Cooking salmon in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) is a great way to achieve moist, flaky fish with delicious caramelized edges However, nailing the right cooking time can seem tricky. Undercook the salmon and it will be gummy and raw tasting Overcook it and you’ll end up with dry, stringy fish.
After extensive research and testing, I’ve put together this complete guide on how long to cook salmon at 180 degrees Whether you’re cooking a 1-inch fillet or a thick salmon steak, you’ll learn exactly how long to bake salmon to reach that tender, silky texture
Why 180 Degrees for Baking Salmon?
180 degrees Celsius or 356 Fahrenheit hits the sweet spot for cooking salmon in the oven It’s high enough to crisp the skin and edges of the fillet beautifully without overcooking the inside. At this temperature, the heat penetrates the salmon gently and evenly, resulting in a moist and tender interior.
Lower oven temperatures around 160-170 C (325 F) can also work but will require longer cooking times. And while high heat of 200 C (400 F) may sound tempting for a crispy skin, it often overcooks the inside before the middle reaches the ideal internal temperature.
So 180 C (356 F) turns out to be ideal for baking salmon fillets and steaks. Let’s look at how long you should bake salmon at this temperature.
Cooking Time for Salmon Fillets
For 1-inch thick salmon fillets, bake at 180 C (356 F) for 12 to 15 minutes. This time will result in opaque, flaky salmon with a nice crust on the top and edges.
1.5-inch thick fillets should bake for around 18 to 22 minutes at this temperature.
And 2-inch thick salmon fillets require 22 to 28 minutes for the heat to fully penetrate the center while keeping the edges from burning.
These cooking times are for wild salmon like sockeye and coho. More delicate salmon like Atlantic may cook slightly faster. Farmed salmon also tends to cook faster than wild-caught due to higher fat content.
Always check the thickest portion with a meat thermometer to confirm the salmon has reached at least 145°F internally when done.
Baking Salmon Steaks and Larger Fillets
For cooking salmon steaks which are cut crosswise across the whole fish, allow 10 to 12 minutes per inch of thickness.
So a 2-inch thick salmon steak will need 20 to 24 minutes at 180 C (356 F), turning halfway through for even cooking.
You can apply the same calculation to large 3-4 pound salmon fillets, allowing 10 minutes per inch of thickness. These will likely need 30 minutes or more since the fish is thicker toward the middle.
Poking the salmon with a paring knife to check for doneness is another good way to test if the center is cooked through. When ready, the knife should slip in smoothly.
Helpful Tips for Baked Salmon Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure your salmon turns out tender and flavorful when baking at 180 degrees:
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Pat salmon dry before baking for optimal browning
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Brush lightly with oil or rub with spices for flavorful crust
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Preheat oven fully before baking
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness
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Let salmon rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier texture
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Add lemon slices, herbs, or compote on top for extra flavor
Adjusting Baking Time for Thicker and Thinner Fillets
If working with an extra thick or thin salmon fillet, you’ll need to adjust baking time slightly:
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For each additional 1/2-inch of thickness, add 3 to 5 more minutes
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For thinner fillets, reduce time by 2 to 3 minutes per 1/2-inch
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Double check for doneness with a thermometer before removing from oven
So while general guidelines provide starting points, always rely on a thermometer for perfectly cooked salmon.
Lower Oven Temperatures for Salmon
You can absolutely bake salmon at lower oven temperatures, though the cooking time will increase. Here are some adjustments:
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At 170 C (325 F), increase baking time by 50%
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At 160 C (325 F), double the baking time
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At 150 C (300 F), triple the time or consider gentle poaching
Lower heat around 160 C helps prevent overcooking delicate fish like Arctic char and trout. But for best texture and caramelization with salmon, 180 C (356 F) works wonderfully.
Grilling and Pan Searing Salmon
Grilling or pan searing salmon involves higher heat to quickly brown and caramelize the exterior. When grilling salmon fillets, aim for:
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3 to 4 minutes per side over direct medium-high heat
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6 to 8 minutes per side over indirect medium heat
For pan searing, cook salmon skin-side down:
- 2 to 3 minutes per side in a hot skillet with oil
You won’t achieve the same level of crustiness as with oven roasting. But the browning adds wonderful flavor.
