How to Microwave Salmon
Prep Time
1 minCook Time
4-6 minsFree Time
to plan a trip to the Pacific Northwest
Fish? In the microwave?! Yes you can, and yes, you should. Before you write it off, here’s why microwaving salmon is a technique worth trying: Not only is it quick and easy (especially if you are short on time), but it’s also a healthier option because there’s no need to add any cooking oil. As if you need another reason, Chef David Chang swears by microwaved-steamed salmon as one of his go-to meals on busy weeknights.
Why Use An Anyday? When using an Anyday dish, salmon takes 3-5 minutes to cook in the microwave, whereas other methods like air-frying or roasting take more than double the time. Cook fresh filets, or cook them straight out of the freezer — no defrosting necessary (just add a little more cook time). Bonus: the steam-trapping Anyday lid keeps any fishy smells inside the dish, not soaring through your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 4-6 ounce fresh salmon fillet
- Salt and pepper
Preparation
- Season salmon with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place it in one layer in an Anyday Shallow Dish
- Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave at Power Level 5for 4-6 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. If the fish needs more cooking time, cook in 30-second increments until the salmon is cooked through to your liking.✕
Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels.
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Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.
For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.
Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:
PL 10 = 100% = High (default)
PL 9 = 90% = High
PL 8 = 80% = Med-High
PL 7 = 70% = Med-High
PL 6 = 60% = Medium
PL 5 = 50% = Medium
PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low
PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low
PL 2 = 20% = Low
PL 1 = 10% = Low
You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Lemon and herbs: Squeeze a lemon wedge over the salmon before cooking, then sprinkle the cooked fish with fresh herbs.
- Maple miso: Mix with miso, maple syrup, and rice vinegar. Serve with steamed bok choy.
- Mediterranean: Brush the top with pesto, then garnish with sliced black olives and cherry tomatoes.
- Smoky bagel filling: Once cool, shred and mix with cream cheese, liquid smoke, chopped chives, and lemon juice. Serve on a bagel.
- Salmon salad: Shred the cooked salmon and mix with lemon juice, sour cream, chopped chives, salt, and pepper for a twist on "tuna" salad.
- Teriyaki bowl: Break the fish into smaller pieces and season with teriyaki sauce, sesame.
Recipe notes
- If cooking fish from frozen, add Power Level +3. For example, if the fresh fish cooks at Power Level 4, cook a frozen filet at Power Level 7. For more information on power levels check out our blog.
- We recommend using an Anyday Shallow Dish for cooking proteins. If using an Anyday Deep Dish, you may need to add more cooking time.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Salmon
See for yourself— microwaving salmon is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 4-6 mins |
| Oven* | 25 mins |
| Stovetop* | 15 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 20 mins |
Step-by-Step: Microwaving Salmon
Everything you need to know about microwaving salmon
How long does salmon take to cook in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Power Level | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| One 4-6oz piece | 5 | 4-6 mins |
| Two 4-6 oz pieces | 5 | 5-7 mins |
| Three 4-6 oz pieces | 5 | 7-9 mins |
| Four 4-6 oz pieces | 5 | 9-11 mins |
The amount of time it takes to cook salmon in the microwave will depend on the size and thickness of the fish, as well as the wattage of your microwave. As a general rule, you should microwave salmon for about 3-4 minutes per half-pound of fish. So, if you have a 1-pound piece of salmon, you should microwave it for about 6-7 minutes.
How to tell when salmon is cooked through
To be certain that your salmon is cooked through, use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reads at least 145°F. You can also test the salmon for doneness by flaking it gently with a fork – if it flakes easily and is opaque in the center, it's cooked through.
How to freeze microwaved salmon
Place the fresh salmon in a plastic bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. Then freeze at 0° F or lower (ideally). Label the salmon with the date it was frozen and use it within 3-6 months. When you're ready to defrost the salmon, refrigerate it to thaw safely. You can also cook salmon directly from frozen, placing it in an Anyday Shallow dish and adding 1-minute intervals to the suggested cook time until the fish is cooked through.
Does it matter what type of salmon to use?
The reason why the type of salmon matters is mostly due to the fat content! Atlantic salmon filets tend to be on the fattier side, making it easier for that fat to congeal with high heat. Leaner salmon varieties such as Coho or King may offer a faster cook time, but with less fat (and therefore, flavor). Consider adding more olive oil or other flavorful fats to boost the flavor profile of these salmon varieties.
Should I cook salmon at a lower power level?
If you’d like to cook your salmon more gently, cook at a lower power level for longer time. Try Power Level 7 for 5 minutes and see how well the fish flakes! If it’s still raw in the middle, add another 30 seconds of time.
