Perfect Pan-Seared Crispy Skin Salmon

Name: Perfect Pan-Seared Crispy Skin Salmon
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 13 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1 tsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 1 lemon lemon wedges

Achieve restaurant-quality results at home with this foolproof method for pan-seared salmon. Featuring an incredibly crunchy skin and tender, flaky flesh, this simple dish is perfect for a healthy and elegant weeknight dinner.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time3 Mins

Cook Time10 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

salmon fillets
4
olive oil
1 tsp
salt
1 tsp
black pepper
0.5 tsp
lemon wedges
1 lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pat the skin of the salmon fillets very thoroughly with paper towels until completely dry. If you have time, place the salmon skin-side up uncovered in the fridge for 1 hour to air-dry the skin further for maximum crunch.

Just before cooking, drizzle the flesh side with a tiny bit of oil and rub it over the skin. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper. Do not season too early, as salt draws out moisture.

Add enough oil to a large non-stick skillet to fully coat the base. Heat over medium-high until the oil shimmers and is very hot, but not smoking.

Carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet skin-side down, then immediately turn the heat down to medium.

Using a flat spatula, press down firmly on each fillet for 10 seconds. This prevents the skin from curling and ensures it stays flat against the pan to 'set' its form.

Cook for about 7 minutes without moving the fillets. You will see the color change from translucent to opaque creeping up the side of the salmon. The skin should be golden and crispy.