Salmon is a popular choice for seafood lovers due to its delicious taste and numerous health benefits. However, sometimes we forget to take the salmon fillets out of the freezer ahead of time, leaving us wondering if it’s possible to cook them from frozen. In this article, we’ll explore whether you can cook salmon fillets from frozen and how to do it properly.
Can You Cook Salmon Fillets From Frozen?
The short answer is yes. You can cook salmon fillets from frozen, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind before doing so.
Firstly, cooking salmon fillets from frozen takes longer than cooking them when they are thawed. This is because the heat needs to penetrate through the icy layer on the outside of the fillet before it can start cooking the flesh inside.
Secondly, when you cook salmon fillets from frozen, they tend to release more liquid than thawed fillets. This can result in a more watery texture and less flavor.
How To Cook Frozen Salmon Fillets
If you’ve decided to cook your salmon fillets from frozen, here are a few steps you should follow:
- Preheat your oven or skillet to 400°F (200°C)
- Place your frozen salmon fillet on a baking sheet or in a skillet
- Add any seasonings or marinades you desire
- Cook for 12-15 minutes in an oven or 6-8 minutes in a skillet per side
- You’ll know that your salmon is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
Tips For Cooking Frozen Salmon Fillets
- If you’re cooking salmon fillets in a skillet, make sure to use a non-stick pan or add enough oil to prevent the fillets from sticking to the bottom.
- Avoid using high heat when cooking frozen salmon fillets, as this can result in a dry and overcooked texture.
- For added flavor, you can marinate your frozen salmon fillets for a few hours before cooking them. This will help to infuse the flavor into the flesh and reduce the amount of liquid that is released during cooking.
- If you’re short on time, you can defrost your salmon fillets in the microwave before cooking them. Be sure to use the defrost setting and follow your microwave’s instructions for defrosting seafood.
Conclusion
In summary, you can cook salmon fillets from frozen, but it takes longer than cooking thawed fillets. Be sure to follow these tips for cooking frozen salmon fillets properly and avoid using high heat. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious and healthy salmon dishes all year round, even when you forget to thaw your fish ahead of time!
