How to Make the Best Cast Iron Salmon
Updated: Aug. 31, 2020The best way to cook salmon? In a piping hot skillet! Cast iron salmon turns out tender with that perfectly crispy skin we all love. Find out how to make it.
Is there anything a cast-iron skillet can’t do? It’s the workhorse behind these easy skillet suppers, and it makes some darn good desserts, too. Master cast iron cooking with our guide. When it comes to more delicate foods, like fish, you don’t need to hesitate to use your skillet. In fact, using cast iron is just the thing to create exceptionally tender salmon with a nice, crispy skin. And to do it is simple. We’ll break it down!
What Kind of Salmon Is Best?
Before you can even start cooking, though, you’re going to want to buy the right kind of salmon. Our Test Kitchen recommends shopping at a seafood market or fishmonger for the freshest possible fish. However, any good grocery store with a seafood counter and helpful staff works just fine, too. When choosing your salmon, always to be sure to smell it. It shouldn’t ever smell fishy (in a bad way) or ammonia-like. The fish should also be firm and free of bruises or discoloration.
As far as farm-raised or wild-caught, the decision is up to you. Both are healthy options. Farm-raised or Atlantic salmon are often milder in flavor. When shopping for wild-caught salmon, opt for Chinook, Coho or Sockeye. These will have a more pronounced salmon flavor.
How Do You Cook Salmon in an Iron Skillet in the Oven?
Once you have a good piece of fish, you’re going to need a good basic recipe. This oven-roasted salmon is a great recipe to know by heart, plus you can easily customize it to suit your taste. To make it, you’ll need:
- Center-cut salmon filet, 1-1½ pounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Step 1: Heat Up the Skillet
For this recipe, you don’t even need to turn on your stovetop, which I like because it gives you some hands-off time to prep a quick side salad. Instead, place your cast-iron skillet into a cold oven and heat to 450ºF.
Step 2: Place the Salmon in the Cast Iron
When the pan is getting nice and hot, brush the salmon with olive oil and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Once the oven has come up to temperature, remove the pan and lay the fish skin side down inside. If you ever find yourself asking how do I make crispy salmon? this is how! A hot pan is exactly how you get the skin so delectably crispy.
Step 3: Bake!
With the salmon in place, return the skillet to the oven and cook uncovered for 14 to 18 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 125ºF. Remove from the pan and cut the salmon into single serving sizes.
How Do You Finish Your Salmon?
Of course, you can enjoy your salmon simply with salt and pepper. Good fish doesn’t need much accompaniment! However, if you want to up your flavor and customize your meal, you can try a few easy toppers:
- Gremolata: In a small bowl, mix a quarter cup minced, fresh parsley, two tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon lemon juice, a minced clove of garlic, a teaspoon of grated lemon peel, a half teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of pepper. Spoon this over your salmon before serving.
- Dill and caper butter:Â In a bowl, mix a quarter cup of softened butter, a tablespoon of minced shallot, a tablespoon of minced, fresh dill, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a teaspoon of chopped capers. Add a dollop right before serving. You can try these flavored butters, too!
- Maple soy glaze:Â In a dish, stir together a quarter cup of maple syrup with two tablespoons of soy sauce, a minced green onion, a half teaspoon fresh, grated ginger and a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Brush on before serving.
However you top your salmon, you’re sure to end up with a tender piece of fish with amazing crispy skin.
Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
When cooked properly, salmon is meltingly tender. In this recipe, salmon is seasoned, baked in a foil packet and finished under the broiler. The simple sour cream and dill sauce has a dash of horseradish, which adds a lively zing to the rich fish. Need a side dish? Roast a pan of asparagus in the oven while you cook the salmon. 
Sheet-Pan Soy-Ginger Salmon with Veggies
Since salmon has a rich, savory flavor, it stands up well to bold seasonings and spices. In this sheet pan dinner recipe, a sweet, Asian-inspired sauce seasons salmon and a mix of veggies. The sauce doubles as both a marinade and a glaze, giving a double dose of flavor. 
Simple Salmon Chowder
Don't miss this contest-winning soup. Along with fresh salmon, the chowder is packed with hearty root vegetables, cream and a smattering of dill. 
Salmon with Horseradish Pistachio Crust
Coated in a crunchy, savory crust, this salmon is an impressive main course at a dinner party, but it's simple enough to make for a family meal. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, and if you line the baking dish with foil, cleanup is a breeze. Feel free to substitute other nuts for the pistachios—almonds, walnuts and pecans all work well. 
