Crispy Pan-Fried Salmon
Restaurant-style salmon with shatteringly crisp skin and a buttery, tender interior.
Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Servings
2
Ingredients
6 itemsSalmon Fillets
2 6-oz portionsskin-on
Olive oil
1 tbsphigh smoke point
Unsalted butter
1 tbspGarlic
2 clovessmashed
Fresh Thyme
3 sprigsLemon
1/2for juicing
Instructions
8 steps- 1
Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels, especially the skin side.
- 2
Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- 3
Heat olive oil in a stainless steel or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
- 4
Place the salmon fillets in the pan skin-side down and press down firmly with a spatula for 10 seconds to ensure even contact.
- 5
Lower the heat to medium and cook undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
- 6
Carefully flip the fillets and add the butter, garlic, and thyme to the pan.
- 7
Baste the salmon with the melting butter for another 1 to 2 minutes until the desired doneness is reached.
- 8
Remove from the pan and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.