20 Top-Rated Salmon Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

By Carl Hanson

May 06, 2020

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Credit: France C

Salmon has it all — it's simple to prepare, delicious, and healthy. It's also versatile: Bake, broil, or grill it; smoke, poach, or add it to stews; form it into fish cakes or burgers; add it to salads. Here are some of our favorites! These top-rated salmon recipes are ready in 30 minutes or less.

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Lemon-Pepper Salmon

Credit: CK Cooks

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"Simple, tasty, and fast! Salmon is sauteed with all ingredients at once, and served over couscous," says AMAGICITY. "Great with a spinach salad."

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Spicy Salmon Salad Sandwiches

Credit: lutzflcat

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Canned salmon combines with capers and cucumber salad, and gets a spicy kick from sriracha hot sauce and red chili paste. "You do get a little kick of heat," says lutzflcat. "But it by no means overwhelms. This was a nice break from traditional tuna salad." It's ready in 15 minutes.

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Blackened Salmon Fillets

Credit: *Sherri*

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This Cajun-inspired blackening blend packs a punch of flavor, featuring paprika, cayenne pepper, black and white pepper, onion powder, thyme, basil, and oregano. "I mix up a full batch of the seasonings and store it in an airtight container in my pantry," says NOFZIGER.

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Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta

Credit: chibi chef

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Smoked salmon combines with green peas, mushrooms, and a creamy pasta sauce. "This is a lighter version of pasta carbonara," says DEBNJAMES. "For people who want the flavor but not the bacon, smoked salmon is the perfect substitute."

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Tomato Basil Salmon

Credit: CookinBug

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Dried basil, sliced tomato, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese pair with salmon fillets. "This quick salmon dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner," says CHEDDAR97005. "Serve with a side of sauteed spinach and a glass of pinot noir."

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Fresh Salmon Burgers with Lemon-Yogurt Sauce

Credit: Allrecipes Magazine

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A lemony yogurt dressing adds zesty zing to these easy salmon burgers. Enjoy on toasted brioche buns topped with fresh arugula. "These are a little like crab cakes," says RuthE. "But they're made with fresh salmon and grilled."

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Grilled Salmon Steaks with Savory Blueberry Sauce

Credit: Meredith

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A balsamic vinegar and blueberry sauce is the perfect counterpoint to grilled salmon. "This sauce is amazing," says Carolyn. "Absolute gourmet restaurant quality! I think it would be great over pork or chicken, too."

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Salmon Avocado Salad

Credit: bd.weld

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Flaked canned salmon combines with creamy avocado, crunchy cucumbers, and capers. "The perfect light salad for lunch," says bd.weld. "I agree with the submitter that celery would work well as an addition."

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Chef John's Salmon

Credit: Allrecipes Magazine

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For this recipe, you'll make a quick paste from garlic, salt, and fresh herbs. You'll stir in Dijon and mayo, cayenne, and a splash of lemon juice. Spread the paste over the salmon and broil. Dinner's ready in 25 minutes. "I love the combination of tarragon and Italian parsley," says Chef John. "But I've used herbs like basil and thyme, which worked wonderfully as well."

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Pistachio-Crusted Salmon

Credit: France C

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A quick pistachio crust makes ordinary salmon extra special. "You can have it on the table in under 30 minutes for a quick weeknight meal or a dinner party for guests," says France C. "Serve with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc."

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Pan-Fried Salmon in Curry Cream Sauce

Credit: France C

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Salmon fillets are cooked in a cream sauce seasoned with mild curry powder, ginger, and lemon juice. "This is a very easy and yummy salmon recipe for 2," says heidi_k. "I usually serve it with basmati rice and salad. Perfect for during the week."

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Fast Salmon with a Ginger Glaze

Credit: Kim's Cooking Now

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Ready in 25 minutes. "This glaze is really wonderful on salmon, but equally delicious on swordfish, halibut, tuna, or any other firm, full-flavored fish," says Chef John.

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Balsamic-Glazed Salmon Fillets

Credit: cookin'mama

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Ready in 30 minutes. "This recipe was outstanding!" raves LMT99. "The glaze was easy to prepare in a small saucepan. I used a long filet instead of individual portions, and after it came out of the oven I folded the foil over it while I finished other things. The flavor permeated the fish beautifully and left it nice and moist. A definite keeper."

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Super Simple Salmon

Credit: Allrecipes Magazine

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Ready in 15 minutes. "I'm 80 years old and I live alone. And up here in the Eureka area, we have a salmon season when it's possible. I like my food simple, and this has to be the most simple salmon recipe ever!" Tom Mayville says. "It was a great success."

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Grandma's Famous Salmon Cakes

Credit: Rock_lobster

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Ready in 30 minutes. "This is a recipe for my Grandmother's famous salmon cakes," says JESS4UANDME. "It is a family recipe that has been passed down through generations. Serve with macaroni and cheese or any other type of side dish."

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Lemon Rosemary Salmon

Credit: ALLISONTX

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Ready in 30 minutes. "This is the perfect romantic dinner for two when served with an Oregon Pinot Noir, crusty bread, wild rice, and salad," says CHEDDAR97005.

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Smoked Salmon Spread

Credit: Lisa

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Ready in five minutes. "This is yummy. We had it on bagels for dinner tonight. I used a little dried dill instead of fresh and red onion. I doubled the onion. I also added a little minced caper. Dinner included a side of fresh asparagus that were blanched and chilled and sprinkled with olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper. Tasty and quick meal," Sally says.

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Mediterranean Salmon

Credit: Tel703

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Ready in 25 minutes. "We usually fix salmon the same way all of the time, so I was looking for something different, and this fit the bill!" says Kim's Cooking Now. "We really enjoyed this with our Panzanella salad tonight. The flavors in both dishes complimented each other so well."

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Spicy Garlic Salmon

Credit: bd.weld

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Ready in 25 minutes. "This is an unbelievably delicious and quick salmon recipe. You can play around with the ingredients: add fresh basil leaves instead of the chili or balsamic instead of the lemon juice," Natalie says. "Mustard is essential. You are guaranteed to love this one!"

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Pan-Poached Alaskan Salmon Piccata

Credit: *Sherri*

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"This is a delicious, creative way to serve salmon. You can serve the salmon on a bed of cooked noodles — I enjoy fettuccine — or on its own with a side of vegetables," Ann says.

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By Carl Hanson