Crispy Skin Salmon (Printable Version)

Tender salmon with crisp skin and a bright lemon butter sauce, ready in 20 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 skin-on salmon fillets, approximately 6 oz (170 g) each, pin bones removed
02 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ For Cooking

04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Sauce

06 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
07 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
08 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Dry the salmon fillets thoroughly with paper towels. Lightly score the skin using a sharp knife. Season both sides evenly with sea salt and black pepper.
02 - Warm olive oil in a large nonstick or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
03 - Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Press down gently with a spatula for 30 seconds to prevent curling.
04 - Cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until the skin is crisp and releases easily from the pan. Flip fillets and cook the flesh side for 1 to 2 minutes until just opaque.
05 - Add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan. Allow butter to melt and foam, then baste the salmon with the buttery garlic mixture for 30 seconds.
06 - Transfer salmon fillets to plates. Add lemon juice to the pan, swirl to combine, and drizzle the sauce over the salmon. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This method unlocks a crispy skin that stays crisp even after plating, like a hidden gem I couldn't wait to share with friends
  • The bright lemon butter sauce adds that fresh zing that quickly became a family favorite
02 -
  • Drying the salmon well and scoring the skin are absolutely crucial steps for achieving that crispy skin without sticking
  • Add the butter and garlic only after flipping to avoid burning and to develop the best flavor
03 -
  • Allow the salmon skin to crisp undisturbed for the full time or you’ll miss that satisfying texture
  • Finishing with lemon juice brightens the richness and balances the buttery notes

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