Easy Oven baked Salmon steaks, is a great weeknight meal idea, that takes no time at all. The onions and garlic on the bed that the salmon sits on, along with the herbs and spices, lemon, and baking it until it turns caramelized, give it a taste that will make your mouth water. This is a must try!.
Salmon is one of the most popular fish to cook. It’s healthy, delicious, and versatile – you can grill it, pan sear it, poach it, roast it, and of course, bake it. When baking salmon, one of the most common questions is how long to bake it for. The cooking time can vary quite a bit depending on the thickness and cut of the salmon. Salmon steaks tend to be thicker cuts than fillets, so they take a bit longer in the oven. In this article, we’ll discuss exactly how long you need to bake salmon steaks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get perfect results every time.
What are Salmon Steaks?
A salmon steak is a thick boneless cut of salmon that includes a cross section of the spine. Salmon steaks are thicker than a fillet – usually between 1 to 1.5 inches thick. They often have the pinbones still attached down the center. The bone helps keep the salmon steak juicier as it cooks. Salmon steaks can be cut from any salmon variety like wild sockeye salmon, coho salmon, king salmon, or Atlantic salmon.
Some of the benefits of salmon steaks include
- Retain more natural juices and moisture while cooking due to the bone
- Have more omega-3 fatty acids compared to a fillet
- Provide a heartier, more substantial piece of fish
- Are easier to portion and serve
- Have more pronounced salmon flavor
How Long to Bake Salmon Steaks
When using the oven to cook salmon steaks a temperature of 400°F is perfect. It’s hot enough to cook the salmon all the way through while still keeping it tender and moist.
In an oven heated to 400 degrees F, salmon steaks that are 1 inch thick will need 12 to 14 minutes.
For 1.5 inch thick steaks, cook for 14-18 minutes.
These cooking times will make salmon that is easy to flake and clear all the way through the thickest part. If your salmon steaks are too thick or too thin, add or take away a few minutes of cooking time.
It’s important not to overcook the salmon. You want it cooked through but still tender and juicy.
Tips for Baking Salmon Steaks
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Always pat the salmon dry before baking. This helps ensure even browning.
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Brush lightly with oil before seasoning. Olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil all work well. This helps the seasoning stick.
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Season salmon steaks just before baking. Herb rubs, salt, pepper, lemon – get creative with flavors!
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Use a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
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Resist the urge to move the salmon around while it bakes. Let it cook undisturbed to get a nice crust.
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Check for doneness before removing from the oven. Salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
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Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to re-distribute.
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Add fresh herbs, lemon slices or a drizzle of olive oil over the rested salmon for added flavor.
##Cooking Methods
While baking is a popular way to cook salmon steaks, there are other good options too:
Grilling – Excellent for getting a smoky, charred exterior on the salmon. Cook over direct medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side.
Pan searing – Cook in a hot skillet with just a bit of oil for 4-5 minutes per side. You get a crispy crust this way.
Broiling – Similar to grilling but indoors! Broil 4-6 inches from heat for 8-12 minutes total.
Poaching – Submerge salmon steaks in barely simmering liquid like broth, wine or a court bouillon. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes.
Sous vide – Vacuum seal seasoned salmon steaks and cook in a water bath at 115°F for 25-45 minutes for the silkiest texture.
Serving Suggestions
Salmon steaks pair deliciously with all kinds of sides and sauces. Here are some tasty serving suggestions:
- Rice pilaf or quinoa
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli
- Fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette
- Roasted red potatoes
- Couscous or quinoa salad
- Pasta with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or lemon cream sauce
- Compound butter with fresh herbs and citrus
- Chimichurri sauce or pesto drizzled over the top
- Sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil
With its mild flavor, salmon goes well with assertive herbs, citrus, heartier greens, and fresh vegetables. Refrain from overpowering the delicate salmon flavor with heavy sauces. Let the wonderful taste of the fish shine through.
Full Recipe and Cooking Directions
To highlight the technique for baking salmon steaks, here is a simple and delicious recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon steaks, about 1.5 inches thick
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
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Rinse salmon steaks under cold water and pat very dry with paper towels.
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Brush the tops of the salmon lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Turn steaks over and repeat on second side.
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Place salmon steaks oiled-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Top each steak with a lemon slice and sprinkle with minced garlic.
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Roast for 16-18 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Baking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.
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Remove baking sheet from oven and sprinkle salmon steaks with chopped fresh dill. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.
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Transfer salmon to plates or a platter and serve. Enjoy!
This easy method consistently produces moist, flaky and full-flavored salmon every time. The lemon, garlic and dill add brightness and freshness.
FAQs
Can I bake salmon steaks at 375°F?
Yes, 375°F can work too. The cooking time may need to be extended just a bit, likely 18-22 minutes. Always check for doneness before removing from the oven.
Should I flip the salmon steaks halfway through baking?
Flipping is not necessary. Salmon steaks will cook evenly left undisturbed in the oven.
Can I bake salmon steaks from frozen?
It’s best not to bake salmon directly from frozen. Thaw first in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
What if my steaks are thicker than 1.5 inches?
An extra 2-4 minutes in the oven should suffice for steaks up to 2 inches thick. Monitor closely and rely on an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
Can I test for doneness before the minimum cooking time?
Yes, always verify salmon is opaque and flakes apart before removing from oven, even if the minimum time has not yet elapsed. Judge more by visual cues than cooking times.
Conclusion
Learning how long to bake salmon steaks at 400°F helps you serve perfect salmon every time. For steaks 1-1.5 inches thick, plan on a baking time of 12-18 minutes. Check for doneness early and adjust time accordingly. Beautifully baked salmon steaks make for a satisfying, healthy meal that even picky eaters enjoy. Experiment with different seasonings and sides to keep this versatile protein exciting.
Ingredients for this Easy Oven baked Salmon steaks
This recipe is very simple and only needs a few things to be made. Here is the list of what you will need:
- Salmon steaks
- Extra virgin cold pressed olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Salt and pepper
- Dried oregano
- Fresh parsley
- Chili flakes
- Lemon slices
Always inspired by our Italy trips
One thing I love about Italy is how the ingredients inspire us to create simple and delicious food. These salmon steaks were something I had put together at Nicolettas parents place for lunch. Truthfully, I usually use the salmon fillet, however the salmon steaks are more common in Italy. I am preferring the bone-in as it provides more flavor and moisture, especially roasted with onions and garlic. Absolutely delicious, and today I am sharing this recipe with you.