10+ Salmon Recipes for Beginners: Simple and Delicious Ideas to Get You Started

Cooking salmon can be a rewarding experience, especially for those new to the kitchen. This article will guide you through simple and delicious salmon recipes that are perfect for beginners. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can impress your family and friends with a tasty meal.

Salmon is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for healthy eating. You’ll find that preparing salmon at home is easier than you might think, and it’s a versatile fish that can be cooked in many ways. Get ready to discover recipes that will make your cooking journey enjoyable and satisfying!

Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Lemon Butter

Pan-seared salmon with garlic-lemon butter is a simple and delicious dish. It’s great for beginners and perfect for any occasion.

Start by drying your salmon fillets with a paper towel. Season them with salt and pepper, then squeeze fresh lemon juice on top.

Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin side down if applicable. Sear for about 4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.

For the garlic-lemon butter sauce, melt butter in the same pan. Add minced garlic and cook it for a minute. Finally, squeeze in lemon juice and stir. Drizzle this sauce over your salmon before serving.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• Salt and pepper
• 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Dry and season the salmon fillets.
2. Squeeze lemon juice over the fish.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear salmon for 4 minutes on one side.
5. Flip and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic.
7. Squeeze in lemon juice and stir.
8. Drizzle sauce over the cooked salmon.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Honey garlic glazed salmon is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for beginners. The sweet and savory combination makes it a hit for any dinner.

To start, you need just a few ingredients. You will use honey, soy sauce, garlic, and some spices to create a tasty glaze. This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook.

Begin by mixing honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl. This will be your delicious glaze.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Once hot, place your salmon fillets skin-side down.

Cook the salmon for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully flip the fillets and pour the honey garlic mixture over them. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly.

Your honey garlic glazed salmon is ready to serve. It pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Flip the fillets and pour the glaze over them.
5. Cook for another 5 minutes until done.

Baked Salmon with Dijon and Garlic

Baked salmon with Dijon and garlic is an easy and delicious meal. This recipe features a flavorful glaze that enhances the fresh taste of the salmon.

Start by mixing Dijon mustard with minced garlic, lemon juice, and some olive oil. This will create a tasty sauce for your salmon.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the salmon on a lined baking dish skin-side down. Brush your sauce all over the top and sides of the salmon.

Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lb (680 g) salmon fillet
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
3. Place the salmon on a lined baking dish, skin-side down.
4. Brush the sauce over the salmon.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes until done.

4) Salmon Avocado Salad

Salmon avocado salad is a fresh and simple dish that you will enjoy making. This recipe features cooked salmon paired with creamy avocado and crisp greens. It’s colorful and full of flavor.

Start by searing your salmon until it’s nicely cooked. You want the outside to be golden and the inside to be just right. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat (about 200°C).

Next, slice ripe avocado and add it to a bowl of mixed greens. You can also include tomatoes and red onions for extra crunch. Drizzle with a light lemon vinaigrette to add zest.

This salad is not only delicious but also healthy, making it a perfect choice for beginners.

Ingredients

• 1 salmon fillet
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1 tomato, diced
• ¼ red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 200°C).
2. Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper.
3. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden.
4. Slice the avocado and prepare the mixed greens.
5. Combine all ingredients in a bowl with lemon juice and remaining olive oil.

5) Maple Soy Grilled Salmon

Maple Soy Grilled Salmon is an easy and tasty recipe perfect for beginners. The sweet and salty glaze makes the salmon flavorful and enjoyable. This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook.

To start, you’ll want to season your salmon fillet with salt and pepper.

For the glaze, mix maple syrup, soy sauce, and a touch of butter in a bowl. You can add lime juice for extra freshness.

Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C).

Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Baste it with your maple soy mixture and close the lid.

Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the fish easily flakes with a fork.

This simple dish pairs well with veggies or rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Maple Soy Grilled Salmon!

