Cooking salmon on the stovetop can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With just the right combination of ingredients and techniques, you can create perfectly pan-seared pieces of fish that are bursting with flavor. Whether you’re an experienced cook looking for a new way to prepare salmon or a novice in the kitchen wanting to add some variety to your dinner routine, this easy stovetop method is sure to impress! In this blog post we’ll cover all the basics so you can learn how to make delicious and healthy pan-seared salmon that all your friends and family will love. Finding the perfect mid-week meal shouldn’t have to feel like a chore. That’s why we love stovetop cooking! With minimal clean up and a pan full of flavor, you’ll find that getting healthy dinners on the table can be quick, easy and fun. And one surefire way to make your weeknight meals stand out is with salmon cooked on the stovetop! In this post, we will show you how to create an easy and succulent pan-seared salmon fillet in just 15 minutes without breaking a sweat. Salmon is packed with essential vitamins and minerals – plus it tastes delicious – so get ready to satisfy both your palate and your nutritional needs all at once.
Gather the necessary ingredients, including a fresh salmon fillet, olive oil, butter, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper
First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse the salmon fillet and pat it dry with a paper towel. Place the salmon on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the fish, enough to lightly coat it. Dot with butter and season generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle lemon zest and juice over the fish. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Enjoy!
If desired, you can also prepare a tasty glaze to top the salmon before baking. Combine 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder in a small bowl. Stir until combined and spread over the top of the fish. Bake as directed above. Enjoy!
For an extra kick, add some freshly chopped herbs to the salmon before baking. Dill, parsley, and chives work well for this recipe. If you want to go for a more intense flavor, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. No matter which flavors you choose, this salmon dish is sure to be a hit for any special occasion.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add some olive oil to the pan
Once the skillet is hot, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Swirl the oil around in the pan to coat the surface. Let it heat up for 1 minute before adding whatever ingredients you plan on cooking. If you are done with your meal, be sure to turn off the stove, let the skillet cool off, and then clean it according to manufacturer instructions. Regular maintenance of your cookware will help keep it looking and performing its best for years to come.
Place the salmon fillet in the skillet skin side down
Using tongs, carefully press the salmon fillet down in the skillet to ensure good contact with the surface. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy on the bottom. Gently flip over the fillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through. Once done, remove from heat and transfer to a plate.
Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until it is cooked through
When cooking, make sure to flip the steak over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on each side or until it is cooked through. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer to ensure that your steak is cooked properly. The ideal internal temperature for medium-rare steak should be 130°F (54°C), 140°F (60°C) for medium and 160°F (71°C) for well done. Once the desired temperature is achieved, remove steak from heat and let it rest before serving to allow the juices to settle. Enjoy your perfectly cooked steak!
Add a tablespoon of butter to the pan and reduce the heat to low
Once the butter has been added to the pan, stir it around until it has completely melted and then reduce the heat setting to low. Once the heat is at a lower setting, let the butter simmer for a few minutes so that it can attain a nutty flavor before continuing with other steps in your recipe. Stir the butter occasionally to prevent it from burning. If you notice that the butter is beginning to darken or burn, remove it from heat immediately and transfer it to an alternate cooking vessel. Taking these extra precautionary steps can help ensure that your recipe turns out perfectly every time!
Squeeze lemon juice over the salmon and season with salt and pepper
Once the salmon is seasoned, place in a baking dish and pour the lemon juice over it. Bake for 15-20 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, or refrigerate and reheat when ready to serve.
For a crispy edge, you can also broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure that it does not overcook and burn. Serve with some crunchy vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
FAQs:
Q: What are the steps to cooking salmon on the stovetop?
Step 1: Begin by heating a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan, and wait for it to become hot.
Step 2: Place the salmon fillet in the skillet skin side down. Let cook for 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, then flip over and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter or other healthy fat (like olive oil), and season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
Step 4: Remove from heat and serve with desired accompaniments.
Q: What type of salmon is best for pan-searing?
A: When deciding on the best type of salmon for pan-searing, it is important to consider both the fat content and texture. Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is often considered to be an ideal choice due to its high oil content and firm but tender flesh. This makes it perfect for crisp searing without drying out or becoming greasy. Atlantic Salmon, on the other hand, is less fatty and has a slightly softer texture which can make it difficult to achieve a good sear without overcooking. If you are looking for a leaner option, then Arctic Char could be an ideal choice as it has even lower fat than Atlantic Salmon, but still holds together when cooked. Ultimately, the best salmon for pan-searing is whatever type you prefer, so experiment with different kinds and find the one that works best for your recipe.
No matter what type of fish you choose to cook, it is important to ensure that the salmon has been properly stored and handled. Wild caught salmon should be fresh or frozen when purchased, while farm raised salmon should have no detectable odor or discoloration. It is also important to check the temperature of the fish before searing and make sure that it is thoroughly cooked before serving. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that pan-seared salmon will be an enjoyable meal every time.
Q: What is the cooking time for pan-seared salmon?
A: Pan-seared salmon is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. It should be cooked until the flesh turns light pink in color and it flakes easily with a fork. The average cooking time for pan-seared salmon is between 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillet. To ensure your salmon is cooked through, an internal temperature of 145°F should be achieved. Enjoy your perfectly cooked salmon!
Additionally, if you plan on baking your salmon in the oven after pan-searing it, reduce the cooking time by approximately 2 minutes per side. This will allow for some carry-over cooking when you transfer it to an oven preheated at 375°F and bake for 6-10 minutes or until desired doneness is reached.
Q: How do you know when the salmon is cooked through?
A: When the salmon is cooked through, you should be able to insert a paring knife into the flesh with ease and it should flake apart easily. The outside of the fish should have an even golden or brown colour on both sides, while the inside will be light pink when fully cooked. Be sure to check for any uncooked portions in the centre, and cook for a few more minutes if necessary. If you are unsure, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon – it should reach 145°F (63°C). Serve your salmon hot with your favourite accompaniments!
Q: Are there any special tips for cooking salmon on the stovetop?
A: When cooking salmon on the stovetop, it’s important to use medium-high heat and cook evenly. Start by preheating a skillet or pan on the stove until hot. Add oil or butter to the pan, then carefully place your salmon fillets in the pan with the skin side down. Allow the fish to cook for five minutes before flipping it over. Cook for an additional five minutes or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. Be sure to not overcook salmon, as this can cause it to dry out. When finished cooking, remove from the pan and serve immediately. For extra flavor, season your salmon with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and fresh herbs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cooking salmon on the stovetop only requires a few basic steps and ingredients, making it one of the easiest and most delicious dishes you can make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or lots of skills to cook salmon like a pro. All you need is a nonstick skillet, some olive oil, salt and pepper, garlic powder, and the right technique. With the right ingredients and pan searing time, you can turn your salmon into something really special. So go ahead — channel your inner chef and cook up some amazing pan-seared salmon tonight. Not only will you impress everyone at your dinner table with your culinary prowess, but you’ll also be proud of yourself for having created something so delicious with minimal effort.
