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Classic Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon
American

Classic Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon

Crisp-skinned salmon fillets seared in a hot skillet and finished with a squeeze of lemon. Simple, fast and naturally light, with a golden crust and a tender center.

15 min
Total time
2
Servings
5 min
Prep
10 min
Cook
beginnerdinnerlow-caloriehigh-proteingluten-freedairy-freeketo
Source: Bon Appetit Test Kitchen

Ingredients

2 servings
  • 2 x 170 g skin-on salmon fillets, patted dry
  • 3 g kosher salt
  • 1 g black pepper, freshly ground
  • 15 ml olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon, for squeezing

Make it your way

Instructions

Plan my prep
  1. Step 1.Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Dry skin is the key to a crisp crust.
  2. Step 2.Heat the olive oil in a nonstick or stainless skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3.Lay the fillets in skin-side down, gently pressing each with a spatula for the first 10 seconds so the skin stays flat against the pan.
  4. Step 4.Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crisp and the flesh has turned opaque about three-quarters of the way up the sides.
  5. Step 5.Flip the fillets and cook the second side for 1 to 2 minutes for medium, until the center reaches 50 to 52 C (125 F) for medium-rare or 57 C (135 F) for medium.
  6. Step 6.Transfer to plates skin-side up to keep the crust crisp, squeeze fresh lemon over the top, and serve right away.

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