Understanding how to cook wild caught salmon is one of the most rewarding tasks a chef or home cook can undertake. Not only is it incredibly delicious and nutritious, but understanding how to properly prepare and cook this beautiful fish can take your meals to an entirely different level.
Whether youre a master chef looking for tips on cooking wild-caught salmon in the perfect way, or a housewife wanting to learn something new about preparing dinner for yourself and your family, this blog post has you covered!
Read on as we discuss everything from preparation techniques to recommended cooking times - allowing you to create tantalizing dishes with this guide on how to cook wild caught salmon that will impress even the toughest crowd!
Table of Contents
Is The Flavor Of Wild Caught Salmon Superior To That Of Farmed Salmon?

How to cook wild caught salmon
There is a debate as to whether wild caught salmon is better than farmed salmon. Some argue that wild caught salmon has a better flavor and texture because it is not fed a diet that is typically used in fish farming. Additionally, wild-caught salmon is typically lower in contaminants and higher in healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
On the other hand, farmed salmon is more affordable and readily available, and it is generally considered a sustainable source of protein. Ultimately, the answer to whether wild-caught salmon is better than farmed salmon depends on personal preferences and priorities. However, learning how to cook wild caught salmon is an essential skill that you should learn.
Preparation Tips For Wild Caught Salmon
When it comes to preparing for how to cook wild caught salmon, there are a few important tips you should keep in mind:
- Make sure the fish is clean and free of dirt or debris before cooking.
- Dont forget to remove the pine bones
- Pat dry the salmon with a paper towel before cooking.
- Once dry, season the fish with salt and pepper as desired.
How To Cook Wild Caught SalmonÂ

How to cook wild caught salmon
Ingredients of how to cook wild caught salmon:
- 1 pound wild caught salmon
- 2 tbsps of olive oil (or butter)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions of how to cook wild caught salmon:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with oil or butter.
3. Place the salmon on the baking sheet, skin side down.
4. Drizzle olive oil (or butter) over the top of the fish and season with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Squeeze the lemon juice overtop before placing in oven.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
7. Enjoy!
How to Make Slow Roasted Wild Caught Salmon

How to cook wild caught salmon?
Ingredients:
- 24-oz fillet of wild salmon with skin-on
- Luxuriate in the taste of unprocessed, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil - a true delicacy!
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instruction:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F.
- Prepare a large, rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Place the salmon on the baking sheet and drizzle with enough olive oil to lightly coat the top of the fish; you can use your hands to do this.
- Generously season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for a unique, flavorful finish.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the center of the salmon is rare and just starting to flake when poked with a paring knife.
- If you want to achieve the perfect salmon dish, timing is key! Cook time will vary depending on how warm your fish was at the start and its thickness.
- But when its ready - no matter if you prefer your meal hot off the oven, cooled down a bit or chilled - serve up that succulent salmon with pride!
NOTE: For individual fillets, you should adjust your cook time accordingly. If each is about 6 ounces, it will take roughly 20 minutes to prepare them properly.
Best Grilling Recipe for Wild Caught Salmon
Ingredients of how to cook wild caught salmon:
- 1 pound of wild caught salmon fillet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
Instructions of how to cook wild caught salmon:
1. Preheat grill to high heat.
2. Rub the salmon with the olive oil (or melted butter), salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through.
4. Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice before serving. Enjoy!
Videos for Other Wild Caught Salmon Recipes
Chefs Tips For How To Cook Wild Caught SalmonÂ

How to cook wild caught salmon?
Here are some professional tips to helping you learn more about how to cook wild caught salmon:
- Use good-quality olive oil or butter for maximum flavor.
- Always preheat your grill, oven, or pan before cooking the salmon.
- When pan-searing, make sure to start with the skin side down first so that it can get crispy.
- Dare to venture into the unknown and concoct your own delicious flavor combinations with a variety of spices and herbs!
- Serve with a light and refreshing side dish, such as grilled vegetables or a salad.
What to Do to Keep Full Nutrition in Wild Caught Salmon While Cooking?
Cooking wild caught salmon does not have to strip away all of its nutritional value. In fact, there are ways that you can ensure the full nutrition remains intact while cooking.
- Firstly, try your best to avoid overcooking the salmon as this will cause a decrease in bite-able texture and flavor.
- To keep the skin crispy, make sure to pat the salmon dry with a paper towel before cooking. This will help the oil or butter stick better to the fish and prevent it from steaming in its own juices.
- Finally, try not to use too many extra seasonings during preparation as this can overpower the natural flavor of your wild caught salmon.
FAQs How To Cook Wild Caught SalmonÂ
Does wild salmon take longer to cook or not?
Wild salmon does tend to take a bit longer to cook than farmed varieties. As a rule, you should aim for 15-20 minutes at 375°F in the oven or around 4-8 minutes on the stovetop.
Can I freeze wild caught salmon?
Yes! Wild caught salmon can be frozen as long as it was frozen shortly after being caught. Be sure to defrost it gradually in the refrigerator and cook it within 24 hours of thawing.
What seasoning is best on wild caught salmon?
Some spices that go best with wild caught salmon that you should try:
- Paprika.
- Garlic powder.
- Brown sugar.
- Kosher salt.
- Dried thyme.
- Mustard powder.
- Black pepper.
Should I add oil to wild caught salmon before seasoning?
Its a Yes. Generously coat your salmon filets with olive oil before seasoning them for extra flavor. By taking this precaution, you can ensure that the fish wont adhere to the grill and will be given a delightful crunchy texture. Ensure your grill grates are spotless for a perfect cookout.
How do you prepare wild caught salmon before cooking?
For superbly crispy skin, use a pair of fish tweezers to remove any bones with precision. Then pat the skin dry with a paper towel before seasoning it generously with sea salt and adding a dash of olive oil for good measure.
How long does it often take to cook wild caught salmon?
The cooking time for wild caught salmon depends on how you are preparing it. Grilling and pan-searing typically take 4-6 minutes per side, while baking in the oven requires 12-15 minutes. Poaching takes about 4-5 minutes, while broiling needs 6-8 minutes.
ConclusionÂ
Now that you know how to cook wild caught salmon, its time to get started! Use these tips and techniques to create delicious and healthy meals for your family and friends. Find your unique, delicious flavor combination by experimenting with an array of spices and herbs. The Blue Stove suggests that you should not forget to serve it with a light and refreshing side dish.
Happy cooking!
The Blue Stove Team.