Introduction
Cooking salmon to perfection can seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it becomes an enjoyable and rewarding experience. This article will guide you through a simple yet delicious salmon recipe that ensures crispy skin and tender, flavorful fish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with various sides, including a creamy risotto.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 salmon fillets, skin-on (Note 1)
1 tsp olive oil (or other cooking oil)
1 tsp salt, cooking/kosher (3/4 tsp table salt, Note 2)
1/2 tsp black pepper
Cooking:
2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
Serving:
lemon wedges
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
9 minutes
Total Time
19 minutes
Yield
4 servings
To achieve the best results when cooking your salmon, it is essential to properly dry the skin. Pat the salmon skin thoroughly with a paper towel. If possible, place the salmon, skin side up, in the refrigerator for about one hour uncovered to enhance the drying process.
When ready to cook, season the salmon fillets by drizzling the flesh side with a small amount of oil and rubbing it over the skin. Sprinkle half of the salt and pepper on each side. It’s important to do this step just before cooking to ensure the salmon maintains its freshness.
Next, in a large non-stick skillet, heat enough oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers without smoking. Carefully place the salmon in the skillet, skin side down, and reduce the heat to medium.
Press down gently on each salmon fillet for about 10 seconds using a spatula to ensure the skin crisps up nicely. Cook the salmon for approximately 7 minutes until it’s cooked about three-quarters of the way through, indicated by a color change along the sides.
After seven minutes, carefully flip the salmon so the skin is facing up and continue cooking for an additional 90 seconds. For an extra crispy skin, flip the salmon back onto the skin side, raise the heat to medium-high, and cook for an additional 60 seconds.
To serve, make sure to present the salmon skin side up, as the skin maintains its crispy texture when served immediately. This dish is beautifully complemented by lemon wedges and can be paired with creamy Lemon & Herb Risotto for a delightful meal. Enjoy your perfectly cooked salmon!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Dry skin
Pat the skin of the salmon fillets very well using a paper towel until completely dry. If possible, place the salmon skin side up in the refrigerator for 1 hour (uncovered) to dry it out even further.
Season
Drizzle a small amount of olive oil on the flesh side of each salmon fillet and rub it over the skin. Sprinkle half of the salt and black pepper on the skin. Turn each fillet over and repeat the process with the remaining oil, salt, and pepper. Complete this step just before you start cooking.
Heat oil
In a large non-stick skillet, pour enough olive oil to fully cover the base. Heat the skillet on medium-high until the oil shimmers without smoking.
Skin side down
Carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet skin side down. Immediately reduce the heat to medium.
Press down
Using a spatula or a similar utensil, press down on each salmon fillet for 10 seconds. This helps to push the skin flat against the skillet, setting its form. Ideally, you can press down on at least two fillets at a time.
Cook 7 minutes
Cook the salmon for 7 minutes, or until it appears cooked approximately three-quarters of the way through, as indicated by color changing up the side. The skin should be crispy at this point.
90 sec on flesh side
Flip each salmon fillet so that the skin side is facing up and cook for an additional 90 seconds.
Final skin blast!
Flip the salmon fillets back to skin side down, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook the skin side for an additional 60 seconds. This final blast of heat will enhance the crispiness.
Serve skin side UP
Serve the salmon with the skin side facing up to protect the crispy texture. Fish skin remains crispy only while hot, so it’s recommended to serve immediately.
Notes
1. Salmon
You can adjust the number of salmon fillets based on how many you can comfortably manage in one batch. Avoid crowding the skillet, as this may cause the salmon to steam rather than pan-fry. A standard serving weighs around 150-180g (5-6oz) per person. Look for fillets of even thickness. If you find fillets with a thinner end, this is typically the salmon belly, which contains enough fat to remain juicy. Ensure the fish fillets are de-boned and descaled; fishmongers usually sell them prepared, which is part of the premium quality.
2. Salt
Cooking or kosher salt features slightly larger grains than table salt, making it easier to handle for cooking. If using table salt, reduce the quantity slightly to prevent over-salting.
3. Nutrition
The nutritional values are based on a serving size of 150g/5oz per fillet, assuming that half the oil used is consumed.
Cook techniques
Drying the Skin
Pat the skin of the salmon fillets with paper towels until completely dry. For an even better result, place the salmon skin-side up in the refrigerator uncovered for one hour to achieve a dryer skin.
Seasoning the Salmon
Just before cooking, drizzle the flesh side of the salmon fillets with a small amount of olive oil and rub it over the skin. Season both sides with salt and black pepper for flavor.
Heating the Oil
In a large non-stick skillet, add enough olive oil to cover the base. Heat the oil on medium-high until it shimmers but does not smoke.
Cooking Skin Side Down
Place the salmon fillets skin side down into the hot skillet. Immediately reduce the heat to medium.
Pressing the Fillets
Using a spatula, press down on each salmon fillet for about 10 seconds. This helps to set the skin against the skillet for a crispier finish.
Timing the Cooking
Cook the salmon for approximately seven minutes, or until it’s cooked three-quarters of the way through. You should notice the color changing up the side of the fillet.
Flipping the Salmon
After seven minutes, flip the salmon so that the skin side is up and cook for an additional 90 seconds.
Final Skin Blast
For extra crispiness, flip the salmon back to skin side down, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook for another 60 seconds.
Serving the Salmon
Serve the salmon fillets skin side up to maintain the crispiness. It is best served immediately.
FAQ
Can I use salmon fillets that are not skin-on?
Yes, you can use skinless salmon fillets, but they may not achieve the same level of crispiness.
How can I tell if the salmon is cooked through?
Look for the color change up the side of the fillet. It should be opaque and have a slightly firm texture.
What if my salmon skin isn’t crispy?
Ensure the skin is adequately dried before cooking and press down firmly in the skillet. A hot skillet and adequate cooking time can also help achieve crispiness.
Can I cook more than four fillets at once?
Yes, but avoid overcrowding the skillet as it will cause the salmon to steam rather than pan-fry correctly.
What types of oil can I use besides olive oil?
You can use other vegetable oils such as canola oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil.
Conclusion
This crispy salmon recipe highlights the importance of proper preparation and technique in achieving deliciously cooked fish. By ensuring the skin is dried and pressed against the skillet, you create a delightful texture that enhances the overall dining experience. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy skin at its best, complemented by a fresh squeeze of lemon.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Pair cooked salmon with a dill sauce made from fresh dill, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt for a refreshing twist.
Maple Glazed Salmon
Marinate salmon in maple syrup, garlic, and soy sauce before cooking for a sweet and savory flavor.
Crispy Salmon Tacos
Flake cooked salmon and serve in corn tortillas with avocado, cabbage slaw, and a lime crema for a delightful taco night.
Honey Soy Glazed Salmon
Glaze the salmon with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and ginger before pan-frying for an Asian-inspired dish.
Salmon Caesar Salad
Top a fresh Caesar salad with crispy salmon fillets for a satisfying meal that combines rich flavors with healthy greens.
Salmon Pasta Primavera
Toss cooked salmon with pasta, seasonal vegetables, and a light olive oil or cream sauce for a quick and easy dinner.
Quinoa and Salmon Bowl
Layer cooked quinoa with sautéed vegetables and salmon for a nutritious and filling bowl that’s perfect for lunch.
