Salmon Steak

When I just can’t think of what to do for dinner, salmon is a consistent solution. There are so many different ways to cook salmon—and we’ve tried plenty of them—that this high-protein staple never gets old! While many recipes call for fillets, salmon steaks are a true, unsung hero. Salmon steaks tend to be more flavorful and tender that their fillet counterparts, and are just as easy to find. In this recipe, I gave these salmon steaks a coating of sweet and spicy sauce made with lemon juice, honey, garlic, and red pepper, that really makes each bite pop. I think you’ll love this recipe, but don’t just take my word for it, try it!

What People Are Saying
“I have made this recipe countless times! I always get compliments on this! It’s the best salmon recipe I have in my lockbox! It’s super simple but super tasty!” -Ebony C

How To Make Salmon Steaks

INGREDIENTS

• Salmon Steaks: The first thing you need to understand when choosing your steaks is the difference between fish steaks and fish fillets. A fish steak is cut crosswise (perpendicular to the spine), cutting through the bone, whereas a fillet is cut lengthwise parallel to the bone. While salmon fillets are still good, the steaks have better flavor and retain more moisture. Depending on your fishmonger, you may be able to find deboned steaks, but as a general rule, salmon steaks have more (and larger) bones than fillets, so be prepared to remove them yourself.
• Olive Oil & Butter: While both olive oil and butter are great for cooking, combining the two brings out the best in both. It raises the smoke point, so you can cook hotter, while also adding in more flavor and browning.
• Garlic: Garlic adds a little bit of punchy, aromatic, sweetness to the salmon, as well as that classic come-back-for-more savory bite. A little bit of garlic makes everything better.
• Lemon Juice: Citrus and fish go hand in hand. Lemon juice helps keep the steaks feeling bright, and gives them that extra pop of freshness. Seafood should always taste fresh.
• Honey: The sweetness of the honey helps bring out the natural flavors of the salmon while also playing well with the brightness of the lemon juice and the spicy bite of the red pepper.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: With several light, fresh flavors, this dish needs a bit of a bite. That’s where the red pepper flakes come in. They add a nice, not too spicy, heat that works really well with the sweeter flavors already present.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

We need to start by seasoning the salmon steaks. On both sides, sprinkle on salt and black pepper and gently pat the seasoning in to adhere. Then, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, begin heating the olive oil and butter, and once the mixture is hot, add two salmon steaks and cook, undisturbed, for 5 minutes, then flip. Allowing the salmon to cook undisturbed is very important to getting an even sear and cook. Add in half of the garlic, lemon juice, honey, and red pepper flakes, and allow the salmon to cook for another 5 minutes—spooning the sauce over as it cooks—until it is completely cooked through.

Remove the salmon steaks from the heat, and transfer to a plate tented with foil to keep warm. Once done, repeat with the remaining two steaks and sauce ingredients. When all of your steaks are ready to go, garnish with parsley, and enjoy.

The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.

Recipe Tips

• Pan-fry for best results. While you can pan-fry, bake, or grill salmon steaks all with great results, I’m of the opinion that pan-frying gets you the most bang for your buck. It is quick, taking only about 10 minutes, and leaves you with perfectly browned flesh outside, and tender, flaky meat inside.
• If possible, source your salmon steaks from a fishmonger. Seafood is always better fresh, and sourcing it from your local fishmonger ensures the freshest, best quality meat. Plus, fishmongers and butchers are always great sources of knowledge when you’re trying a new cut.

What To Serve With Salmon Steaks

Fish and rice is a classic, simple combination that works every time. If you’re tired of plain white rice, try wild rice or our lemon-herb rice pilaf, for a more textured, flavorful bite. Or, if you’re looking to add a pop of color to your plate, try our honey-balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts, our grilled asparagus, or our roasted broccolini. Whatever you decide, we’ve got plenty of side dishes for salmon to choose from!

Storage

Any leftover, cooked salmon steaks will last for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.