Salmon might be a favorite selection as a menu item when dining out, but it can also work as a go-to weeknight meal that can be served with a vegetable like crisp green beans or asparagus spears. Melt some butter for a pan sauce with some shallots, fresh herbs and add a few thinly sliced lemons over a piece of oven-baked salmon for a meal that seems restaurant-worthy for your weeknight dinner table. The salmon dinner you make one night also works as leftovers for a tasty lunch the next day—TikTok salmon rice bowl anyone?
Food Safety 101
When buying salmon, you want to look for fish that’s refrigerated or arranged on a bed of ice that’s under some kind of covering. The color of a fish is an indicator of several factors that are important when making a selection, including the diet and the environment of the harvested fish. The proper handling and storage of the fish reduces the risk of any food-borne related problems and will ensure that you are purchasing a quality product.
How to Choose the Best Salmon
What should you be looking for when selecting salmon for meal planning? Choose fresh salmon from the seafood section of your local market, or you can thaw fish that was previously frozen until it’s room temperature. There are a variety of types of salmon that you will find when shopping. You can choose from a selection of salmon that is categorized as Sockeye, coho, pink or chinook—which is also known as King Salmon. Many pescatarians and salmon lovers will claim King Salmon is by far the best-tasting choice. Keep in mind that fish should have a mild scent and nothing like a lingering ammonia air to it. Also check that the eyes are clear, and the gills and outer flesh are firm with no obvious discoloration.
How Long to Cook Salmon in the Oven
Cooking salmon can be super short or a bit more time consuming, depending on the recipe. If you’re making a no-fuss healthy salmon supper, it can be on the table in less than half an hour. You can let the oven do all the work for you while you prepare a tossed salad and perhaps, some wild rice. Baking salmon in the oven is a versatile kitchen preparation that works for a single-meal or a family dinner depending on how many pieces of fish you are working with in the kitchen. Here are a few steps to making a salmon dinner at the oven when it is time for dinner and everyone is hungry. Let the oven do the work for you with a few simple steps. You can also bake salmon in foil, which is a fast and easy meal option. Here’s how:
How Long Does Salmon Last in the Fridge?
If you have leftover salmon, don’t throw it out! Instead use those salmon leftovers to make another meal the next day. Leftover fish should be safe for you to eat up to three days after it’s been cooked, but really it’s best to use up fish the next day before it lingers any longer. Get creative with your leftover salmon recipes and try salmon cakes, salmon nuggets, salmon pasta or a salmon niçoise salad with briny capers, olives and hearty greens.
How to Freeze Cooked Salmon
Maybe you want to save your cooked salmon and make use of it at a later date. The freezer is an option if the cooked salmon is prepped and stored properly. Be sure and let the cooked salmon cool completely before making any preparations to move it to the freezer. A two-step process will help to make sure that you are storing your cooked fish properly for three to four months. Wrap the salmon securely with plastic wrap followed by another layer of aluminum foil. And it’s always a good idea to label any leftover food in your freezer with a storage date.
Best Salmon Recipes
Keto Salmon RecipesGiada’s Baked Salmon with Arugula Salsa VerdeMaple-Glazed SalmonSuper Greens and Grains With Roast SalmonCashew-Crusted Salmon SkewersEgg and Salmon Breakfast ScrambleGrilled Salmon with Mustard BBQ SauceJoanna Gaines’ Grilled Salmon with Meyer LemonsGrilled Garlic Dijon Salmon SkewersHealthy Salmon RecipesGrilled Salmon Recipes
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