Pan-Seared Salmon
Salmon fillets seared skin side down in a hot pan until the skin is crisp and the flesh stays moist and rosy. Fifteen minutes.
Method
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Pat the fillets very dry and season the flesh with half the salt and the pepper and the skin with the rest.
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Heat the oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
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Lay the fillets in the pan skin side down, away from you, and press each flat with a fish slice for 20 seconds.
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Cook 5 to 6 minutes without moving, until the skin is crisp and releases easily and the flesh is opaque about three quarters of the way up the side.
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Turn and cook 1 to 2 minutes for medium, 54°C / 130°F, or up to 3 minutes for well done.
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Rest skin side up for 2 minutes and serve with lemon wedges and dill.
Chef’s Tips
- Let the skin release by itself. If it sticks, it is not ready to turn.
- Pull it at 54°C to 57°C for silky, medium salmon.
- A white protein that seeps out is a sign of high heat. Lower the burner slightly next time.
Pairing Suggestions
- Buttered new potatoes
- Steamed asparagus
- A lemon and herb salad
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate up to 3 days and flake into salads and pasta. Freeze cooked fillets for 2 months.
Common questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon take to make?
About 15 minutes in total — 5 minutes of preparation and 10 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 4.
What are the key tips for making Pan-Seared Salmon?
Let the skin release by itself. If it sticks, it is not ready to turn. Pull it at 54°C to 57°C for silky, medium salmon. A white protein that seeps out is a sign of high heat. Lower the burner slightly next time.
What should I serve with Pan-Seared Salmon?
Buttered new potatoes; Steamed asparagus; A lemon and herb salad.
Can Pan-Seared Salmon be made ahead or frozen?
Refrigerate up to 3 days and flake into salads and pasta. Freeze cooked fillets for 2 months.
Is Pan-Seared Salmon suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, high-protein, low-carb, keto and no added sugar. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Pan-Seared Salmon?
About 334 kcal per serving, with 34 g protein, 0 g carbohydrate and 22 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
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Written and tested by Turab
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