Crispy Skin Salmon

It’s silky, it’s buttery, it’s bursting with rich umami; we’re making my absolute favorite Crispy Skin Salmon.

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If you were to ask me what my last meal on earth would be, I would say salmon. Specifically skin-on and seared to just the right level of crispiness. This is the dinner that I made for myself throughout the pandemic lockdown and one that I’d make again and again in the years that followed. I tried so many iterations of pan-seared salmon and was humbled a few too many times for my taste. I eventually did seem to get the hang of it, though. I’d usually start by placing the salmon skin-side down in an unheated cast iron skillet, then gradually turn up the heat. This allows the fish to cook slowly and evenly, giving that skin a chance to crisp up beautifully while keeping the flesh tender and moist.

Making this dish for myself always felt like the ultimate act of self-care and self-love. These days, whenever I cook this, I’m reminded of all of those dinners I had in 2020 and 2021–many of which were eaten alone, and some of which, crucially, were eaten alongside a few really good friends on the back patio. Serve it up on a bed of lemony arugula or herby pasta, and you’ve got a really wonderful main dish.
Whether you happen to be cooking for a group or whipping up a cozy dinner for one, this truly is the perfect salmon recipe. And lucky for you, it’s just 15 minutes from pan to plate.

Is Crispy Skin Salmon Healthy?

There are so many health benefits to salmon. It is one of the most nutritious things you can eat. It’s low in saturated fat and rich in omega-3 fatty acids (which are ‘healthy fats’ that support heart health, brain health, skin health, and more). Salmon is also naturally high in B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and iron. It’s also very low in carbohydrates and a wonderful source of protein with a whopping 34 grams per serving.

Descaling Your Salmon

Oftentimes, you can find salmon at the store that’s already had its scales removed. That is always nice. But, if like me, you find yourself bringing home salmon that still needs descaling, then these tips should make the process a bit less daunting.

You’ll first have to determine the direction of the scales. Running your finger from left to right may feel smooth until you catch the edges. Use a fingernail or butter knife to lift the scales so they aren’t flat. Then, take a blunt knife, slide it under the edges, and scrape in the opposite direction with short strokes. Doing this under cool running water will help loosen the scales and prevent them from sticking to your hands.

Continue scraping until all scales are removed, being extra careful around the edges to keep the flesh intact. Once you’ve finished, just rinse the salmon under cool water to remove any remaining scales, and you’re ready to cook!

INGREDIENTS

2 salmon fillets, skin-on, descaled
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare

Season and ready salmon fillets.

Cook

Sear salmon skin side down until crispy, then flip.

Serve

Remove from heat, plate skin side up.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

To store your salmon, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. Cooked salmon also happens to freeze very well. Just wrap your salmon filets in cling film and then aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to prevent overcooking salmon?

To achieve a good sear without overcooking it, fry the salmon for just 6 to 7 minutes on the skin side and 1 to 2 minutes on the other side. When it’s fully cooked, the salmon should appear opaque and have an internal temperature of 145 degrees at its thickest part. Once it has reached that internal temperature it’s ready to plate, don’t be tempted to give it extra time on the heat.

Should salmon be room temperature before pan-searing?

Allowing your salmon to get down to room temperature prior to cooking may result in a more evenly cooked fish, however this isn’t a requirement.

Serving Suggestions

Some of my favorite things to serve with salmon include a simple lemon-dressed arugula salad, or this incredible Kale Caesar Salad. It’s the perfect pairing. To add a delicious carb, you could serve the salmon alongside this yummy garlicky Mushroom Pasta.

For dessert, these Berry Cashew Cream No-Bake Bars would make the most wonderful after-dinner treat.