Looking for a healthy, delicious meal that’s done in less time than it takes to order takeout? This easy broiled salmon recipe is your answer! With minimal prep and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have dinner on the table in a flash. Plus, it’s packed with omega-3s to keep your brain and body happy. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
Why You’ll Love This Broiled Salmon Recipe
There was a time when I avoided cooking salmon altogether. It seemed intimidating and complicated (unless it came in a can, which doesn’t really count). But now? I make fish regularly at home—especially this simple salmon recipe. It’s so easy that you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated! With simple spices and a pop of lemon juice, it’s fresh, flavorful, and takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish (if you love my air fryer salmon, you’ll love this method too!).
I especially love this simple recipe in the summer when it’s too hot to be standing over the stove. Pair it with a big raw salad for a light, no-fuss complete meal. The best part? It’s all done in one pan, and that pan should definitely be cast iron (trust me, the crispy top of the salmon skin is perfection). You could even serve it for a dinner party– it’s that good!
Ingredient Notes
This easy recipe has become a staple in our house for those nights when I’m juggling dinner with two little ones, or when I simply don’t want to spend more than a few minutes in the kitchen. It’s flavorful, healthy, and seriously couldn’t be easier to throw together.
- Olive oil, coconut, or avocado oil: All of these oils can handle high heat and add a subtle flavor.
- Wild salmon fillets (skin on): I love using wild-caught for its flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Sea salt: Divided between seasoning the skin and the flesh.
- Black pepper: Skip this if you’re following the AIP (Autoimmune Protocol).
- Dried oregano: For a touch of herbaceous flavor.
- Garlic powder: If you’re low-FODMAP, feel free to omit it.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and a little tang to balance the richness of the salmon.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts.
How to Make Broiled Salmon in 5 Minutes
- Turn the oven on to the broil setting and set the oven rack about 5-6 inches from the heat source.
- Heat olive oil, coconut, or avocado oil in a cast iron skillet (or an oven-safe non-stick pan) over high heat for 3 minutes or until the cooking surface is very hot. This step is necessary if you want crispy salmon skin—the best way to get that restaurant-quality sear at home!
- In the meantime, pat dry the salmon fillets with a paper towel (or a clean kitchen towel) to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin get even crispier!
- Season the thickest part of the individual salmon fillets with sea salt and black pepper. Then turn over the fillets so they are skin-side down and season the top of the salmon with the rest of the sea salt, black pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Once ready, place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down. They should sizzle as they touch the skillet—that’s how you know you’re on track for crispy skin!
- Immediately move the skillet into the oven and broil for 5 minutes. If the thickness of the salmon is more than 1 inch, you might need to extend the cooking time to 6 minutes for the center to cook through.
- Remove from oven and squeeze lemon juice over the fillets before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Preheat your pan well before adding the fish. This step guarantees that the skin will crisp up right away.
- Watch your cooking time. Broilers can vary, so keep an eye on your salmon. The fillets should have a nice golden crust on top.
- Serve immediately! Salmon is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the oven.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat over the stove or air fryer until warmed through.
- You can drizzle a tiny bit of soy sauce on top after broiling for an umami kick if you’re in the mood for something extra.
The Health Benefits of Broiled Salmon
One of the biggest reasons I love salmon (besides the flavor) is how nutritious it is. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory and essential for brain health. It’s also high in protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins. And let’s be real, it doesn’t hurt that this meal is done in less than 10 minutes!
Perfect Pairings
Serve your salmon with the following sides for a healthy and well-balanced complete meal!
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Sheet Pan Root Veggies
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Recipe FAQs
Salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. If you prefer a more precise method, the internal temperature should reach 125-130°F for medium-rare or 135°F for medium. For the best method, an instant-read thermometer is your friend!
Absolutely! You can use any oven-safe non-stick pan, but cast iron gives you the easiest way to get crispy skin. If you don’t mind missing out on the crispiness, you can even use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Yes, please! Salmon skin is packed with healthy fats, and when cooked right, it’s crispy and delicious. If you’re not a fan, that’s okay too—just peel it off after cooking.
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the fridge before cooking for best results. Frozen salmon won’t sear as well and may become mushy if cooked directly from frozen.
You can use it in salads, salmon cakes, or even a quick pasta dish! Flake it up and mix with some mayo and herbs for an easy salmon salad.
More Salmon Recipes
- The Best Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake
- Gluten Free Salmon Cakes
- Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
If you make this recipe, please leave me a star rating and comment below! I love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Follow me on social media Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for even more delicious recipes!
5-Minute Crispy Broiled Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tsp coconut or avocado oil
- 1-1 1/2 lb wild salmon filets, skin on
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, divided
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (omit for AIP)
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (omit for low-FODMAP)
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Turn oven on to broil and set the oven rack about 5-6 inches from the heat source.
- Heat coconut or avocado oil in a cast iron skillet (or an oven-safe non-stick pan) over high heat for 3 minutes or until the cooking surface very hot. This step is necessary if you want crispy salmon skin.
- In the meantime, pat dry the salmon filets.
- Season the skin side with 1/4 tsp sea salt. Then turn over the filets so they are skin side down and season the top with the rest of the sea salt, black pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Once ready, place the salmon filets in the skillet, skin side down. They should sizzle as they touch the skillet.
- Immediately move the skillet into the oven and broil for 5 minutes.**
- Remove from oven and squeeze lemon juice over the filets before serving.
Notes
- Preheat your pan well before adding the fish. This step guarantees that the skin will crisp up right away.
- **If your salmon is on a thicker side, you may need to extend the broil time to 6 minutes.
- Watch your cooking time. Broilers can vary in intensity, so keep an eye on your salmon. The fillets should have a nice golden crust on top.
- Serve immediately! Salmon is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the oven.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat over the stove or air fryer until warmed through.
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