How to Prepare King Salmon Perfectly Every Time

King salmon also known as Chinook salmon, is a delicious and healthy fish that can seem intimidating for home cooks to prepare properly. However with the right techniques, you can cook restaurant-quality king salmon in your own kitchen. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to prepare king salmon like a pro, from buying and storing to cooking methods and doneness levels.

Selecting Fresh King Salmon

The first step to cooking perfect king salmon begins with choosing high-quality fillets or steaks at the store Here are a few tips for picking the best king salmon

• Look for fish that is firm to the touch, without any mushy spots The flesh should spring back when pressed gently.

• Choose fillets or steaks with bright, vibrant red-orange flesh. Dull or grayish coloring is a sign of age.

• The fish should have a mild, fresh scent, not a strong “fishy” odor. A pungent smell indicates the salmon is past its prime.

• Farm-raised king salmon tends to have a less intense flavor and richer texture. Go with wild-caught for a true salmon taste.

• Buy salmon the day you plan on cooking it for ultimate freshness.

Storing King Salmon

Once home, it’s important to store king salmon correctly to maintain freshness:

• Keep king salmon chilled at all times, between 34-40°F. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

• For maximum freshness, cook within 1-2 days of purchasing. Salmon will last in the fridge for 3-4 days max.

• To freeze, wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. It will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.

• Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the fridge. Do not thaw at room temperature.

Preparing King Salmon for Cooking

Before cooking your king salmon, you’ll need to do a little prep work:

• Rinse fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This removes any residual blood or ice glaze.

• Use tweezers to remove any small pin bones. Run your fingers over the fish to check for bones.

• King salmon skin is edible and delicious when crisped up. Leave skin on for pan searing or roasting.

• Season fish generously with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, or marinades. Allow to absorb flavors for 15-30 minutes.

• Bring fish closer to room temp before cooking for more even cooking results.

Cooking Methods for King Salmon

There are several excellent options for cooking king salmon. Here are some top methods to try:

Oven Roasting

• Preheat oven to 475°F.

• Place salmon fillet or steak skin-side down on a lightly oiled baking sheet.

• Brush salmon with oil or melted butter and sprinkle with seasonings.

• Roast for 4 minutes, then continue roasting 3-5 minutes more until done. Timing depends on thickness.

Pan Searing

• Heat oil in a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add salmon skin-side down. Sear 4-5 minutes until crispy.

• Flip and cook 3-4 minutes on flesh side until opaque and flakes easily.

Grilling

• Oil grill grates well and heat grill to medium-high.

• Place salmon skin-side down. Grill 4-5 minutes per side with lid closed.

• Use a spatula to carefully flip halfway through. Watch for sticking.

Poaching

• Heat fish poaching liquid (broth, wine, etc) to 170°F in a skillet.

• Add salmon fillets and poach gently for 4-6 minutes, depending on thickness.

• Salmon is done when opaque and flakes with a fork.

Baking En Papillote

• Place salmon and flavorings (citrus, herbs, etc) on a parchment paper square.

• Fold into a sealed packet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.

• Salmon steams gently inside the parchment for tender, moist results.

Doneness Levels for King Salmon

King salmon tastes best when cooked to medium doneness, where it retains moisture and flakes beautifully. Here are guidelines for different doneness levels:

• Rare: 110-125°F internal temp. translucent reddish center

• Medium Rare: 125-130°F internal temp. semi-opaque pink center

• Medium: 130-135°F internal temp. flaky, moist flesh

• Medium Well: 140°F internal temp. light pink center

• Well Done: 145°F+ internal temp. opaque flesh, firmer texture

Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temp and determine doneness precisely. If you don’t have one, the “fork test” works too – salmon should flake apart when poked.

Serving Suggestions for King Salmon

King salmon is very versatile and pairs wonderfully with many flavors. Here are some tasty serving ideas:

• Drizzle with olive oil, lemon, fresh herbs, garlic, shallots

• Top with savory compound butters, pesto, or chimichurri

• Serve with fresh veggies, roasted potatoes, rice pilaf or salad

• Incorporate into pasta, risottos, tacos, sandwiches, pizza

• Smoke or cure salmon for lox, smoked salmon spreads, etc.

Tips for Leftover King Salmon

Leftover cooked king salmon will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Here are some ways to repurpose it:

• Flake into salads, tacos, pasta dishes, and grain bowls

• Make salmon cakes or salmon salad sandwiches

• Toss with mayo, lemon, and dill for an easy salmon salad

• Mash with softened cream cheese for a smoked salmon spread

• Chop finely and add to omelets, frittatas, and scrambled eggs

• Stir into rice or grains as a tasty mixed-in protein

Following this guide will ensure you succeed in preparing tender, flaky, and delicious king salmon recipes at home. With the proper techniques, you can achieve gourmet results with this royal fish. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods until you find your favorites.