How to Sear Salmon Fillets
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
2 servings
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Calories
365 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
How to Sear Salmon Fillets
Description
How to Sear Salmon Fillets explains a technique to cook salmon by searing in a hot skillet and then finishing in the oven. The salmon fillets are seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then cooked in olive or avocado oil heated until shimmering. The skin-on fillets are placed skin side up so the meat contacts the pan, aiding browning. After heating the pan on medium-high, the temperature is raised to high to develop a golden crust over 2-3 minutes.
This technique prioritizes even cooking by optionally bringing the salmon to room temperature before cooking, but allows cooking direct from chilled if needed. The step-by-step emphasizes preventing crowding of fillets to allow proper searing. The pan choice includes cast iron or a PFOA-free nonstick skillet with a metal handle for oven transfer. The instructions stop short of explicitly describing flipping or finishing, but focus on initial sear development.
The seared salmon suits a main course prepared with minimal seasoning that highlights the fish's natural flavor and texture. The instructions note careful use of heat and timing to get the correct crust without a burnt exterior.
Ingredients
- salmon fillet skin off or skin on (up to 4 per batch, boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (you may also substitute avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point)
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. If you have time, let the salmon come to room temperature, it will cook faster and more evenly that way (but don't stress, when I'm in a hurry I do it straight from the fridge). The salmon fillets should be generously seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Place skillet over medium high heat for 3-4 minutes till drops of water sizzle and bead on the surface when you sprinkle them. When water dries pour 2 tbsp olive oil and swirl around the bottom of the pan to evenly coat. Oil will begin to smoke lightly after a moment or two.Place salmon fillets gently into the skillet, up to 4 at a time (depending on the size of your skillet), making sure not to crowd the pan. The fillets should not touch. If using skin-on fillets, the skin side should be facing upward, with meat against the pan.
- Turn the burner up to high heat. Let the salmon sear for 2-3 minutes till a golden brown crust begins to form on the bottom edge of the meat. You'll be able to see the crust starting at the edge where the meat touches the pan. Once you see that, there is no need to lift the salmon and check-- the crust will continue developing in the oven. The less you disturb the salmon during cooking, the better.
- At this point, do not turn the salmon. Instead, transfer the whole skillet to the preheated oven. Let the salmon continue roasting in the oven for another 6-10 minutes. How long it cooks will depend on the thickness of the fillets and desired doneness-- some people like salmon a little on the rare side. Our family likes it fully cooked and flaking, but still moist. For a fillet that is 1-inch thick at its thickest point, this usually takes around 7-8 minutes in the oven. Once cooked you can cut into the thickest part of a fillet with a sharp knife to make sure it's done to your liking.When the salmon is done roasting, use an oven mitt to carefully remove the skillet from the oven. I do mean carefully, the skillet will be hot and the oil will be sizzling!
- Remove the fillets from the pan carefully with tongs or a fish spatula, plate them crust-side up, and serve. Keep in mind that if you keep them in the hot skillet they will continue to cook. If you're not serving the fillets immediately, you might want to take them out of the oven a little under-done and leave them in the hot skillet to finish cooking before you serve them. If you've left the skin on, it will be crisp at this point. Skin off, the only crispy area will be that golden brown crust. My stepdaughter likes that part the best. These are especially nice with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a cast iron or PFOA-free nonstick skillet with a metal handle to safely transfer to the oven if needed.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 365 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 365kcal | 18% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 93mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 75mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 833mg | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 70IU | 1% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.4mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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