Easily my favourite weeknight dinner – pan roasted salmon, with a side of sweet potatoes and sauteed greens. And let’s not forget that crispy skin that just makes the entire dish come together. Though I have to admit, it took me a while to get that part right, as I’m sure is the case with many of you.  How many times has your salmon skin come out greasy? Or for the most part, got stuck to the base of the pan? And yes, it is frustrating, but the good news is there is a solution and can be achieved with a few easy steps.

Let’s get started:

Step 1: Choose wisely; go for the freshest salmon fillet you can find.

Step 2: Use a paper towel to thoroughly dry the fish; it is important to rid the fillets of any moisture as it will likely affect the temperature of the oil during cooking.

Step 3: Season; be sure to season your fish with salt and pepper on both sides at least 45 minutes to several hours before cooking, as this will help them retain more moisture as they cook and result in a juicier finish. Allow the fish to rest in the fridge and take them out at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Step 4: Always preheat the oil; Line the base of a cast iron or stainless-steel pan with a thin layer of oil.  Once the oil is hot and smoky, reduce to medium-low heat and carefully place the salmon fillets into the oil skin-side down.

Step 5: Start pressing; once your salmon is in the pan, use a spatula to press down for approximately 10 seconds so that every inch of the skin is in contact with the oil which will ensure an even sear.

 Step 6: Hands off! Though we may be tempted to flip the fish over, this is where we stand back and let science do the work.  Salmon skin is very fatty and therefore, needs some time to render.  Flipping the fish over too early is likely to break the skin and that crispy skin affect will not be achieved.  So, leave the fish to cook for at least 5 – 6 minutes, until you can see that the fillet is more than halfway cooked through, then flip it over onto the other side.

Step 7: Cook briefly on the second side; since the salmon is already mostly cooked at this point, you do not need more than 1 – 3 minutes on the second side, depending on how well-done you like your fish.

There you have it! Give these seven steps a try, follow them diligently, and let us know if they work for you!

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