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Pan Fried Salmon

Pan Fried Salmon Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 2 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skin on
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Lemon wedges

Method
 

  1. Pat salmon dry and season flesh with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Place salmon skin-side down, press gently for 10 seconds, and cook without moving for 5 to 6 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.
  3. Flip fillets, reduce heat to medium-low, add butter, garlic, and thyme. Baste with the melted butter for 1 to 2 minutes until just opaque in the center.
  4. Plate the salmon and spoon the pan butter over the top. Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Take the salmon out of the fridge about 10 minutes before cooking so it loses the deep chill. Thicker fillets need that short counter rest to cook evenly without a cold raw center. The skin is your prize here, so serve immediately while it's still loud and crisp.