Are you looking for easy salmon recipes for beginners? Salmon: it’s the superstar of the seafood world. Packed with flavor, omega-3s, and protein, it’s a healthy and delicious choice. But if you’re a beginner cook, the idea of preparing this delicate fish might seem intimidating.

Fear not! These 10 easy salmon recipes will have you cooking like a pro in no time.

Why Salmon is a Beginner’s Best Friend

• Forgiving: Salmon is relatively forgiving when it comes to cooking. It’s harder to overcook than white fish, giving you a bit more wiggle room.
• Versatile: You can bake it, pan-fry it, grill it – the possibilities are endless!
• Flavorful: Salmon has a rich, buttery flavor that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and sauces.

Before You Start: A Quick Salmon Buying Guide

• Fresh vs. Frozen: Both are great options! If buying fresh, look for firm flesh with a vibrant color and no strong fishy odor.
• Skin On or Off: Cooking salmon with the skin on helps keep it moist. You can easily remove the skin after cooking if you prefer.
• Wild vs. Farmed: Wild salmon generally has a deeper flavor and firmer texture, while farmed salmon is often milder and more affordable.

Now, let’s get cooking!

Do you know that salmon also helps protect your cardiovascular system?

Recipe 1: Simple Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.   
4. Top each fillet with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a knob of butter to the top of each fillet before baking.

Recipe 2: Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

Pan-searing gives the salmon a crispy skin and a beautiful golden color. This recipe is slightly more advanced than baking but still very manageable for beginners.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
5. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
6. Reduce the heat to low. Add the garlic and butter to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
7. Stir in the lemon juice.
8. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the salmon and garnish with fresh parsley.

Recipe 3: Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

This recipe adds a touch of sweetness to your salmon with a simple honey garlic glaze.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and ginger (if using).
2. Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish.
3. Pour the honey garlic glaze over the salmon, making sure to coat both sides.
4. Let the salmon marinate in the glaze for at least 15 minutes.
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Recipe 4: Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

This recipe elevates simple baked salmon with a tangy and flavorful dill sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the sauce:
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.   
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.   
5. While the salmon is baking, prepare the dill sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a bowl.
6. Once the salmon is cooked, top with the creamy dill sauce and serve.

Recipe 5: Teriyaki Salmon

A classic Asian-inspired dish with a sweet and savory glaze.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
2. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Recipe 6: Maple Mustard Glazed Salmon

This glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to your salmon.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice.
2. Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish.
3. Pour the maple mustard glaze over the salmon.
4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.

Recipe 7: Blackened Salmon

A flavorful Cajun-inspired dish with a spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper   
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine all the spices.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the salmon fillets.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Recipe 8: Salmon Tacos with Avocado Crema

A fun and easy way to enjoy salmon.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound salmon fillet, cooked and flaked (use any cooking method)
• 8 small tortillas
• 1 avocado, mashed
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings of your choice: shredded cabbage, salsa, pico de gallo, etc.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the avocado crema by combining the mashed avocado, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Warm the tortillas.
3. Fill the tortillas with flaked salmon, avocado crema, and your favorite toppings.

Recipe 9: Salmon Burgers (my fav!)

A healthy and delicious alternative to beef burgers.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns and toppings of your choice

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into patties.
3. Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat, or grill them, until cooked through.
4. Serve on burger buns with your favorite toppings.

Recipe 10: Salmon Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A light and refreshing salad perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound salmon fillet, cooked and flaked (use any cooking method)
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• For the vinaigrette:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
2. Top with the flaked salmon.
3. Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients and drizzle over the salad.

Remember to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your salmon fillets and your oven. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety.