1. How to Pan-Fry Salmon
Pan-frying or pan-searing is one of the best ways to cook salmon fillets. It's quick, easy, and gives the fish that perfect crispy, crunchy skin. A simple pan-fried salmon is the secret to a flavorful and healthy weeknight dinner in 30 minutes or less.
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, add butter or oil and the salmon fillets skin-side down. Heat to medium-high and cook for about 5 or 6 minutes.
Gently use a wide spatula to flip the fish and cook skin-side up for 3 to 5 minutes or until done. Finish with a little squeeze of lemon.
Tip: To test salmon for doneness, use the tip of a knife to peek between the flakes of fish. It should be a slightly darker pink at the center. You can also insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet; aim for a temperature of 125 degrees F.
2. How to Cook Salmon in the Oven
Oven roasting always does the trick for an effortless, no-nonsense way to cook salmon. Baked salmon is excellent for parties or meal prep since you can fit multiple pieces of salmon and vegetables in one dish and cook everything simultaneously.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Season salmon with salt and pepper, and place skin-side down in a lightly greased baking dish or sheet pan.
Bake in the oven for about 12 to 15 minutes. No need to flip the fish.
3. How to Broil Salmon
The oven broiler is a hands-off but don't-stray-from-the-kitchen way to cook salmon fillets. Be sure to keep an eye on the oven when using this method because broiled salmon can turn to blackened bits in the blink of an eye.
Preheat the oven broiler, and set the top rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
Season the salmon fillets and place them on a lined sheet pan or untreated cedar plank soaked in water.
Cook salmon under the broiler for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
If the outside of salmon has cooked, but you prefer the center more well done, turn off the broiler and let the salmon rest in the oven for a few more minutes.
4. How to Pan-Roast Salmon From Skillet to Oven
Can't decide between stovetop or oven-roasted salmon? Do both. Oven finishing is a technique many restaurants use to achieve salmon with a golden and crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside every time.
In an oven-proof skillet, add olive oil or butter and seasoned salmon, skin-side down. Heat to medium-high and cook for 3 minutes.
Transfer the skillet to a lowish-heat oven, about 275 degrees F, and cook for 20 minutes.
Using an oven mitt, return the skillet to the stovetop and cook on high heat for about 3 minutes or until the skin is crispy. If time is of the essence, raise the oven temp to 400 degrees F and cook for 10 minutes for the roasting phase.
Comments