Best Broiled Salmon Recipe: 6 Easy Steps for Perfect Flavor

Ever wondered why restaurant salmon has that perfect crispy exterior while remaining buttery soft inside? The secret might be simpler than you think – it’s all about mastering the broiler. With this broiled salmon recipe, you’ll discover how to broil salmon perfectly so this often-overlooked cooking method transforms ordinary salmon into an extraordinary meal in minutes.

This broiled salmon recipe combines simplicity with gourmet results, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions — and a great way to learn how to broil salmon with confidence. The high heat of broiling creates a delicious caramelized exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender – a technique that professional chefs swear by.

If you prefer broiling or grilling your salmon over an open flame, an AIGMM Nonstick Flexible Grilling Basket makes the process easier and prevents the fish from sticking or falling apart. It also allows you to cook multiple portions evenly at the same time.

Ingredients List

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, preferably center-cut with skin on)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (substitute with avocado oil for a higher smoke point)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (garlic powder works in a pinch)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (lime juice offers a different but equally delicious tang)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (adds bright citrus notes)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (substitute with 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard (whole grain mustard provides a nice texture alternative)
• 1 tablespoon honey (maple syrup works beautifully as a substitute)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

These fresh and simple ingredients are the foundation of any great broiled salmon recipe, ensuring you master how to broil salmon with perfect flavor and texture.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. The ingredients create a perfect harmony of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that complement salmon’s natural richness without overpowering it.

Timing

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes

Total Time: Under 20 minutes (approximately 60% faster than most oven-baked salmon recipes)

This broiled salmon recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality results in less time than it takes to order takeout. The quick cooking time also helps preserve more nutrients compared to longer cooking methods.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Broiler

Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the heating element and preheat your broiler on high for 5 minutes. This ensures the proper temperature for that perfect sear, which is essential when following any broiled salmon recipe and especially when you’re learning how to broil salmon the right way. If your broiler has temperature settings, aim for around 500°F (260°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture, allowing for better caramelization. Place the fillets skin-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet that’s been lightly coated with cooking spray.

To handle the salmon without breaking it when flipping, a Zulay Kitchen Fish Turner is a must-have tool. Its thin, flexible design easily slides under the fillet, preserving its texture and juices—essential for a perfect broil.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dijon mustard, and honey until well combined. This mixture creates a perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and savory notes that will caramelize beautifully under the broiler.

Step 4: Season the Salmon

Brush the salmon generously with the prepared mixture, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and sprinkle with chopped dill. Allow the salmon to sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Broil to Perfection

Place the baking sheet with salmon under the preheated broiler. Broil for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and desired doneness. For medium-rare to medium, look for an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C). For official food safety guidelines including salmon, refer to the Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures chart on FoodSafety.gov.

Monitoring the internal temperature is key to avoiding undercooked or dry salmon. A ThermoPro Instant-Read Thermometer gives you an accurate reading in seconds without interrupting the cooking process, ensuring juicy, perfectly cooked results every time.

Learning how to broil salmon properly means watching it carefully — the difference between perfectly caramelized and burnt in a broiled salmon recipe can be just a minute! The salmon is done when the top is golden and slightly charred at the edges, and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, resulting in a more tender, moist final product. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and additional fresh dill if desired.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this broiled salmon provides approximately:

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 34g (68% of daily recommended intake)
• Fat: 18g (primarily heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids)
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 4g (primarily from honey)
• Sodium: 125mg (without added salt)
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 1.8g (120% of daily recommended intake)

Learn more about omega-3 health benefits from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Salmon is one of the most nutritionally dense proteins available, offering exceptional levels of vitamin D, B vitamins, selenium, and potassium. The broiling method preserves more nutrients than high-temperature frying methods.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

While this broiled salmon recipe is already quite healthy, here are some modifications to suit various dietary needs:

• Lower Sugar Option: Replace honey with monk fruit sweetener or simply omit it and add a touch more lemon zest for flavor.
• Dairy-Free Richness: Add a tablespoon of coconut cream to the marinade for extra richness without dairy.
• Lower Sodium Version: Skip the added salt and use herbs like dill, parsley, and chives more liberally for flavor.
• Spice Variation: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a metabolism-boosting kick that enhances the salmon’s natural flavors.
• Oil-Free Option: Use aquafaba (chickpea liquid) or a bit of vegetable broth as the base for your marinade instead of oil.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your broiled salmon with these complementary side dishes and presentation ideas:

• Fresh and Light: Serve over a bed of arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for a refreshing summer meal.If you’re looking to explore more delicious ways to cook salmon beyond this broiled salmon recipe, try our flavorful Tuscan Salmon Recipe — a creamy, garlic-infused dish that pairs perfectly with pasta or crusty bread.
• Hearty Comfort: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower puree and roasted asparagus for a satisfying dinner.
• Grain Bowl: Flake the salmon over a bowl of quinoa or farro with roasted vegetables and a tahini drizzle for a nutrient-packed meal.
• Brunch Option: Serve smaller portions alongside scrambled eggs and avocado toast for an omega-3 rich breakfast.
• Party Presentation: For entertaining, serve whole fillets on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, lemon slices, and edible flowers for a stunning visual impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking: Salmon continues cooking after removal from heat. Take it out when it reaches 125°F internally for perfect doneness after resting.
2. Neglecting to Pat Dry: Skipping this step results in steamed rather than broiled salmon. Moisture is the enemy of caramelization.
3. Incorrect Rack Position: Too close to the heating element causes burning; too far away prevents proper caramelization. The 6-inch rule is your friend.
4. Using Cold Salmon: Cooking straight from the refrigerator leads to uneven cooking. Let salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before broiling.
5. Forgetting to Line the Pan: Salmon skin can stick tenaciously to unlined pans, making cleanup a nightmare and potentially ruining your presentation.
6. Walking Away: Broiling happens quickly. The difference between perfect and overdone can be just 60 seconds, so stay vigilant.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Properly stored, broiled salmon can maintain its flavor and texture for several days:

• Refrigeration: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Properly stored, broiled salmon remains good for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: To preserve moisture, reheat gently in a 275°F oven until just warmed through (about 10 minutes). Microwaving often dries out leftover salmon.
• Cold Applications: Leftover broiled salmon makes excellent salmon salad or can be flaked into breakfast scrambles.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing changes the texture. If you must freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil, and use within 1 month.
• Meal Prep: You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This broiled salmon recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience with minimal effort. The high-heat cooking method creates that coveted contrast between the caramelized exterior and the tender, juicy interior that makes restaurant salmon so memorable.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this broiled salmon recipe delivers consistent, impressive results in under 20 minutes and helps you master exactly how to broil salmon at home. Have you tried broiling salmon before? Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this approach, be sure to check out our other quick-cooking seafood recipes that bring restaurant quality to your home kitchen.