Silver salmon, also known as coho salmon, is a delicious and healthy fish that is a favorite for many home cooks With its firm pink flesh, rich omega-3 fatty acid content, and versatility, silver salmon can be prepared in endless tasty ways This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know to cook moist, flaky silver salmon fillets at home.
Purchasing and Storing Silver Salmon
When shopping for silver salmon at the market or fish counter, start by looking for fillets or steaks that have shiny, glossy skin and firm, resilient flesh. The color should be a vibrant reddish-orange. Avoid any fish that has dry, dull skin or brown spots. Fresh silver salmon should smell mildly briny but not overtly fishy or ammonia-like. For best quality, plan to cook wild-caught Pacific silver salmon within two days of purchasing. Farm-raised salmon has a slightly longer shelf life of three to four days.
To store fresh silver salmon fillets loosely wrap them in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped fish in a container or resealable plastic bag, and store in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Properly stored fresh salmon will keep for one to two days. For longer term storage freeze salmon fillets in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen silver salmon will maintain optimal quality for up to four months. Thaw frozen fish overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Prepping Silver Salmon Fillets
Proper prep is essential for getting the best results when cooking silver salmon. Start by thoroughly rinsing fillets under cold running water and patting dry with paper towels. Use a fish scaler or the back of a knife to remove any residual scales. Check for small pin bones by running your fingers along the flesh and remove them with tweezers or needle-nose pliers. For skinless fillets, lay the salmon skin-side down and carefully slice between the skin and pink flesh.
Cooking Methods for Silver Salmon
Silver salmon can be prepared using a variety of cooking techniques. Try one of these foolproof methods for moist, tender salmon every time.
Grilling
The high, dry heat of the grill gives silver salmon a slightly smoky char while cooking it quickly. Medium-high heat between 375-400°F is ideal. Brush fillets with oil and season with salt, pepper, herbs, citrus or zest. Grill skin-side down for 4-6 minutes until done. Salmon is cooked when opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Baking
Baking salmon in the oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes results in tender, juicy fillets every time. Place salmon portions on a greased baking sheet or parchment paper. Brush with oil or melted butter and season as desired. Bake until the thickest part of the fish flakes easily with gentle pressure.
Pan-Searing
For fillets with a crispy exterior, pan-sear silver salmon in a hot skillet. Use medium-high heat and just enough oil to coat the pan. Season the fillets and place them skin-side down first. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until the skin is browned and salmon is cooked through.
Poaching
A gentle poaching method yields delicate, silky salmon. Bring a shallow pan of seasoned liquid like white wine, broth or water to a bare simmer. Add salmon fillets, cover and poach for 5-8 minutes depending on thickness. The fish should flake easily when done.
Broiling
Similar to grilling, broiling uses intense overhead heat to caramelize the exterior while cooking the inside. Place salmon portions 6 inches from heat and broil each side for 3-5 minutes. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
Sous Vide
For precise control, sous vide salmon by sealing it in a bag and cooking in 115°F water for 30 minutes until medium-rare. Finish with a quick sear in a hot skillet.
Seasonings and Sauces for Silver Salmon
Silver salmon pairs deliciously with a wide variety of seasonings and sauces. Consider rubbing fillets with brown sugar, soy sauce, chili powder, citrus zest or fresh herbs before cooking. Drizzle cooked salmon with flavored butter, tangy yogurt sauces, tropical salsas, creamy horseradish, teriyaki, or classic tartar sauce.
Here are some recommended combinations for seasoning silver salmon:
- Lemon, dill, parsley, garlic, onion, shallots
- Pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, chili powder
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic
- Orange juice, chili flakes, cilantro, lime juice
- Honey, balsamic vinegar, basil, cracked pepper
Simple and Delicious Silver Salmon Recipes
Ready to cook up some sensational salmon meals? These recipes will get you started:
Baked Lemon Herb Salmon – Line a baking dish with lemon slices. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on top and season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme and dill. Bake 12-15 minutes at 375°F until cooked through. Squirt lemon juice on top.
Pesto Salmon Pasta – Flake cooked salmon into pasta tossed with pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes and baby spinach leaves.
Asian Glazed Salmon – Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger and brown sugar for the glaze. Brush onto salmon fillets and broil 6 minutes per side until caramelized.
Salmon Cakes – Mix cooked flaked salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, green onion, parsley and lemon zest. Form into patties, refrigerate briefly and pan fry until golden brown.
Tacos with Baja Salmon – Rub salmon with chili powder, cumin and lime juice. Pan sear and break into chunks. Serve in warmed tortillas with guacamole and pico de gallo.
