Nine Delicious Salmon Recipes for Every Occasion
Salmon is a versatile and nutritious fish, celebrated for its delicate flavor and rich texture. Whether boiled, baked, or curried, salmon adapts beautifully to a variety of cooking techniques. This guide explores nine exquisite salmon recipes that cater to diverse palates. Each dish is crafted with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward methods, ensuring success in your kitchen. Let’s dive in!
1. Boiled Salmon
Ingredients:
- 6 oz. of salt per gallon of water
- Sufficient water to cover the fish
Method: Start by scaling and cleaning the salmon thoroughly, ensuring no blood remains inside. Place the fish in a large pot and cover it with cold water, adding salt in the specified proportion. Bring the water to a boil, skimming off any foam that forms. Allow the salmon to simmer gently until the meat separates easily from the bone. Avoid undercooking, as it affects the flavor and texture, and don’t let the fish remain in water after cooking to prevent it from becoming watery and bland.

Serving Suggestions: Drain the fish and keep it warm under cloths if not served immediately. Arrange it on a hot platter garnished with lemon slices and parsley. Accompany with lobster or shrimp sauce, plain melted butter, and a side of dressed cucumber for a complete meal.
Cooking Time:
- Large, thick salmon: 8 minutes per pound
- Thin salmon: 6 minutes per pound
Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavor, and consider serving with boiled peas for a classic pairing.
2. Salmon with Caper Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of salmon
- 1/4 lb. butter
- 1/2 tsp chopped parsley
- 1 shallot, minced
- Salt, pepper, and grated nutmeg to taste
Method: Place the salmon in a baking dish, dotting it with butter and seasoning it with parsley, shallot, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bake while basting frequently. Once cooked, drain the salmon briefly, arrange it on a platter, and pour caper sauce over the top. This dish pairs excellently with tomato sauce for a vibrant twist.
Cooking Time: About 45 minutes
3. Collared Salmon
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs. of salmon
- Salt, pounded mace, and pepper for seasoning
- Water and vinegar (1:3 ratio)
- 3 bay leaves
Method: Split, scale, bone, and clean the salmon. After drying, rub the seasoning inside and out, then roll and bind the fish firmly. Place it in a pot and cover with the vinegar-water mixture, adding bay leaves, salt, and whole pepper. Simmer gently until cooked without lifting the lid. To preserve the fish, boil the cooking liquid with extra vinegar and pour it over the fish when cold.
Cooking Time: About 45 minutes
Serving Suggestions: Serve with melted butter or anchovy sauce for a flavorful touch.
4. Curried Salmon
Ingredients:
- Boiled salmon leftovers
- 3/4 pint of stock
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp Harvey’s sauce
- 1 tsp anchovy sauce
- 1 oz. butter
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Cayenne and salt to taste
Method: Fry chopped onions in butter until golden, then add stock, curry powder, sauces, lemon juice, cayenne, and salt. Simmer until the onion softens, stirring occasionally. Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces, removing skin and bones. Add the salmon to the sauce, heating gently without boiling.
Cooking Time: About 45 minutes
Pro Tip: Serve over steamed rice for a hearty meal.
5. Salmon Cutlets
Ingredients:
- Salmon slices, 1 inch thick
- Pepper and salt
- Buttered parchment paper
Method: Season salmon slices with salt and pepper, then wrap each slice in buttered parchment paper. Broil gently over a medium flame, ensuring the fish cooks evenly. Serve hot with anchovy or caper sauce.
Cooking Time: 5 to 10 minutes
Optional: For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle chopped herbs and spices before broiling.
6. Salmon à la Genevese
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon slices
- 2 shallots, chopped
- Parsley and a small bunch of herbs
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 carrots, sliced
- Pounded mace, pepper, and salt
- 4 tbsp Madeira wine
- 1/2 pint white stock
- Thickening of butter and flour
- 1 tsp anchovy essence
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Cayenne and salt
Method: Coat a stewpan with butter, then add shallots, herbs, bay leaves, carrots, mace, and seasoning. Sauté for 10 minutes, add Madeira wine, and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture over the salmon and stew until the fish is tender. Reserve the liquid, thickening it with butter and flour, then add anchovy essence, lemon juice, cayenne, and salt. Pour part of the sauce over the salmon and serve the rest in a sauce boat.

Cooking Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes
7. Grilled Salmon Steaks
Ingredients:
- Salmon steaks
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, and fresh dill
Method: Brush salmon steaks with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Grill over medium heat for about 4-6 minutes per side or until the fish flakes easily. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.
Pro Tip: Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
8. Smoked Salmon Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. fettuccine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup smoked salmon, flaked
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- Salt and pepper
Method: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. In a skillet, heat cream and Parmesan over low heat until slightly thickened. Add smoked salmon and toss with the pasta. Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately.
9. Salmon Tartare
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. fresh salmon, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp capers, chopped
- 1 tbsp red onion, minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Fresh dill for garnish
Method: Combine diced salmon, olive oil, mustard, capers, onion, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix gently and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve chilled with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
These nine salmon recipes offer a variety of ways to enjoy this beloved fish, whether for a casual dinner or an elegant gathering. With their blend of simplicity and sophistication, these dishes are sure to delight seafood lovers everywhere.

