How to Cook Sockeye Salmon Fillets

Cooking sockeye salmon fillets can be done by broiling them in the oven.

Sockeye salmon, commonly called red salmon, is native to the state of Alaska. Sockeye salmon is often caught in the wild, and is prized for its firm meat and high nutritional value. Sockeye salmon is high in protein, calcium, vitamin D, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Cooking sockeye salmon fillets properly makes the fish flaky and tender. Broiling the fish in the oven is a simple and fast way to prepare the fish.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pounds sockeye salmon fillets
• 2 tablspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• Aluminum foil
• Baking pan
• Bowl
• Whisk
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Wash the sockeye salmon fillets under cold, running water for 30 seconds. Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Set oven broiler on "High" and put the baking rack 3 inches below the broiler.

3. Put salt, black pepper, lemon juice and brown sugar into a bowl. Whisk to combine.

4. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil. Place the salmon in the pan and cover with your whisked sauce.

5. Place the salmon-filled baking pan on the top rack inside the oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Take the baking pan out of the oven and allow to rest for 8 minutes before eating.

Tips & Warnings

• The sockeye salmon fillets will be cooked to perfection when they reach 131 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle. You can check this with a cooking thermometer.

• You can also grill or pan-fry sockeye salmon fillets. Grilling sockeye salmon fillets gives the fish a smoky flavor and texture. Pan-frying the fish gives the fillets a crunchy texture.

• Do not consume undercooked or raw seafood. Consuming undercooked or raw seafood may lead to serious illness.

References

• USDA: Nutrient Content and Variability in Newly Obtained Salmon Data; J. Exler, et al.
• Food Network: Broiled Sockeye Salmon with Citrus Glaze; Alton Brown; 2009