How to Tell if Salmon is Cooked (Know When Salmon is Done)

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Whether you’re baking, pan-frying, or grilling salmon, you want to ensure that it’s perfectly cooked. If it’s undercooked you could expose yourself to harmful bacteria, and if it’s overcooked, it’ll be dry and chewy. So, how can you tell when salmon is done?

In today’s article, we’re sharing some tips and guidelines on how to properly cook salmon. 

Whether you’re baking, pan-frying, or grilling salmon, you want to ensure that it’s perfectly cooked. If it’s undercooked you could expose yourself to harmful bacteria, and if it’s overcooked, it’ll be dry and chewy. So, how can you tell when salmon is done?
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Raw vs. Cooked Salmon

Raw salmon is often enjoyed with sushi. Note that you can’t just purchase raw salmon from the grocery store and eat it. 

The raw salmon served at restaurants is known as sashimi-grade. Cooked salmon can be enjoyed in many dishes, from soup and stew, to salads, and served as steaks and fillets. 

Can You Eat Salmon Raw?

Raw salmon can be enjoyed in dishes like sashimi, nigiri, poke, and ceviche. The fish must be properly stored, frozen, and prepared to ensure that it’s free of harmful bacteria and parasites.  

Easy Teriyaki Salmon

How to Tell if Salmon is Cooked Properly (5 Simple Ways)

1. Check the Temperature with a Meat Thermometer (Most Reliable Way)

The most reliable way to check the doneness of food is to use an instant-read thermometer. Cooked salmon should be between 110°F and 140°F. This will ensure that the fish is safe to eat and still moist and flavorful.

2. Examine the Color and Texture

The color of salmon will change as it cooks. Raw salmon has a dark pink color that changes to a lighter color when cooked. When salmon is cooked, it will have an opaque pinkish/white color on the outside, and a translucent pink color on the inside. 

If the salmon is still a dark pink color on the outside it should be cooked longer. If the inside is a light, opaque pink color, it’s likely overcooked. 

3. With a Cake Tester

A cake tester inserted into the thickest part of the fish can be used to check for doneness. Keep it in the fish for about 3 seconds and then hold the tester against the skin below your bottom lip. If the rod is warm, it’s cooked. If it’s cool, the fish needs to cook longer. 

4. With a Knife

Similar to the cake tester method, insert the tip of a butter knife into the thickest part of the fish. Hold it for five seconds and then press the knife to the skin below your bottom lip. If it’s warm, the fish is done but if it’s cool, the fish needs to cook longer. 

5. Use Your Finger

You can use touch to test the doneness of salmon. Press your finger against the salmon. If you can see the flakes and they separate easily, it’s ready to eat. If the salmon is firm and doesn’t flake, it needs to cook longer. 

Griddle Salmon

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Salmon

  • Leave the Skin On: Leaving the skin on the salmon helps to control the amount of heat it’s exposed to. If you remove the skin before cooking, the salmon can quickly overcook. It’s best to leave the skin on until it’s ready to be eaten, or go ahead and eat the skin if you enjoy the flavor and texture. 
  • Cook the Salmon Skin-Side Down: If you’re cooking fillets, always place the salmon skin-side down on the heat source. The skin acts as a barrier to the heat, and ensures that the fish doesn’t cook too quickly. 
  • Season Right Before Cooking: Instead of seasoning ahead of time, add salt, pepper, and your seasonings of choice just before you cook salmon. Salt and other seasonings that have sodium will draw moisture out of the fish and can cause it to dry out if applied too early.  
  • Avoid High Heat: Heat your cooking source to the appropriate temperature as indicated in the recipe you’re using. This will ensure that the salmon cooks evenly. 

Is it Ok If the Salmon is a Little Undercooked?

Cooked salmon should be between 110°F and 140°F.  Anything below that can expose you to foodborne illness.

Salmon

Can Salmon Be Pink in the Middle?

The most reliable way to check the doneness of food is to use an instant-read thermometer. Cooked salmon should be between 110°F and 140°F. When salmon is cooked, it will have an opaque pinkish/white color on the outside, and a translucent pink color on the inside. If the salmon is still a dark pink color on the outside it should be cooked longer. 

What Does Undercooked Salmon Look Like?

If the salmon is still a dark pink color on the outside it should be cooked longer. When salmon is cooked, it will have an opaque pinkish/white color on the outside, and a translucent pink color on the inside.

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Sockeye salmon_thumbnail

How to Tell if Salmon is Cooked (Baked Salmon Recipe)

By: Izzy
Whether you’re baking, pan-frying, or grilling salmon, you want to ensure that it’s perfectly cooked. If it’s undercooked you could expose yourself to harmful bacteria, and if it’s overcooked, it’ll be dry and chewy. Check out this recipe for the perfect baked salmon.
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ pound sockeye salmon fillets, skin-on or skin-off
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • fresh parsley, or dill (chopped)

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  • Place the sockeye on a work surface. Rub the fish with olive oil on all sides. Then sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
  • Put the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet and place 4 lemon slices on top.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes or until medium-rare. Check doneness by inserting a knife tip into the thickest section and twisting – the flesh should appear slightly translucent. You can also insert an instant-read thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 130°F
  • Remove from the oven. Remove the skin using a fish spatula if desired.
  • Sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

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About Izzy

I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

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