How to Cook Salmon Steaks

5 from 35 votes

Learn how to cook salmon steaks and enjoy this delicious and healthy protein that turns out restaurant-quality fish in less than 15 minutes. The prep is simple and easy and you can use your favorite spice blend or rub to make a dinner that is perfect for weeknights or company!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 466kcal

Author: Amy Nash

Ingredients

Salmon

4 (1-inch thick) salmon steaks, 6 to 8-ounces each
1 tablespoon Kosher salt
2 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
1-2 teaspoons Garam masala, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon wedges, for serving

Compound Butter

4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
2-3 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (like chives, oregano, dill, etc.)
1 teaspoon Kosher salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

Season both sides of the salmon steaks evenly with salt, pepper, and garam masala or your favorite spice blend or rub like lemon pepper or bbq.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat or clean, oil, and preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Add olive oil when the pan is hot and let it heat up.
Place each piece of salmon into the pan or on the grill over direct heat (right over the flames or coal) and let them cook without flipping or moving for 3-5 minutes. Once the salmon releases easily from the pan or grill, it is ready to be flipped.
Make the compound butter by mashing the softened butter together with the minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
When the fish releases easily from the pan or grill, flip it and ook for another 3-5 minutes on the second side. Add the butter to the pan after flipping the salmon and spoon it over the fish as it cooks. If grilling, hold the butter in reserve until you remove the salmon from the grill, then top each piece with a dollop of the butter, which will melt from the residual heat of the fish.
The salmon is done when the center is opaque and flakes easily. Be careful not to overcook. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish and watch out for small bones.

Notes

Roasting Salmon: If you prefer to roast your salmon steaks in the oven, you will want to preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and roast in a pan for 15-20 minutes until done.
Leftovers can be stored for 2-3 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350 degree F oven for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition