How Do You Know If Salmon Is Cooked?
Salmon is a favorite seafood choice, but it can be hard to tell if it’s done when you’re making it for the first time. If you don’t cook it properly, it could end up dry and chewy or undercooked, leaving it unsafe to eat.
If you’re trying to figure out if your salmon is cooked, there are several things you can do to check whether it’s done properly. One way is to look at the color of the flesh. It should change from dark pink to light pink as it cooks and the center of the fish should still be semi-translucent.
Another way to check if your salmon is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Using a food thermometer will help you avoid overcooking your salmon and causing it to be too dry or chewy. The internal temperature of salmon should be 120deg to 125deg F for medium-rare, 135deg to 145deg F for medium, and 165deg to 180deg F for well-done, according to the USDA.
You can also poke at the center of the fish to see if it’s fully cooked. If the middle is opaque white, the fish hasn’t been cooked enough and may need to be left on the stove for a few more minutes.
The most common way to determine whether your salmon is done cooking is to use a meat thermometer. However, this method isn’t always foolproof and can be inaccurate if you’re not using a quality thermometer.
Other ways to check if your salmon is done include poking at the center, flaking it with a fork and checking its texture. You can also use a cake tester or butter knife to test the temperature of your fish.
To test the temperature of your fish, insert the tip of a cake tester or butter knife into the thickest part of the fish and leave it there for 5-10 seconds. You then touch the tip to the skin below your bottom lip. If the metal is warm, your fish is done; if it’s cold, it needs more time to cook.
If the center of your salmon is translucent and hasn’t been cooked through, you should return it to the heat for a few more minutes before serving it to ensure it’s completely cooked. This will prevent it from becoming overcooked and dry.
You should also be sure to check the eyes of your fish for any signs of spoilage. If your salmon’s eyes are sunken in, this is an indication that it has been past its prime.
It should also be firm in texture and smell fresh. Raw salmon should smell like the ocean, but it’s a good idea to wash it in water before cooking it to remove any dirt or other contaminants.
Aside from being a delicious, healthy option, salmon is easy to cook and requires little preparation. It can be served in a variety of ways, including grilled, fried or baked. The most important thing to remember is to not overcook your salmon or it could become dry and tough.
