The Best Recipe for Pan-Seared Salmon: Flaky, Flavorful, and Foolproof
Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? This recipe for pan-seared salmon is your answer. It's easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress, even if you're a beginner in the kitchen. We'll cover everything from selecting the perfect salmon fillet to achieving that perfectly crispy skin and flaky, juicy interior.
Choosing Your Salmon
The key to incredible pan-seared salmon starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Look for wild-caught salmon whenever possible, as it tends to have a richer flavor. Choose fillets that are bright pink or orange in color, with firm flesh and a pleasant, fresh scent. Avoid fillets that are dull, slimy, or have a strong fishy odor.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 (6-ounce) salmon fillet, skin on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional, but highly recommended!)
Equipment:
- Oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal)
- Tongs
Instructions:
Preparing the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon dry: This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the surface of the fillet.
- Season generously: Sprinkle both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper.
Cooking the Salmon:
- Heat the oil: In your oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- Sear the skin-side down: Carefully place the salmon fillet, skin-side down, in the hot skillet. Do not move it for at least 4-5 minutes. This allows the skin to crisp up beautifully.
- Check for doneness: After 4-5 minutes, gently try to lift an edge of the fillet with a spatula. If the skin is nicely browned and crispy, flip the salmon. If not, continue searing skin-side down for another minute or two.
- Finish cooking: Cook the salmon for another 3-4 minutes, or until it's cooked through to your liking. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). For a more well-done salmon, cook for a few more minutes.
- Optional broiling: For extra crispy skin, you can briefly broil the salmon for the last minute of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh dill before serving.
Tips for Perfect Salmon:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you're cooking multiple fillets, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
- Adjust cooking time: The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillet. Thicker fillets will require longer cooking times.
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your salmon is cooked to perfection.
- Get creative with sides: Serve your pan-seared salmon with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or quinoa for a complete and healthy meal.
This recipe is your key to consistently delicious salmon. Enjoy! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out! We'd love to see your photos! #pansearedsalmon #salmonrecipe #easyrecipe #dinnerideas #healthyrecipe #seafoodrecipe