Mastering the Perfect Salmon Cook
With the proper cooking time and temperature, you can achieve tender, flaky salmon with crisped edges every time. Salmon fillets around 1 to 1.5 inches thick bake beautifully at 180 C (356 F) for 15 to 22 minutes. Thicker cuts will require closer to 25 minutes for full cooking with moist, opaque centers. Rely on a thermometer for the best results and remove the pan once salmon reaches 145°F.
Health Benefits of Salmon
- Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease risk factors for diseases.
- It’s a great source of protein, potassium, and selenium, a mineral that protects bone health, improves thyroid function, and reduces the risk of cancer.
- Salmon can also help reduce the risk of heart disease, aid in weight control, and protect brain health.*
How to Know When Salmon is Done Baking
The question that scares so many newbies to fish cooking! Here are the best tips to tell when your salmon is done.
- You can check for doneness by taking a sharp knife and peeking into the thickest part of your baked salmon piece. If it is beginning to flake, but still has a little translucency in the middle, it is done, or once your salmon flakes easily with a fork, it’s done.
- Best option: Use an instant read thermometer like this one. The FDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- I find that salmon and other fish will continue to “cook” as they rest after being removed from the oven. I typically remove my salmon early (anywhere between 137 and 140 degrees F), cover the salmon with foil, then let it rest for about 5 minutes. The resting time allows the fish to come up to 145 degrees F.
How to cook Salmon in the oven | CRISPY SKIN Oven ROASTED salmon
FAQ
How long to cook salmon in oven 180?
- Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. …
- Mix the ground ginger with the paprika, pepper, mustard, honey and 1 tbsp olive oil. …
- Roast, uncovered, for about 20 mins until the salmon is cooked through – check by poking a knife into the fillet and making sure the fish flakes easily.
Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400?
How long does salmon take to cook at 200?
How long does it take to bake? Typically, if you preheat your oven to 400°F or 200°C, your salmon takes about 5-6 minutes per side to get done.Apr 30, 2022
What is the best temperature to cook salmon and how long?
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Place salmon, skin side down, on a non-stick baking sheet or in a non-stick pan with an oven-proof handle. Bake until salmon is cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes.
How long do you cook salmon in the oven?
When it comes to baking salmon in the oven, a temperature of 180°C (350°F) is commonly recommended. This temperature allows the fish to cook evenly while retaining its moisture and flavors. The general guideline for cooking time is to allow approximately 10 to 15 minutes per inch of thickness. Below is a quick overview based on thickness:
Can you cook frozen salmon in the oven?
Yes, you can cook salmon directly from frozen in the oven, although the cooking time will be longer than cooking fresh or thawed salmon. When cooking frozen salmon, preheat your oven to 200°C and extend the cooking time to approximately 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the fillet’s thickness.
How long do you cook frozen salmon?
When cooking frozen salmon, preheat your oven to 200°C and extend the cooking time to approximately 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the fillet’s thickness. It is essential to ensure that the fish is cooked through completely. Keep in mind that cooking from frozen may result in a slightly different texture than cooking fresh salmon.
How long should salmon be cooked at 400?
Thick salmon fillets (1-1.5 inches or 2.5-3.8 cm thick) should be cooked at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes per pound (450g). Thin salmon fillets (less than 1 inch or 2.5 cm thick) should be cooked at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes per side. Salmon steaks (1-1.5 inches or 2.5-3.8 cm thick) should be cooked at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes per side.
Can you cook salmon in the oven at a lower temperature?
A: Yes, you can cook salmon in the oven at a lower temperature, but it will take longer to cook. A good rule of thumb is to cook the salmon at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes per pound (450g). (See Also: What Can I Use a Dutch Oven for? Ultimate Cooking Solutions) Q: Can I cook salmon in the oven at a higher temperature?
What temperature should a salmon fillet be cooked at?
The cooking time can vary based on several factors, including the thickness of the salmon fillet, the oven’s temperature, and the desired doneness. When it comes to baking salmon in the oven, a temperature of 180°C (350°F) is commonly recommended. This temperature allows the fish to cook evenly while retaining its moisture and flavors.