How Long to Bake 1 lb Salmon at 400 Degrees
I remember the first time I cooked salmon. I was a young newlywed, and my wife was out of town on a business trip. I decided to surprise her with a romantic dinner, and salmon was her favorite fish.
I went to the grocery store and bought the biggest, most beautiful salmon fillet I could find. I brought it home, preheated the oven to 400 degrees, and popped the salmon in. An hour later, I took it out and realized I had made a big mistake. The salmon was dry, overcooked, and completely inedible.
The Perfect Salmon
I’ve learned a lot about cooking salmon since then. And I’m here to share my hard-earned knowledge with you so that you can avoid making the same mistakes I did.
The key to cooking perfect salmon is to cook it at a high temperature for a short period of time. This will help to keep the salmon moist and juicy, and it will also prevent it from overcooking.
How Long to Bake 1 lb Salmon at 400 Degrees
The general rule of thumb is to bake salmon at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes per pound. So, for a 1-pound salmon fillet, you would bake it for 10-12 minutes.
Of course, there are a few factors that can affect the cooking time, such as the thickness of the salmon fillet and the temperature of your oven. If you’re not sure how long to cook your salmon, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and cook it for a shorter period of time. You can always check the salmon for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fish. If the fork comes out clean, the salmon is cooked through.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Salmon
Here are a few tips for cooking perfect salmon every time:
- Use a sharp knife to remove the skin from the salmon fillet. This will help the salmon to cook evenly.
- Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees before baking the salmon.
- Bake the salmon for 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the salmon is cooked through.
- Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Expert Advice
I also reached out to a few professional chefs for their advice on cooking salmon. Here’s what they had to say:
“The key to cooking salmon is to cook it quickly over high heat. This will help to keep the salmon moist and juicy.”
“I like to season my salmon with a simple mixture of salt, pepper, and lemon zest. This allows the natural flavor of the salmon to shine through.”
FAQs on Cooking Salmon
- What is the best way to cook salmon?
- How do I know when salmon is cooked through?
- What are some good sides to serve with salmon?
The best way to cook salmon is to bake it at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes per pound.
You can tell if salmon is cooked through by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fish. If the fork comes out clean, the salmon is cooked through.
Some good sides to serve with salmon include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Conclusion
Cooking salmon is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this healthy and flavorful fish. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can cook perfect salmon every time.
So, what are you waiting for? Give salmon a try tonight!
