Cooking salmon from Whole Foods Market is easy with these simple tips and tricks Learn how to bake, sear, or grill pre-marinated and pre-seasoned salmon filets for tender, flaky results
Whole Foods Market offers fresh salmon fillets conveniently pre-seasoned or marinated in a variety of flavors These ready-to-cook salmon options make meal prep a breeze But to get the best results when cooking prepared salmon from Whole Foods, there are some key techniques to know.
Follow this simple guide for cooking foolproof salmon from the seafood counter every time.
Overview of Whole Foods Prepared Salmon Options
The seafood department at Whole Foods Market has a great selection of fresh salmon fillets that are ready to cook, Here are some of the most popular prepared salmon choices
- Lemon Pepper Salmon: Wild-caught filets seasoned with lemon pepper and salt
- Maple Glazed Salmon: Wild-caught salmon glazed with a maple syrup and mustard sauce
- Teriyaki Salmon: Wild-caught fillets marinated in a sweet and salty teriyaki sauce
- Herb Crusted Salmon: Wild-caught filets coated with a savory blend of breadcrumbs and herbs
- Citrus Herb Salmon: Wild-caught salmon seasoned with citrus, herbs, and olive oil
- Smoked Salmon: Fillets smoked over a wood fire for rich flavor
No matter which ready-to-cook salmon you choose, follow these simple methods for delicious results every time.
How to Cook Whole Foods Prepared Salmon Fillets
In the Oven
Baking is one of the easiest ways to cook salmon fillets at home.
-
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
-
Place fillets skin-side down on prepared baking sheet. Salmon cooked skin-side down will have a lovely crisp texture.
-
Bake for 10-15 minutes depending on thickness. Salmon is done when opaque and flakes apart when tested with a fork.
-
Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for caramelized topping on glazed or crusted salmon.
-
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon if desired.
On the Stovetop
You can also pan-sear Whole Foods Market salmon fillets for a crispy crust.
-
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Dry fish will brown better.
-
Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Good options are olive, avocado, peanut, or sesame oil.
-
Cook salmon skin-side up first. This crisps the skin nicely. Cook for 2-3 minutes until browned.
-
Flip and cook second side for 4-5 minutes until opaque in center.
-
Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side for thin salmon tails. Adjust cook times as needed.
-
Make a pan sauce by deglazing the pan with wine, broth, citrus, or vinegar once salmon is cooked.
On the Grill
Grilling brings out salmon’s rich, smoky flavors.
-
Use a perforated grill pan or grilling basket to keep delicate fillets from falling through the grates.
-
Brush grate with oil to prevent sticking. Avoid basting salmon directly with oil, which can cause flare-ups.
-
Grill salmon skin-side down first for 2-3 minutes with the lid closed.
-
Flip and grill flesh side an additional 4-5 minutes until just opaque throughout.
-
Move salmon to upper rack or cooler part of grill if it browns too quickly.
-
Brush glazed or maple salmon with extra glaze during last 2 minutes of grilling if desired.
Handy Tips for Preparing Whole Foods Salmon
-
Always thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Do not thaw at room temperature.
-
Pat off excess marinade or glaze before cooking if it seems heavily coated. Too much can burn.
-
Let salmon rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to reabsorb so salmon stays moist.
-
Carefully peel off skin after cooking if desired. The skin should separate easily after baking or grilling.
-
Flake into large chunks with a fork rather than cutting cooked salmon which can make it dry or mushy.
-
Store leftover grilled salmon submerged in olive oil in an airtight container. Keeps up to 5 days.
Simple Pairings for Whole Foods Salmon
Salmon is very versatile. Here are some easy sides that complement different preparations:
- Lemon Pepper Salmon: Asparagus and brown rice
- Maple Glazed Salmon: Roasted Brussels sprouts and quinoa
- Teriyaki Salmon: Sautéed bok choy and soba noodles
- Herb Salmon: Garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach
- Citrus Herb Salmon: Mixed salad greens with vinaigrette
- Smoked Salmon: Sweet potato fries and coleslaw
With these handy tips, you can enjoy tender, flaky salmon fillets from Whole Foods Market anytime. Prepared salmon makes healthy meals totally doable on a busy weeknight.
Easy Cooking: Surefire Salmon | Quick & Simple | Whole Foods Market
FAQ
How do you cook Whole Foods fish?
How do you prepare ready to eat salmon?
How do you cook a whole salmon?
Baking a whole salmon is incredibly easy. The brine is optional but will keep the fish very moist and tender. The brine also seasons the fish thoroughly and prevents that white albumin that seeps out of the salmon as it cooks. Combine the sugar, salt, and 3 to 4 cups of water in a saucepan.
What are the benefits of smoked salmon over raw salmon?
It actually has the same characteristics as raw salmon, being relatively low in calories, it is an excellent source of protein, good fat and several vitamins and minerals. The smoking process just adds an aroma.
How do you serve whole baked salmon?
How to serve whole baked salmon: Peel the skin off and remove the spine (see notes below, step-by-step photos and the recipe at the bottom). Season with salt and pepper and serve the salmon on a platter. After the salmon has baked, removing the skin and bones is a very simple process.
What is a whole baked salmon filet?
A Whole Baked Salmon Filet is a great way to feed the crowd! It’s a much healthier dinner option and it’s a truly delicious one, too. This baked salmon is flaky, tender and just prefect with the most complimentary flavors of garlic, herbs, lemon, and finished with salty capers. It is a super easy and fast dinner that’s sure to impress your guests!