the stove, grill, or out of the oven. Allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to finish cooking, and serve. [10]
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Proper Preparation

PDF download Download Article
  1. Taking the skin off the fish removes the barrier that protects it from the heat of the pan and reduces the risk of overcooking. If you’re poaching your salmon fillets , though, it’s okay to leave the skin on. [11]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Tell when Salmon Is Cooked
    Season the salmon just before cooking. Adding salt and pepper is obviously key to flavorful fish, but if you add the salt too early before cooking, you’ll wind up drawing out all the moisture, which can lead to overcooking. Instead, add the salt and pepper to the salmon right before you cook it. [12]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Tell when Salmon Is Cooked
    side down. Even if you leave the skin on the salmon, you still run the risk of overcooking it if you don’t place it in the pan or on the grill or baking sheet the right way. Avoid placing the fish flesh side down or it will cook much too quickly. [13]
    5. Advertisement

What Are Different Ways To Cook Salmon?


Salmon Recipes

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      • When you’re cooking salmon, choose pieces that are all the same size so they’ll be done at the same time. A center cut is usually the best option to ensure uniform thickness.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 3
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      • Sharp knife
      • Instant-read thermometer

      You Might Also Like

      Telltale Signs That Salmon Has Spoiled
      The Best Ways to Cook Salmon for Your Dog
      How to
      Pan Fry Salmon
      24 Tasty Ways to Serve Smoked Salmon
      How to
      Broil Salmon
      How to
      Cook Skinless Salmon
      5 Delicious Ways to Cook Frozen Salmon When You’re Short on Time
      How to
      Prepare Salmon for Sushi
      How to
      Fillet Salmon
      How to
      Cook Salmon Fillet
      How to
      Store Cooked Salmon
      How to
      Marinate Salmon
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--1231/fish-cooking-guide.asp
      2. ↑ Vanna Tran. Experienced Cook. Expert Interview. 15 March 2019.
      3. ↑ https://izzycooking.com/how-to-tell-if-salmon-is-cooked/
      4. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/common-mistakes/article/common-mistakes-salmon
      5. ↑ https://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--1231/fish-cooking-guide.asp
      6. ↑ Vanna Tran. Experienced Cook. Expert Interview. 15 March 2019.
      7. ↑ Alexander Diestra. Seafood & Sustainability Expert. Expert Interview. 17 December 2024.
      8. ↑ Alexander Diestra. Seafood & Sustainability Expert. Expert Interview. 17 December 2024.
      9. ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/techniques/how_to_cook_salmon
      1. ↑ https://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--1231/fish-cooking-guide.asp
      2. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/common-mistakes/article/common-mistakes-salmon
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-cooking-salmon-230350
      4. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/common-mistakes/article/common-mistakes-salmon
      5. ↑ Vanna Tran. Experienced Cook. Expert Interview. 15 March 2019.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To tell if salmon is cooked, press a sharp knife into the center of the piece of fish. The salmon should be opaque white or beige on the outside and slightly translucent pink on the inside. It should also be easy to pull apart when you push the knife into it. However, if it’s flaky, it may be a bit overcooked. If you’re still not sure, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon. The temperature should be between 110° and 140° F (43-60° C). When you think the salmon is done, take it off the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving it. It will continue to cook a little bit more as it rests. For more tips, including how to prepare the salmon before cooking, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 552,293 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement