Description
This Pan Seared Salmon recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh through a simple stovetop method.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 (6- to 8-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus a few extra pinches
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ tablespoon canola, grapeseed, avocado, or another high smoke-point cooking oil
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Chopped fresh parsley, basil, or dill (optional)
Instructions
- Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Pat the fillets very dry on both sides with paper towels to ensure a crispy sear.
- Place butter and oil in a 12-inch cast iron or heavy stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Heat until the butter foams and the foam subsides, about 3 minutes. The pan must be very hot for proper crisping.
- Just before cooking, season the flesh side of the salmon fillets with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
- Carefully place the fillets into the hot skillet, skin side up, lowering them gently away from you to avoid splatters. Sprinkle the skin side with a pinch of kosher salt.
- Let the salmon cook undisturbed until cooked about three-quarters of the way up the fillet, about 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp properly.
- Using a fish spatula or a similar wide, flexible spatula, gently flip the fillets over. They should release easily; if sticking, cook an additional 30 seconds and try again.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook the salmon for another 2 to 4 minutes until desired doneness (130°F for medium). Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and sprinkle with chopped herbs if desired. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Notes
- Perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.
- Can be served hot or at room temperature.
- Optional herbs add extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Crispy Pan Seared Salmon, Salmon Recipe, Easy Salmon