Easy Broiled Salmon Recipe (Only 15 Minutes!)

You can make this delicious spiced broiled salmon recipe in less than 15 minutes. Broiling is the way to go for a fast, tasty and satisfying salmon dinner!

When it comes to quick dinners, salmon recipes are always on the top of my list. There are so many ways to make salmon at home such as baked salmon with lemon and salmon in foil to pan seared salmon with spinach and tomatoes. Salmon is such an easy ingredient to work with and it pairs well with many other ingredients. It’s simple enough to be a dinner for one or two yet fancy enough for a dinner party as well. Today we’re looking at a new method of cooking salmon: Broiling! It’s a quick way to make this fish at home in less than 15 minutes and it tastes amazing!

Baking vs broiling salmon

While both are happening in the oven, broiling and baking are two different cooking methods. The broiler element is usually at the top of the oven whereas the heating element used for baking is at the bottom. Broiling makes the process faster compared to baking that’s more of a longer and slower process. When it comes to baked salmon recipes such as our Mediterranean baked dijon salmon, the oven is usually heated to 400ºF which bakes the salmon in about 20 to 25 minutes. Broiled salmon, on the other hand, is usually ready within 10 to 15 minutes. 

Easy broiled salmon recipe

It goes without saying that salmon is a popular ingredients in many households including ours. While there are so many ways to make salmon at home, we love this particular recipe and have it in our weekly meal plan for many reasons, here are a few:

• It’s quick to prepare, which means it takes less than 20 minutes to have a delicious meal on the table
• Minimal prep is required for this recipe, and since we’re broiling it, there is no need to preheat the oven. Just turn the broiler on and start preparing the salmon. 
• It’s nutritious and healthy, as you know, salmon is rich in omega-3 and fatty acids, it’s a great source of protein which means it’s also a great choice for kids. It’s naturally low-crab and gluten-free.
• We have a perfectly tender, moist and flaky salmon every time. It’s a foolproof recipe that simply won’t go wrong. 
• It’s one of the easiest ways to make salmon which is perfect for a novice cook who is trying clean eating.

All in all, this is a recipe that I love to have at hand, it’s fuss-free, easy and doesn’t require additional preparation. What’s no to like?

How long does salmon take to broil?

While this completely depends on the size and thickness of the salmon you’re using, and whether is a side of salmon or fillets, the approximate timing for broiling salmon is somewhere between 10 to 15 minutes. The heat is high (usually around 550ºF) and direct so keep an eye on the salmon while broiling to avoid dry or burnt salmon. 

Broiled salmon with lemon and spices 

Because of its rich flavor and flaky texture, salmon is so easy to work with and you can make it using different herbs and spices. In this broiled salmon recipe, I have used the following spices:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt 
• Dried oregano
• Black pepper
• Dried dill
• Turmeric 

These spices mix so well together and add so much flavor to the salmon. Of course you can add or leave out spices according to your preference. I also topped each salmon fillet with one or two lemon slices. Once the salmon is broiled, the lemon becomes so juicy and adds such bright flavor to the fish. 

How to make broiled salmon in 15 minutes

Easy Peasy! Turn on the broiler to high and place the salmon fillets brush the salmon with olive oil. Top with all the spices mentioned above and place a slice of lemon on each fillet. I like to add some tomatoes on the vine to broil as well but this is totally optional.

Place the baking sheet on the top rack under the broiler and broil for about 10 minutes and check for doneness. If needed, broil for another 2-3 minutes until salmon is fully cooked. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish. 

Pro tip: Make sure that the salmon fillets are the same size and thickness so they cook evenly. You can also use a side of salmon instead of fillets. 

Do I need to flip the salmon while broiling?

You don’t need to flip the salmon when it comes to broiling. If flipping, the salmon will likely stick to the pan and it would be a pain to separate it. Broil the salmon skin side down (if it’s skin-on) and if it’s skin-off, simply brush the pan with olive oil or cooking spray. 

Recommended temperature for cooked salmon

Per FDA’s guidelines, the ideal temperature for cooked salmon is 145ºF. To measure the temperature, insert an instant thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon and read the temperature.

Some say that it’s best to cook it to medium and to a lower temperature, however, I prefer to follow the guidelines and to make sure that the salmon is cooked completely. I suggest you follow the guidelines as well especially if you have kids or toddlers that enjoy eating fish and seafood.

What to serve on the side

Salmon is a staple in our home and we love having it with different side dishes. Sometimes we serve it with a refreshing salad such as Mediterranean salad or a more filling one like three bean salad or homemade potato salad. You can also serve salmon with something starchy such as herb rice or a quick instant pot brown rice for a nice weeknight dinner. 

Looking for more salmon recipes?

• Orange glazed salmon
• Teriyaki pineapple salmon
• Baked salmon with olives and capers