Description
Succulent Pan Seared Salmon brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Crispy exterior and tender flesh create a perfect balance that melts in your mouth, inviting you to savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 (4 ounces/113 grams) skin-on salmon filets
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1½ tablespoons dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 lemons
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 5 ounces (142 grams) baby arugula for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly dry salmon fillets using clean paper towels, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
- Create a robust seasoning blend by mixing kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried oregano, granulated garlic, and sweet paprika.
- Generously coat each salmon fillet with the prepared seasoning mixture, pressing gently to help spices adhere.
- Select a sturdy cast iron skillet and heat over medium-high temperature, allowing it to reach optimal cooking temperature.
- Pour of high-heat cooking oil into the skillet, waiting until the oil begins to shimmer and ripple.
- Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down, using a flexible spatula to gently press each fillet, preventing edges from curling upward.
- Allow salmon to cook undisturbed for 4-6 minutes, developing a crisp, golden-brown exterior on the skin.
- Swiftly flip fillets and cook flesh side for approximately 15-20 seconds to seal in flavors and moisture.
- Transfer salmon to a serving plate, using a clean utensil to avoid cross-contamination.
- Enhance the dish by grating fresh lemon zest directly over the hot salmon fillets.
- Slice the zested lemon and squeeze fresh juice across the fish for bright, citrusy notes.
- Prepare a quick arugula salad by tossing baby arugula leaves with additional lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a delicate pinch of salt.
- Plate the salmon alongside the dressed arugula and garnish with additional lemon wedges for serving.
Notes
- Customize seasoning blend by adjusting spice levels to personal taste preferences.
- Allow salmon to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Select fresh, high-quality salmon with firm, bright flesh and minimal fishy odor for best results.
- Cast iron skillet creates perfect crispy skin by providing consistent, intense heat and superior searing capabilities.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, cutting through the rich salmon flavor and adding vibrant citrus notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg