Cooked salmon fillets with garlic and spices.
Does Butter Or Oil Work Better On Salmon?

NEWS

By MATTHEW LEE
Salmon fillets cooking in a pan.
Cooking salmon requires careful attention due to its delicate texture and premium price, as it can easily become tough, necessitating the use of a suitable cooking medium.
Raw salmon cooking in oil in a pan.
Choosing between butter and cooking oil depends on personal preference; while butter adds richness and aids in browning, neutral oils preserve the natural flavor of the fish.
Raw salmon fillet in a pan.
Similar to cooking a steak, the main advantage of butter is the added richness. You can enhance the flavor by adding garlic to create a fragrant garlic butter sauce.
Salmon fillets with lemon slices on top on a grill.
However, the risk of burning the butter, which can mask the fish's natural flavor and create a bitter taste, is a significant drawback due to its low smoke point.
Salmon filet, lemon slice, and oil.
Using high smoke point oils, like canola or vegetable oil, will help preserve the natural flavor of salmon and allow for better crust formation without the risk of burning.
Hand brushing herbed oil on salmon fillets.
You can also opt for extra-virgin olive oil. Despite its lower smoke point, requiring careful attention to prevent burning, its delicate flavor can make the effort worthwhile.