Ingredients

• 1 salmon fillet
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Lime juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
2. Mix maple syrup, soy sauce, and butter in a bowl.
3. Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
4. Place salmon skin-side down on the grill.
5. Baste with the maple soy mixture.
6. Cook for 10-15 minutes until it flakes easily.

6) Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

Salmon with creamy dill sauce is a simple and tasty dish. The rich, tangy sauce complements the salmon perfectly. This recipe is great for beginners and can be made in under 30 minutes.

To start, bake your salmon fillets in the oven. A temperature of 375°F (190°C) is ideal. You can wrap the salmon in aluminum foil for easy cooking and cleaning.

While the salmon cooks, prepare the creamy dill sauce. You’ll mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh dill. Optionally, add a touch of horseradish for extra flavor.

Once your salmon is ready, serve it topped with the creamy dill sauce. It pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon horseradish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
4. In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, and horseradish.
5. Serve the baked salmon topped with the creamy dill sauce.

7) Teriyaki Salmon Bowls

Teriyaki salmon bowls are perfect for beginners. They are quick, tasty, and healthy. You can prepare this dish in under 30 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights.

Start by choosing fresh salmon fillets. Aim for pieces that weigh about 5-6 ounces. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa as a base.

To add freshness, include cucumbers and edamame. These ingredients offer a nice crunch and complement the tender salmon.

The teriyaki sauce is simple to make at home. Just whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. You’ll marinate the salmon in this sauce for about 15 minutes before cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup shelled edamame
• Teriyaki sauce (soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes.
2. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a bowl.
3. Add the salmon and marinate for 15 minutes.
4. Cook the salmon in a pan over medium heat until done, about 4-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
5. Assemble your bowl with rice, salmon, cucumbers, and edamame. Enjoy!

8) Parmesan-Crusted Salmon

Parmesan-Crusted Salmon is a simple and tasty recipe perfect for beginners. The combination of crunchy panko and savory parmesan creates a delicious topping for the salmon.

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the salmon from sticking, making cleanup easier.

In a bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat your skinless salmon fillets with the mixture, pressing it gently to stick.

Place the salmon on the baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Enjoy the crispy texture and delicious flavors!

Ingredients

• 4 skinless salmon fillets (7 oz each)
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2-1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix panko, parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat salmon fillets with the mixture.
5. Place salmon on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.

9) Salmon Pasta with Spinach

Salmon pasta with spinach is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for beginners. You can make it in about 30 minutes, which is great when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.

Start by cooking your pasta of choice in lightly salted boiling water. While it cooks, pan-fry salmon chunks with olive oil in a preheated skillet. After a few minutes, add minced garlic and fresh spinach until they are tender.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and mix it with the salmon and spinach. You can finish it off with a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor. This dish is not only easy to make but also packed with healthy omega-3s from the salmon.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) salmon, cut into chunks
• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (like linguine or campanelle)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add salmon chunks and cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic and spinach, cooking for another 2 minutes.
5. Drain the pasta and combine it with the salmon mixture.
6. Finish with lemon juice and salt to taste. Enjoy!

10) Salmon Burgers with Avocado Sauce

Salmon burgers are a tasty and simple dish for beginners. They are healthy and packed with flavor. You can make them quickly for a weeknight dinner.

To start, gather your ingredients. Fresh salmon works best, but you can use canned or frozen if needed. Mash a ripe avocado to create a smooth sauce and mix it with lime juice and seasonings.

Next, combine the salmon with breadcrumbs, an egg, and your choice of spices. Form the mixture into patties. Then, grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side at 400°F (200°C) until they are cooked through.

Serve your salmon burgers on a bun or over a salad, topping them with the avocado sauce. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) salmon fillet, skin removed
• 1/2 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into patties.
4. Grill the patties for 5-7 minutes on each side.
5. Mash the avocado and mix with lime juice for the sauce.
6. Serve burgers with avocado sauce.