The Absolute Best Recipes To Try When You're In The Mood For Salmon

Most of us don't cook fish at home nearly as often as we do other meats. Cooking fish can seem intimidating, and after all, it is a delicate protein that seems to easy to overcook and might even fall apart during the process. But just because you're unfamiliar with something doesn't mean there's reason to be afraid of it. The reality is that cooking fish is something even the most amateur home chefs can pull off — and it might also pay off in the long run.

There may be no more popular fish for consuming in this country than salmon. Its subtle flavor is suitable to all palates — even those that don't enjoy "fishy" tastes — and pairs extremely well with a wide array of flavors and ingredients. It's also a fish that can be prepared on the stovetop, in the oven, and even on the grill. Whether it's a simple pan-seared salmon with vegetables or a salmon patty burger, these are a few of the best recipes to try when you're in the mood for salmon.

Pistachios may not be one of the first things that come to mind when you think of foods that complement salmon. But the nut provides the perfect flavor and crunchy texture to bring your salmon steak to the next level. In this pistachio-crusted salmon recipe, the crust is formed by pressing the chopped nuts onto the fish, which is already covered in a honey glaze. Once the setup is complete, the salmon takes just 12-15 minutes in the oven before it's done.

Not only do the pistachios add to the flavor of the dish, they also bump up its nutritional value. "The pistachios pack in plant-based protein and fiber," says recipe developer Mackenzie Burgess. "Fiber helps keep us fuller longer and stabilizes blood sugar levels." That sounds like a win-win to us.

If you think salmon is too delicate of a meat to handle the high temperatures of the grill, think again. Grilling is an ideal method of preparing salmon and can be done in less than 15 minutes. And don't worry about the fish getting stuck to the grill. Our grilled salmon recipe calls for the fish to be wrapped in aluminum foil before hitting the open flame. 

Another important reminder is to properly brine the fish before cooking. The brine, which in this case is just salt water, ensures the fillet will remain juicy and tender throughout the cooking process. The salmon also gets a coating of garlic butter sauce before hitting the grill. Once it's done, top with some mango and salsa and enjoy!

If you're looking for unique way to get your salmon fix, this recipe for salmon patties needs to be on your list. These delectable treats provide all the great salmon flavor and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways — alongside roasted vegetables, on a bed of leafy greens, or even as a "burger" between two whole grain buns.

To make it even more appetizing, the recipe couldn't be any easier to make. It contains common household ingredients and includes just four steps. One important note: the recipe calls for canned salmon, which is shelf stable and precooked. Did we mention the recipe takes just 10 minutes? All you need to do is combine the ingredients in a bowl, shape the patties, and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side.

In case you're unfamiliar, "en papillote" is a classic French cooking technique that involves wrapping food in a pouch made of parchment paper or foil and baking. It is an easy and delicious way to cook delicate meats, such as salmon. In this salmon en papillote recipe, the parcel is also filled with grape tomatoes, garlic, rosemary, and dill, which infuse the salmon with flavor. Once the parchment paper is sealed, the fish takes just 25-30 minutes to cook and you have yourself a restaurant-quality salmon dinner (with almost no cleanup needed). 

If you don't cook salmon — or any fish — regularly, you'll likely want to keep things simple. That's precisely what our seared salmon with chickpeas and kale recipe does. To cook the salmon, simply place the fillet skin-side down in a cast-iron skillet for five minutes, flip, and cook for an additional two minutes. The vegetables — a combination of kale, chickpeas, mushrooms, and onion — will all saute together in a separate pan. To serve, simply create a bed of vegetables on the plate and top with your crispy, juicy piece of salmon. It's as simple as that.