Easy Glazed Salmon
Paint salmon with a sweet glaze before baking, and the fish emerges almost lacquered with a caramelly crust. The sweet, slightly tropical flavor of the glaze is perfectly balanced by the savory salmon. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli for a meal that comes together quickly. 
Cilantro-Topped Salmon
We suggest buying skin-on salmon fillets for recipes that call for baking salmon, like this one. It adds a bit of flavor, but more importantly makes it easier to bake the fish without worrying that the delicate, flaky flesh will stick to the pan. Here's how to shop for salmon. 
Creamy Salmon Linguine
This recipe employs a clever trick: cooking pasta and broccoli in the same pot. Simply add the broccoli to the boiling pasta during the last five minutes of cooking time, and drain all together! You can swap in green beans, asparagus or another veggie. It's hard to find anything that won't taste great with the creamy, simple, from-scratch sauce. 
Lemon Herbed Salmon
Salmon always pairs well with citrus: the bright, zesty flavor complements the savoriness, and the acid balances the oily fish. In this recipe, lemon zest adds tanginess to a seasoned breadcrumb coating, while wedges of lemon garnish dinner plates. 
Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon
This baked salmon recipe couldn't be simpler. Just prepare a quick, sweet-and-savory glaze using pantry ingredients, and bake—dinner will be ready in a flash. As long as you have the oven on, throw in a pan of roasted vegetables to serve as a side dish. 
Firecracker Grilled Salmon
Want to turn up the flavor of your salmon dinner? Try this spicy salmon recipe, which is bursting with flavor thanks to a soy sauce-based marinade. (Substitute gluten-free tamari if you want an easy gluten-free dinner.) The instructions call for grilling the fish, but you can also cook it in the oven, broiler or stovetop. 
Air-Fryer Salmon Patties
We love the air fryer for making quick, crispy food. These tasty salmon patties are no exception, made with canned salmon, a quick cracker crumb crust and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. 
Maple Bourbon Salmon
If you're planning to make salmon for a dinner party, consider this recipe, which combines unexpected ingredients for a superb flavor—but it's not fussy to make. The sweet, bourbon-splashed glaze caramelizes quickly in the pan, while bacon and walnuts contribute a rich, savory finish. 
Oven-Baked Salmon
This simple recipe yields tender, juicy salmon every time. To ensure that the salmon stays moist, keep the skin on during baking—it will protect the fish from direct heat, preserving a delicate, flaky texture. The wine-scented sauce tastes good with most vegetable sides, from simple boiled peas to in-season asparagus. 
Feta Salmon Salad
A mix of pantry spices jazz up this grilled salmon salad, which is finished with Greek-inspired toppings: cucumber, tomato and feta cheese. Salmon tastes great with most spices, from Indian to Mediterranean to French, so feel free to play with different flavors. 
Ginger Salmon with Green Beans
Want to break out of a rut? Try cooking salmon in a sweet and tangy Asian-inspired sauce, made with rice vinegar, ginger, lemon and honey. Lie the fish on aluminum foil, spoon over the sauce, seal tightly, and bake for a quick dinner that packs a big flavor wallop. Snappy green beans make an excellent side. 
Salmon with Spinach & White Beans
Looking for crispy salmon? Use your broiler! Under high heat, salmon cooks fast, in just six to eight minutes, so keep an eye on the clock. A healthy side of spinach and white beans is fast enough to cook while the salmon's in the oven. 
Potato Salmon Casserole
Since salmon tastes so good with vegetables and fresh greens, it's easy to overlook its potential as a comfort food. This cozy, savory casserole will fix that oversight! Made with leftover potatoes and canned salmon (or leftover, if you have some in the fridge), it's quick to mix together and toss in the oven on a cool night. 
Salmon Dill Soup
Salmon and dill are a natural flavor pairing; the fresh herb makes the rich fish taste bright and zippy. You can cook salmon and dill together any way (grilled, baked, etc.), but here's a recipe you may not have tried—salmon soup! Cozy and chowder-like, but with a bright flavor, it'll be perfect with a soup side dish. Salmon Burgers with Tangy Slaw
High in moisture and oils, salmon makes a delicious burger patty! This recipe is a great way to serve salmon to seafood skeptics, and it's also a nice one to try if you've eaten salmon every other way. Salmon burgers taste great topped with a squeeze of lemon and a tangle of fresh greens, but this recipe takes it up a notch with a crunchy fennel slaw. 
