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This quick and easy Broiled Salmon is a serious game-changer on busy weeknights. Tender, flaky fish fillets are seasoned to your liking and cooked under the broiler until they develop a crispy caramelized crust! Whole30, paleo, gluten-free, keto and low-carb.
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Updated May 2023
Foolproof 15-Minute Broiled Salmon Recipe
Picture this: your stomach is rumbling as you’re rushing to check a few items off your lengthy to-do list. Suddenly, you realize that it’s dinner time and you totally forgot to start preparing your meal! Instead of freaking out, you smile as you make your way toward the oven. This lightning-fast broiled salmon recipe is here to save the day!
Okay, you caught us – we are speaking from experience. But we know that other busy people can relate. Sometimes you just need a dinner that more or less makes itself. And preferably, it’ll taste incredible!
This classic broiled salmon delivers on both counts. Not to mention, it’s incredibly healthy! Loaded with protein, potassium, vitamins and healthy fats, these succulent fish fillets would make your nutritionist proud.
Is It Better to Broil or Bake Salmon?
While we adore chowing down on tender Baked Salmon, something extra special happens when those fillets cook under the broiler. In fact, we’ll never bake our salmon without broiling it for a bit as well! You simply can’t beat a caramelized crust.
When you skip the baking altogether, you can make moist and flaky fish fillets with crispy exteriors in a fraction of the time. This also makes it easier to avoid overcooking the salmon. So if I had to rank these two trusty methods, broiling would definitely get the gold.
What You’ll Need
Let’s get into our general ingredient lineup – remember that customizations are welcome! For more guidance on the quantities you’ll need, scroll down to the recipe card.
- Salmon Fillets: You could either purchase four small fillets or have your fishmonger divvy up 1 large one.
- Avocado Oil Spray: Or olive oil spray.
- Salt & Pepper: Added to taste.
- Onion Salt: We like the kind from Trader Joe’s.
- Fresh Herbs: Or your preferred blend of seasonings.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed.
- Lemon Wedges: To garnish the dish.
How to Make the Best Broiled Salmon
Make sure you keep an eye on your fish fillets while they’re cooking. As soon as the salmon looks opaque and starts to flake easily with a fork, it’s ready to go.
- Preheat Broiler: Turn your oven to broil and set it to high.
- Pat Salmon Dry: Pat down the skin of the salmon with a paper towel to dry it off.
- Add Seasonings: Lightly spray your salmon with some avocado oil spray. Season it with salt, pepper, onion salt and lemon juice.
- Place Skin-Side Down: Arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Remember to place them skin-side down.
- Broil: Broil the salmon for 11-14 minutes, depending on its thickness.
- Enjoy! Serve your broiled salmon with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Tips for Success
Use these helpful tips to make your salmon fillets as tempting as possible:
- Choose Even-Sized Fillets: It’s always a pain when you have to take out certain fillets sooner than others because they’re thinner and cook more quickly. To prevent this, select fillets that are all relatively the same size and thickness.
- Bring the Fish to Room Temperature: It’s important to remove your salmon from the fridge at least 15-20 minutes before you cook it. You want it to reach room temperature so that it loses minimal moisture while it cooks. Just don’t leave it out for so long that it becomes a food safety concern.
- Don’t Skip the Pat Down: Drying off your salmon will help its exterior get nice and crispy under the broiler. This also makes it less likely to stick to the pan. You can pat it down with any cloth or paper towel you have on hand.
Ways to Flavor Your Fish
Feel free to use this recipe to make any kind of broiled salmon you’re craving. Here are some mouthwatering flavor options!
- Italian Seasoning
- Greek Seasoning
- Cajun Spice
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Honey & Garlic
- Taco Seasoning
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Blackening Spice
What Goes With Broiled Salmon?
This flaky salmon would taste especially yummy on top of a fresh Taco Salad or over a steaming plate of Cauliflower Rice. We like to enjoy it alongside some soft Honey Roasted Carrots or any other roasted veggies that happen to be in season. If you want to wash down your dinner with a refreshing drink, whip up this 3-ingredient Watermelon Slushie!
Storage and Reheating
Once your salmon has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Enjoy it within 3-4 days for the best results. Reheat the salmon in a 275°F oven for 15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
Can I Freeze Cooked Salmon?
You absolutely can! Wrap each cooled fillet in a tight layer of cling wrap and freeze them in an airtight container or storage bag for up to 4 months. Thaw out your fillets in the fridge before you reheat them.
More Convenient Salmon Recipes
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Pan Seared Salmon
- Salmon Cakes
5 from 1 vote
Broiled Salmon
Prep Time
3 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
15 mins
This quick and easy Broiled Salmon is a serious game-changer on busy weeknights. Tender, flaky fish fillets are seasoned to your liking and cooked under the broiler until they develop a crispy caramelized crust! Whole30, paleo, gluten-free, keto and low-carb.
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: broiled fish, how to broil salmon, salmon cooked in oven
Servings: 4
Calories: 241 kcal
Author: Kelly
Ingredients
- 4 (4-6 oz) salmon fillets or one large fillet
- 3/4 teaspoon avocado oil spray or olive oil spray
- fine sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt we use the one from Trader Joe's
- fresh herbs or preferred seasonings
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Turn your oven to broil and set to high.
Pat down the skin of the salmon with a paper towel.
Lightly spray your salmon with some avocado oil spray. Season with salt, pepper, onion salt and lemon juice.
Place salmon fillets, skin side down, in a single layer in a lightly-coated or parchment lined baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook salmon for 11-14 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon.
Serve with your favorite sides, fresh lemon wedges and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
- To Store & Reheat: Refrigerate cooled salmon in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in a 275°F oven for 15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- To Freeze: Wrap each cooled fillet in a tight layer of cling wrap and freeze them in an airtight container or storage bag for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Facts
Broiled Salmon
Amount Per Serving (1 salmon fillet)
Calories 241 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Protein 34g68%
* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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