Salmon steaks make for a quick, healthy, and satisfying main course. They cook faster than thicker salmon fillets, meaning dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook flavorful salmon steaks in 4 different ways.
1. Pan Seared Salmon Steaks
Ingredients
- 2 salmon steaks (6-8 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill), for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Pat dry the salmon steaks with a paper towel to remove any moisture. Season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Place the salmon steaks in the hot skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp and become golden brown.
Flip the salmon steaks to the other side using a spatula, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The flesh should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.
While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook over low heat for a couple of minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Once the salmon steaks are cooked, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter.
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the salmon steaks, ensuring they are well coated.
Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for added flavor and presentation.
Serve the pan-seared salmon steaks hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish. This adds a refreshing citrus element to complement the flavors.
2. Oven Baked Salmon Steaks
Ingredients
- 4 salmon steaks (6-8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Fresh basil leaves, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Place the salmon steaks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each steak.
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salmon steaks, making sure to coat both sides.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, and chili powder. Stir well to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each salmon steak, pressing gently to ensure the seasoning adheres to the fish.
Let the salmon steaks rest for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
Place the baking sheet with the salmon steaks in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. The flesh should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish the oven-baked salmon steaks with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and additional flavor.
Serve the salmon steaks hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a crisp salad.
3. Air Fryer Salmon Steaks
Ingredients
- 4 salmon steaks (6-8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Pat salmon steaks dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with the paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
Place salmon steaks in air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the steaks in batches.
Cook for 4 minutes, then gently flip steaks using tongs. Cook 4-5 minutes more until salmon is barely opaque in center and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve air fried salmon steaks immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing fresh juice over top. Enjoy!
4. Grilled Salmon Steaks
Ingredients
- 4 salmon steaks (6-8 ounces each)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and honey. Stir well to create a flavorful glaze.
Season the salmon steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
Brush the glaze mixture generously over the salmon steaks, coating them thoroughly. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
Place the salmon steaks on the preheated grill, skin-side down if they have skin. Close the lid and grill for about 4-5 minutes.
Carefully flip the salmon steaks to the other side using a spatula and continue grilling for another 4-5 minutes.
Baste the salmon steaks with the reserved glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to enhance the flavors and promote a caramelized exterior.
Remove the grilled salmon steaks from the grill when they reach your desired level of doneness. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Transfer the grilled salmon steaks to a serving platter and garnish with thinly sliced green onions.
With these simple instructions, you can cook flavorful salmon steaks using the oven, grill, air fryer, or stovetop to get perfect results every time no matter which appliance you use. Salmon steaks make for a fast weeknight dinner and pair nicely with veggie sides and fresh herbs or spices.