Spicy Plum Salmon
When plums are in season, try them in this savory dinner recipe. Since plums are dense and packed with juice, they make a delicious sauce. Along with the plums, a dash of chipotle and ketchup make for a sweet-and-spicy dinner. 
Air-Fryer Roasted Salmon with Sauteed Balsamic Spinach
This recipe makes for super crispy salmon, without going overboard on the oil. (That's part of the magic of the air fryer.) A side dish of spinach is a healthy accompaniment. The amount called for might seem enormous, but once cooked, it wilts down to a reasonable portion. 
Garlic & Herb Artichoke Salmon
If you love artichokes, this is the salmon dish for you! Simple grilled salmon gets slathered with a thick sauce made with artichokes, garlic-cheese spread and lemon. At once easy, impressive and unexpected, it's an ideal special occasion dinner. 
Cocoa Spiced Salmon
Orange and chocolate are a delectable pairing, as strange as it may sound. The puckering sweetness of orange transforms dark, slightly bitter cocoa into something brighter. Together, the flavors transform savory salmon into an exotic dinner. Serve with hot rice and a leafy green. Salmon Caesar Salad
It's easy to make this popular restaurant recipe at home! While you can make homemade salad dressing, make the meal faster by grabbing your favorite store-bought option. 
Miso Salmon
A staple of Japanese cuisine, miso paste is getting very popular stateside too, and for good reason. The fermented paste is packed with rich umami flavor. Whether it's the dominant seasoning, as in miso soup, or simply added alongside other spices, as in this recipe, it contributes an almost addictive savoriness. 
Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime Sauce
What's more refreshing on a sticky summer day than fresh cucumber recipes? The zippy homemade cucumber sauce is the star of this recipe for grilled salmon. Serve it along with a plate of watermelon and a tall glass of something cool. 
Grilled Salmon Wraps
These easy wraps are a perfect meal for a busy weeknight. If needed, you can literally grab and eat on the go. Each wrap is a complete meal, including protein, vegetables, dairy and carbs. 
Quick and Easy Salmon Poke Bowl
Skip the takeout and make poke bowls at home. The recipe jazzes up canned salmon with an array of delightful condiments and seasonings, including quick homemade pickled onions and a simple, seasoned mayo. 
Lemon Salmon with Basil
Basil recipes during the summer, when the herb is freshest, are truly exquisite. In fact, this lemon salmon hardly requires any other flavoring! Serve alongside a simple salad, crusty bread or your favorite summer vegetable. 
Mesquite Salmon
The smoky-sweet taste of mesquite is a perfect foil to oily, savory salmon. The recipe includes instructions for cooking with mesquite chips over a charcoal or gas grill. 
Salmon Grilled in Foil
Here's an easy trick to keep from overcooking salmon on the heat of the grill. Wrap each filet in a foil packet, sealing in the juices and protecting the fish from direct heat. The foil also traps all the seasonings, infusing every bite with flavor. 
Northwest Salmon Salad
There's no better way to use up all your fresh fruit from a farmers market than to toss it all in a summery salad. Blueberries, red onion and peaches add pops of color to this salad while freshly cooked salmon (or leftover salmon) boosts the protein. 
Citrus Salmon en Papillote
Cooking salmon "en Papillote" sounds fancy, but it simply means cooking it inside paper—packets of parchment paper, to be precise. The packets hold in the steam released by the salmon in the heat of the oven, keeping it super moist and tender. Ginger Honey Marinated Salmon
A drizzle of honey smooths out the zingy heat of ginger in a quick and easy marinade. You can let the salmon marinate for as little as 30 minutes, or as long as overnight, but don't let it sit much longer—fish is so delicate, it will get mushy if left to marinate too long. Spiced Salmon
A flavorful blend of spices, along with a dash of brown sugar, make for a delicious salmon dinner that's mild enough to appeal to even the fussiest taste buds. Cook on the grill or under the broiler; both will yield a crispy exterior with slight caramelizing from the spices. 
Bourbon-Glazed Salmon
Bourbon lovers, get excited! The sweet spirit is a perfect pairing with savory salmon. The glaze comes together fast, but definitely doesn't stint on flavor. 
