Creative Salmon Recipes: 7 Savory Ways to Cook Salmon at Home by Oshēn Salmon

Salmon is a unique fish, no doubt about it. But sometimes home chefs cook the same salmon recipe over and over. Because salmon is such a versatile fish, you really don’t have to feel intimidated by it. This type of fish offers a lot of room for creativity in the kitchen, and each salmon preparation gives the fish its own distinct way to show off its tastiness. The most popular ways to cook this lean protein include methods such as baking, grilling, smoking, pan-frying, broiling and roasting. But there are several alternative ways to cook salmon that are also just as great.

Photo: Oshēn Salmon

Here are seven unique ways to prepare salmon at home. Each dish has a distinct flavor profile and is easy to make. 

1. Salmon en Papillote

I know the name sounds fancy, but this is really a simple baked salmon in parchment recipe. The secret is cooking the fish inside aluminum foil while resting over a sheet pan. This ensures the salmon is perfectly cooked through and maintains the flavors at their best. And the parchment pouch steams the fish for a healthier version of oven-roasted salmon since you won’t be using any oils or butter.

The ingredients are super simple. You’ll need, of course, a salmon fillet and parchment paper. Then, you could add any vegetables and spices of your choice. One of our favorite combinations includes asparagus, onions, garlic and shallots with lemon juice and some salt and pepper. And you can make this classy salmon recipe in under 30 minutes.

2. Honey Soy Salmon Kebabs

Do you love grilled salmon but are a bit bored with cooking it the same way over and over again? Well, we’ve got you covered. Fire up the grill and get ready to make these delicious salmon kebobs with honey and soy sauce. It’s a little dish but packed with a delicious tanginess. Plus, they only take 15 minutes to make.

For this recipe, you’ll want to make sure you have skewers. For the marinade you’ll need equal parts honey, soy sauce and mirin or rice vinegar. Leave the fish to marinate for a quick five to 10 minutes. You can also add your favorite sliced vegetables to these kabobs. Or just leave the salmon to shine on its own – it’s up to you!

3. Salmon Cake With White Wine Sauce

Salmon patties are such an easy way to introduce salmon to the little ones. And it’s better if they have a delicious golden crust! You can make these salmon cakes with or without the white sauce, depending on who you’ll be making them for. It’s a no-fuss alternative to pan-fried salmon that you can cook in just 30 minutes.

The fishcakes only need a salmon fillet, a little butter, onions, dill, parsley, panko bread or regular breadcrumbs, one egg, lemon zest, salt and pepper and olive oil. The white wine sauce is a bit more fancy but still easy to prepare. The ingredients for it are butter, onion, parsley, heavy cream, white wine, dill, salt and pepper. Once the salmon cakes are done, just plate them and dip them in the indulgent sauce.

4. Salmon Ceviche

Ceviche is one of the most unique ways to cook salmon. This is a traditional Peruvian seafood recipe prepared with fresh raw fish cured with lemon or lime. The salmon meat is sliced into thin cubes and marinated with a citrus mix. It’s not the same as eating raw fish, as the citrus cures and cooks the salmon. Even though it takes longer to prepare, this meal is well worth its hour-long cooking time. It’s fresh, healthy and perfect for the warmer months.

To make this outstanding dish you’ll need fresh raw salmon (without the skin), sea salt, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, red onion, radishes, parsley, tomatoes, cucumbers and sesame seeds. Once the marinade is ready, be sure to let the salmon cure for at least an hour. It’s worth the wait (promise)!

5. Smoked Salmon BLT

Smoked salmon is delicious, but sometimes we might be tempted to just eat it with a tasty side and call it a day. This high-quality and delicious ingredient deserves more preparation. There are many flavorful smoked salmon recipes and this BLT sandwich is one of them. You can make it in less than 15 minutes and take it on the go!

The ingredients are just as easy as the preparation for this meal. All you need is bread of your choice, smoked salmon, the rest of your preferred foods and seasonings. Then, all that’s left to do is toasting the bread and layering the rest of the ingredients. Easy, peasy!

6. Salmon Shioyaki

Salmon shioyaki is one of those salmon recipes that take a little longer to prepare but is definitely worth it. Shioyaki is the Japanese way to prepare salt-grilled salmon. The simple home cooking process makes it a fan favorite and, trust me, this meal does not disappoint. It’s unique, crispy and great for meal-prepping.

You will see just how easy this recipe actually is once you’ve read the ingredients. It’s as simple as a good salmon fillet, 5 percent of the salmon’s weight in salt, rice wine or mirin and lemon wedges. Once the fillet is salted, you want to leave it to rest overnight for the best results. Then just air fry or grill the next day.

7. Tandoori Salmon

Broiled salmon is a classic, for sure, but what about tandoori broiled salmon? Now that’s a game-changer! Tandoori is a cooking method that originated in Persia, which uses a clay oven to cook the meat. Even though you will likely have to skip the clay oven, the traditional tandoori marinade and your broiler will do the trick! This unique dish will make you shine at any dinner party.

The ingredients are simple yet distinctive. You will need Tandoori seasonings to create your marinade: garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric, oil, lemon juice, grated ginger, garlic powder and salt. Then, you will need a boneless and skinless salmon fillet. Make sure to pat the salmon dry before letting it marinate for 20 minutes. Broil for 10 minutes and call it a day!

What's your favorite way to cook salmon?

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