The cooking time for salmon depends on the method, temperature, and thickness of the fillet or portion:
- Oven Baking at 350°F (175°C): A large piece of salmon (about 3 pounds) takes about 25 minutes to bake until opaque and flaky
- Oven Baking at 375°F (190°C):
- A large 2-pound side of salmon usually takes 15 to 20 minutes
* Individual 6-ounce portions take about 12 to 15 minutes
- Oven Baking at 400°F (204°C): Individual portions bake in 12 to 14 minutes
- Higher Temperatures (425-450°F): Cooking times shorten to around 10-12 minutes depending on thickness
General guidelines:
- Salmon is done when it turns opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of about 125°F for medium-rare or 145°F for fully cooked according to USDA
- To avoid overcooking, it’s best to pull salmon out of the oven when it’s almost done and let it rest; a quick broil step can add a crispy finish
- Thickness affects cooking time: thinner pieces cook faster, while thicker pieces need more time
Summary:
- For average 6-ounce fillets, bake at 375-400°F for about 12-15 minutes.
- Larger sides (2-3 pounds) require 15-25 minutes at 350-375°F.
- Use a fork to check flakiness and consider an instant-read thermometer for precision.
This approach ensures moist, flaky salmon without drying it out