Baked Salmon Patties
Breaded, savory fish patties are a surefire way to get seafood skeptics to give it a try. This recipe is very flexible: swap in your favorite seasonings, substitute bread crumbs, use canned or leftover cooked salmon and serve with any dipping sauce you like. 
Moroccan Salmon
This seasoned salmon dinner is a great first taste of Moroccan flavor. A mix of spices, including cumin and cinnamon, plus caramelized onions, tomatoes and golden raisins, showcase the aromatic, sweet-and-savory notes of the cuisine. 
Poached Salmon with Dill Sauce
Poaching salmon, or cooking it in shallow water or broth, ensures that moisture stays sealed in. It's more forgiving than cooking with dry heat, like roasting or grilling, which requires a close eye to ensure that the fish doesn't dry out. 
Salmon Quiche
There's no rule that salmon has to stay on the supper table! This flavor-packed quiche is a perfect brunch recipe or to serve as a breakfast-for-dinner dish. It's delicious alongside a fresh green salad (and a platter of bacon). 
Green Curry Salmon with Green Beans
A spicy take on salmon, this Indian-inspired recipe calls for a quick curry sauce made with curry paste and creamy coconut milk. The recipe includes a complete meal of hot rice and snappy green beans, but you can swap in your favorite grain and veggie. 
Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa
Stone fruits pair just as well with savory dishes as they do with desserts. In this recipe, tender, juicy mango cubes mixed with orange slices top the tropical-tasting salmon. 
Spinach Salmon Bundles
These pastry-wrapped salmon bundles look (and taste) as though you toiled for hours in the kitchen, but they're quite simple to make! The secret? A tube of crescent roll dough, store-bought cheese spread and frozen spinach. 
Orange Soy Salmon with Rice
This sweet-and-savory salmon is seasoned with a three-ingredient homemade sauce. Serve with instant rice for dinner in a rush, or opt for fried rice and an array of steamed veggies. Lemon Basil Salmon
Everything tastes better with butter—including salmon. Wrapped in foil along with lemon juice, butter and a sprinkle of basil, the flavors in this salmon become full and rich. Serve over a bed of couscous and any green veggie you have. 
Citrus-Marinated Salmon
Orange, lemon and lime juice combine forces to create an unforgettable citrus experience, at once sweet, sour, punchy and bright. You can let the salmon marinate for as little as 30 minutes, or make the marinade in the morning, and let the salmon soak until dinner. 
Grilled Salmon Fillet
Want to take salmon in a decadent direction? This recipe makes a sauce rich with umami ingredients: soy sauce, red wine vinegar and Parmesan cheese. Cooking the salmon in a foil pan on the grill is a neat trick for easy clean-up, but you can also cook it directly on an oiled grate. 
Pecan-Crusted Salmon
This crunchy dinner is a superfood powerhouse! Salmon, mayo and pecans contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while yogurt is rich in probiotics and calcium. 
Grilled Barbecued Salmon
Want to take barbecue sauce up a notch? Just stir in a few extra ingredients. Here, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce and lime juice enhance the flavor of bottled sauce. We like it with grilled corn on the cob. Potato Cheese Soup with Salmon
This hearty chowder is a perfect cozy meal for fall and winter days. You can use almost any kind of salmon in this soup: cooked fresh or frozen salmon, leftover cooked salmon, smoked salmon or canned salmon. 
Walnut-Crusted Ginger Salmon
A savory sauce of mustard and walnuts makes this salmon ideal for a chilly winter dinner. It may sound fancy, but it's simple enough to cook on a weeknight. A perk of cooking in foil packets? Clean-up couldn't be easier. 
Garlic-Butter Baked Salmon
This delicious, baked salmon recipe starts with a process you should learn, no matter what: how to roast garlic. Roasting garlic takes the bite out, yielding a creamy, pure garlic flavor that tastes great with chicken, potatoes, vegetables—and just about anything else.
Grilled Salmon Salad
This recipe for salmon salad is more of a template: You can use just about any lettuce or leafy green you like for the salad base, add any vegetables you find in season (cooked or raw) and serve with most salad dressings.
Special Salmon Steaks
The unbeatable combination of lemon, parsley and butter makes a tasty sauce for this baked salmon recipe. Serve with potatoes or bread to soak up every drop. Slow-Cooker Salmon
Since salmon cooks so quickly, you seldom find a slow-cooker recipe for it, but this is a good one. The low-and-slow cooking offers plenty of time for the fish to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
