Description
Succulent pan seared salmon recipe offers a delightful culinary experience with minimal ingredients. Crisp edges and tender center make this dish perfect for seafood enthusiasts seeking a quick, elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 oz (113 g) salmon filets, skin-on
- 1.5 tbsps dried oregano
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp paprika
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 2 lemons
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 5 oz (142 g) baby arugula, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Meticulously pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning adherence and crisp skin development.
- Seasoning Fusion: Craft a dynamic spice blend combining kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried oregano, granulated garlic, and sweet paprika, thoroughly massaging the mixture into each fillet.
- Skillet Preheation: Activate a robust cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, introducing high-heat cooking oil and allowing it to reach a shimmering, near-smoking state that signals perfect searing conditions.
- Precision Searing: Gently position salmon fillets skin-side down, applying gentle pressure with a flexible spatula to prevent edge curling, and allow uninterrupted cooking for 4-6 minutes to create a golden, crispy exterior.
- Flavor Sealing: Swiftly flip fillets and briefly cook flesh side for 15-20 seconds, locking in succulent flavors and achieving perfect doneness.
- Aromatic Finishing: Transfer salmon to serving plates, embellish with freshly grated lemon zest, and squeeze vibrant lemon juice across the fillets to introduce bright, citrusy undertones.
- Complementary Accompaniment: Compose a zesty arugula salad by tossing baby leaves with additional lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a subtle salt sprinkle, plating alongside the seared salmon and garnishing with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Moisture Matters: Pat salmon fillets completely dry to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Spice Technique: Press seasoning blend firmly into salmon to create a flavorful, even coating that locks in taste and develops a delicious crust.
- Oil Temperature Check: Wait until oil shimmers and ripples, indicating the ideal heat for creating a crispy exterior without burning the fish.
- Skin-Side Priority: Cook salmon skin-side down first to render fat, create a crispy texture, and protect the delicate flesh from direct high heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg