Cooking salmon to the proper temperature is essential for ensuring its safety and quality. The recommended internal temperature for cooked salmon, as measured by a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fish, is 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). At this temperature, the salmon will be cooked through and flaky, but still moist and tender.
Cooking salmon to the proper temperature also helps to kill any bacteria that may be present in the fish. Salmon can contain parasites, such as anisakis, which can cause anisakiasis, a foodborne illness. Cooking the salmon to 145 degrees Fahrenheit will kill these parasites and prevent infection.