How to Cook Cubed Salmon for Maximum Flavor and Tenderness

Cooking salmon to tender, flaky perfection can feel like a guessing game at times. It’s easy to end up with fish that’s overcooked and dry on the inside or undercooked and raw in the center. Many home cooks resort to pan frying fillets on the stovetop while basting them constantly, but this can get messy and lead to blaring smoke detectors. There’s an easier way to unlock the full potential of salmon – simply cut it into cubes before cooking.

Cubing salmon may sound unusual, but it’s absolutely brilliant. Not only does it guarantee evenly cooked fish, but the cubes also get ultra crispy and browned on the outside. This method delivers salmon that’s tender and moist inside with lovely charred edges. No more poking fillets and prematurely taking them off the heat before they dry out. Cubes allow you to embrace high heat for the best possible texture and flavor.

Benefits of Cubing Salmon Before Cooking

Cutting salmon into 1-inch cubes offers several advantages

• More surface area to crisp and brown More edges mean more opportunity for browning through direct contact with the hot pan or baking sheet. This reaction adds layers of rich toasted flavor.

• Cooks fast: The smaller pieces cook through quickly and all at the same rate. No thick parts left underdone.

• Absorb marinades better: The cubes soak up marinades and spice rubs efficiently for intensified flavor in every bite.

• Versatile: Cubes work great in a variety of cooking methods like pan-searing, oven roasting, or grilling.

• Easy to portion: Cubed cooked salmon is simple to divide for salads, bowls, tacos, pasta, and more.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Cubed Salmon

Follow these simple steps for perfect salmon cubes every time:

1. Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes

• Buy a thick salmon fillet or steak, around 1 pound. Remove any skin.

• Cut the salmon into cubes roughly 1-inch in size. Uniform cubes allow even cooking.

• Pat the cubes dry with paper towels.

2. Make a quick marinade

• Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce or tamari, honey, minced garlic, and any desired herbs and spices.

• Add the cubes to the marinade and turn to coat all sides. Let sit at least 15 minutes.

3. Sear the cubes in a hot pan

• Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high.

• When hot, add the salmon cubes in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.

• Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the undersides are browned. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes.

• Remove from heat when cubes are opaque throughout with crispy edges.

4. Roast cubed salmon in the oven

• Toss cubes in marinade as above. Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Roast at 500°F for 8-12 minutes until browned and cooked through.

5. Grill salmon cubes on skewers

• Alternate cubes with veggies on skewers. Brush with oil and season.

• Grill over direct high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Salmon Cubes

• Let the pan or baking sheet get very hot before adding salmon. High heat is key for crisping.

• Avoid overcrowding pieces in the pan. Cook in batches if needed.

• Try a spicy yogurt marinade or dry rub of brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

-Serve salmon cubes in grain bowls, on salads, in tacos, over pasta, or on their own!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why cube salmon instead of cooking fillets?

Cubing salmon allows for more browned, crispy edges and uniform interior cooking. The cubes cook fast at high heat without drying out.

What size should I cut the cubes?

Aim for roughly 1-inch cubes. This size sears up nicely and cooks through quickly and evenly. Go a bit smaller or larger if you prefer.

How long does it take to cook cubed salmon?

In a hot pan, salmon cubes take 5-7 minutes total. Roast in a very hot oven for around 10-12 minutes. Grilling time is just 2-4 minutes per side.

What temperature should I cook cubed salmon at?

Cook over medium-high heat on the stovetop or roast at 500°F. Very high heat browns and crisps the cubes beautifully.

Can I use a marinade?

Yes! Salmon cubes absorb marinades very efficiently. Try Greek yogurt with spices or tamari, oil, and honey.

Cubing salmon before cooking is a game-changer for this healthy, flavorful fish. The simple technique guarantees salmon that’s browned and crispy on the outside while tender and moist inside. Experiment with different cooking methods and flavor combinations. Your weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier and more delicious. Enjoy your new favorite way to serve salmon!