Salmon Salad Niçoise – Flake chilled, cooked salmon over mixed greens, green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, kalamata olives and hard boiled eggs. Dress with lemon vinaigrette.
Cedar Plank Salmon – Soak a cedar plank in water for an hour. Place salmon skin-side down on the plank and grill indirect heat for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
Cooking Silver Salmon Safely
Proper handling is important when cooking any type of seafood. Follow these tips for safe preparation and consumption of silver salmon:
- Wash hands, prep tools, and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw salmon.
- Defrost frozen salmon safely in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw at room temperature.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw salmon to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cook fish to an internal temperature of 145°F to kill potential parasites and pathogens.
- Consume cooked salmon within 3-4 days, and toss any leftovers that smell or look spoiled.
FAQs About Cooking Silver Salmon
How can I tell if silver salmon is cooked through?
Check for opaque, flaky flesh that breaks apart easily with a fork. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
What is the best way to grill silver salmon?
Use medium-high direct heat. Grill skin-side down first for lovely grill marks. Cook 4-6 minutes per side.
How long does it take to bake silver salmon?
At 375°F, silver salmon fillets take about 12-15 minutes to bake until cooked through and flaky.
Can I cook frozen silver salmon directly from frozen?
For best results, thaw frozen salmon fillets overnight in the fridge before cooking.
What are good sides to serve with silver salmon?
Rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, and fresh salads complement silver salmon perfectly.
The Takeaway on Cooking Silver Salmon
With its firm pink flesh, rich flavor, and nutritional benefits, silver salmon is a stellar choice for home cooked meals. Fillets can be prepared using quick-cooking methods like grilling, broiling, pan-searing, or baking. Salmon pairs wonderfully with citrus, fresh herbs, soy sauce, mustard, garlic, ginger, honey, and maple syrup. Follow proper food safety protocols and cook salmon until opaque and flaky. Refer to this guide for expert tips on choosing, prepping, seasoning, and cooking silver salmon fillets to perfection every single time.
More Great Ways to Prepare Coho
- A simple pan-seared fillet of coho salmon lets you appreciate the delicate flavor and texture of this variety of fish.
- Baking a fillet of coho alongside seasonal vegetables, lightly seasoned and drizzled with olive oil, is a delicious way to prepare an easy sheet pan meal.
Coho Salmon Recipe Ideas
Coho salmon is a milder fish, known for its delicate flavor and versatility. Whether youre an experienced chef or a kitchen novice, these five best Coho salmon recipes will guide you through how to create mouth-watering dishes that highlight the natural goodness of this fish.
These recipes showcase the versatility of coho salmon, from aromatic and creamy flavors to sweet and savory. These are some of the best coho salmon recipes because they are perfect for any occasion — lunch, dinner, impressing your friends and family with your newfound (or already established) culinary expertise. Try out your favorite recipe from this list for one of your next meals. For precise measurements, specific temperatures, and cooking times, please visit the specific recipe pages.
Here are 5 of the best coho salmon meals you can make at home:
This honey garlic broiled coho salmon is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, and is ready in under 20 minutes. The preparation is also simple enough: combine honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic for the glaze. Then, brush it over the salmon fillets and broil until the surface is caramelized and the fish flakes easily.
This summer roll salmon recipe is the embodiment of fresh, light, and full of texture. This coho salmon recipe is easily assembled in 30 to 40 minutes for a quick, nutritious meal. Preparation is as easy as wrapping thinly sliced coho salmon, fresh herbs, and julienned vegetables in soaked rice paper. Serve with a dipping sauce (we love our cashew sauce).
The nutrient-dense ancient grains meet the tender flavors of slow-roasted salmon, making this bowl a perfect substitute for your usual takeout order. Season coho salmon and slowly roast it. Once it’s cooked to your preference, place it atop cooked ancient grains like quinoa or farro alongside some mixed roasted veggies, and you have a picture-perfect meal ready in about 30 minutes.
Another unique coho salmon recipe is having a rich and creamy sauce spooned over perfectly cooked salmon, ready in 25 minutes. This one is easy: Grill, pan-fry, or bake the salmon to your preferred temperature. For the sauce, mix dill, horseradish, and a creamy mayo base together. Drizzle over your salmon, and you have a healthy, delicious meal ready to eat. This recipe pairs best with a variety of vegetables, like potatoes, broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.
This coho salmon recipe is a Wild Alaskan favorite — the unique combination of miso and maple offers a sweet yet umami-packed flavor profile in just 20 minutes. Preparation includes creating a marinade from scratch, using miso paste and maple syrup. After coating your salmon, set it to broil in order to ensure a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside of the fillet tender and moist.