How to Cook Sockeye Salmon

5 from 2 votes

How to cook sockeye salmon in a pan, on the grill, in air fryer or Instant Pot is here! Cook until flaky and tender or in a creamy sauce.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Course: Entree, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: how to cook, salmon, sockeye, stove top

Servings:

Author: Justine

1 lb salmon 4- 2.5" wide fillets
1/2 tsp salt
1 pinch pepper
1 - 2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 lemon wedges, optional
Salmon sauce Use your favorite to cook it in, or drizzle on top. One idea below.
1/2 c heavy cream
1 c mushrooms sliced or canned, drained and chopped
4-5 cherry tomatoes
1/2 tsp thyme

Rinse the pieces of chilled fish and pat dry with paper towels. Remove any remaining small bones with tweezers or fingers. Brush with 1 tbsp of your olive oil, the salt, add any spices or seasonings you want.
Heat the remaining olive oil in a frying pan. Place the salmon skin side up and fry over medium heat for 2 minutes. Carefully flip the pieces over and fry on the other side for another 3 minutes. (if you aren't adding the sauce increase timing to 5 minutes with a lid on and remove when fish is flaky with a fork)
If cooking with the sauce which is recommended; Transfer the fried fish to a plate. Put the mushrooms and tomatoes into the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Pour the cream into the pan, stir and turn down the heat. Wait 2-3 minutes. If the cream is too thick, add some water. Transfer the salmon pieces to the skillet and simmer in the creamy mushroom sauce for another 5-6 minutes. Cover the pan with a lid. 145 F is ideal internal temperature
Drizzle the top of the salmon with the cream sauce and turn off the heat. Cover with a lid and leave for 2-3 minutes. Carefully transfer the fish to a plate and serve with fresh herbs, remaining sauce, mushrooms.