7 Ways to Elevate Your Salmon Game

From brining to broiling, these tips will help you make the best salmon of your life

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, graphic illustration in the style of Andy Warhol featuring a repeating pattern of a single salmon fillet in bright, unnatural colors against a high-contrast black outline, creating a modern, pop art interpretation of this everyday ingredient.Vibrant and playful salmon-themed pop art captures the versatility and appeal of this beloved seafood.NYC Today

Salmon is a versatile and nutritious protein, but it can be elevated in so many ways. This article provides seven simple techniques to make your salmon even more flavorful and delicious, including using wild salmon, brining, adding anchovies, creating a crispy coating, cubing the fillets, broiling, and pairing it with tangy dairy.

Why it matters

Salmon is a popular and healthy seafood choice, but many home cooks struggle to make it as flavorful and satisfying as restaurant-prepared salmon. These tips will empower readers to take their salmon dishes to the next level, whether for a weeknight meal or special occasion.

The details

The article covers seven key ways to upgrade your salmon: 1) Use wild salmon for more nuanced flavor, 2) Brine the salmon for juicier meat and crispier skin, 3) Add umami-rich anchovies to deepen the salmon's natural flavors, 4) Coat the salmon in a crispy breading before cooking, 5) Cut the fillets into cubes to create more surface area for searing and glazes, 6) Broil the salmon instead of pan-frying for less mess and better texture, and 7) Pair the salmon with tangy dairy like Greek yogurt or sour cream.

  • The article was published on April 17, 2026.

The players

Ali Slagle

The author of the article, who provides these seven tips for making the best salmon.

David Tanis

The author of the recipe for Wild Salmon With Green Sauce, which is featured in the article.

Lidey Heuck

The author of the recipe for Greek Yogurt-Marinated Salmon, which is featured in the article.

Naz Deravian

The author of the recipe for Saffron Salmon Kababs, which is featured in the article.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Salmon is something to savor for many reasons: its buttery meat, quick cook times and nutritional benefits.”

— Ali Slagle, Author

“The most important thing here is not to overcook the salmon. Whether baked or grilled, it is ready as soon as you see white juices rising to the surface, which means the fish will be succulent, not dry. It is better to err on the rare side.”

— David Tanis, Recipe Author

The takeaway

These seven tips provide home cooks with a variety of simple yet impactful ways to elevate their salmon dishes, whether through technique, seasoning, or preparation method. By applying these strategies, readers can enjoy salmon that is more flavorful, tender, and restaurant-quality, making it a go-to weeknight meal or special occasion dish.