Description
This pan-fried sockeye salmon recipe delivers crisp skin with a tender, flaky interior, making it a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner option that cooks in just minutes.
Ingredients
Sockeye Salmon Fillets
- 4 sockeye salmon fillets (5–6 oz each), skin on
For Cooking
- 1½ tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
- Optional: fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive or avocado oil. Heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking, indicating it’s hot enough for cooking.
- Cook Skin-Side Down: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down carefully in the skillet. Press each fillet gently with a spatula for about 10 seconds to prevent the skin from curling during cooking.
- Sear the Skin: Let the salmon cook skin-side down for 4 to 5 minutes. The skin should become crisp and the flesh will turn mostly opaque as it cooks through from the bottom.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the fillets to the flesh side. If using butter, add it now to the pan to melt and baste the fish. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through but still moist inside.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the pan and let it rest for 1 minute. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and optional chopped dill or parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- Sockeye salmon is a lean fish, so avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and tenderness.
- If the skin sticks to the pan when trying to flip, let it cook an additional 30 seconds to release naturally.
- This recipe works well with cast iron or stainless steel pans for best searing results.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
