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Cast Iron Salmon

Cast Iron Salmon Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin-on
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon dry completely, season both sides with salt and pepper, and heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high until shimmering.
  2. Lay fillets skin-side down, press gently with a spatula, and cook without moving for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is deep golden and releases easily.
  3. Flip the fillets, add the butter, garlic, and herb sprigs, then tilt the pan and spoon the foaming butter over the fish for 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat, spoon any remaining pan sauce over the salmon, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

A heavy stainless steel skillet works if you don't own cast iron, but skip nonstick pans entirely for this dish. If you're cooking multiple batches, wipe the pan clean between rounds to avoid burnt butter bits.