Last Updated on September 19, 2021 by Sultana Parvin
Salmon is one of my favorite pieces of fish to cook and eat. Salmon is a uniquely flavored fish that tastes great in many different recipes from sushi to salmon spread. Cooking Seared Salmon Recipe in a cast iron skillet adds a wonderful crunchy texture to the juicy flaky filet.
So why are we using a cast iron skillet and not the grill or oven? A cast-iron skillet allows the chef to cook in oil at very high temperatures for fast cooking and flavorful food. One of the beauties of the cast iron skillet is the high temperature at which you can cook which is usually hard to achieve without having restaurant equipment.
With Salmon the cast iron skillet allows us to cook quickly and get a really nice crisp outside and perfectly cooked inside usually cooked to about a medium medium-rare temperature. This allows the salmon to literally melt in your mouth.
In this recipe, we use Coho Salmon. Coho Salmon is from Alaska and wild-caught. Many Atlantic Salmon are farmed. Alaska caught wild Salmon just tastes better and it just doesn’t have all the things that come with farm-raised fish like antibiotics and hormones.
Table of Contents
Seared Salmon Recipe Equipment:
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Stove or Grill
Ingredients:
- 2-4 8 oz Coho Salmon filets
- 2-3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
- Seasalt and Pepper
- A little Cajun Seasoning
How to prepare
Remove your salmon from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before you begin to prepare your recipe. Allowing the salmon to come closer to room temperature. Room temperature salmon prevents the fish from sticking to your skillet and allows your fish to cook more evenly.
After the salmon has been out for 15 minutes simply take a dry paper towel and pat down both sides of the fish to remove excess condensation and water. You don’t want any excess water on your fish as you are technically frying your fish in olive oil. The water will prevent the cooking process. Also, less water on your salmon will help the olive coat the fish and the seasoning to stick to your fish.
Rub both sides of the fish with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. And add your salt and pepper to both sides. I like to add a little cajun seasoning to bring out extra taste and flavor.
Prepare your cast iron skillet by turning the heat on your stove or grill to medium-high. I like to allow the pan to heat up for 1-2 minutes then add a thin layer (1-2 oz) of olive oil to the bottom of the cast-iron skillet. Give your olive oil about 3-5 minutes to heat up. Once you start to see a little smoke from your olive oil it is time to add the Salmon.
Simply Seared Salmon Recipe in a Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 2-4 8 oz Coho Salmon filets
- 2-3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
- Seasalt and Pepper
- A little Cajun Seasoning
Instructions
- Pat down with a paper towel on both sides of the fish to remove excess condensation and water.
- Rub both sides of the fish with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. And add your salt and pepper to both sides.
- Heat up the pan for 1-2 minutes then add a thin layer (1-2 oz) of olive oil to the bottom of the cast-iron skillet. Give olive oil about 3-5 minutes to heat up. Once you start to see a little smoke from your olive oil it is time to add the Salmon.
- Allow the Salmon to cook for 4 minutes. Then flip to the other side, skin side down for 4 minutes.
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If you are cooking Salmon with the skin on it then cook the first side of your Salmon skin side up.
Allow the Salmon to cook for 4 minutes. Then flip to the other side, skin side down for 4 minutes.
When flipping your salmon be careful that your fish does not fall apart. Usually, a good silicone spatula will get the trick done. I will also occasionally use a fork in conjunction with the spatula just to ensure the spatula slides under the fish on the first try.
Served Seared Salmon Recipe
Salmon can be cooked and prepared in so many ways. This is one of our favorites because of the beautiful golden-brown crust and delicious flavorful meat on the inside. This recipe is perfect for a quick healthy dinner. We like to eat this with some superfoods like avocado, kale, or broccoli.
You can also serve your seared salmon recipe with a little slice of lemon. The acid in the lemon enhances the flavor and adds a nice finish.
About Author: Vince from BeyondYard, a site all about grilling and backyard fun. Visit to get some more grilling recipes, tips, and reviews.
