PERFECT PAN-SEARED SALMON

Perfect Pan-Seared Salmon image

Provided by Marilena Leavitt

Time 12m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 5

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2 --- center cut, skin-on, salmon fillets, about 5-6 oz. each
--- --- sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 TBSP. extra virgin olive oil
1 sm. lemon, cut in equal halves
1 TBSP. fresh parsley, minced (optional)

Steps:

Place the salmon fillets between paper towels and press gently to dry surfaces thoroughly. Place the fillets on a dish and season generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high then add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add a salmon fillet, skin side down. To the side of the skillet, add the two lemon halves (cut side down) and reduce the heat to medium. Using a flexible fish spatula, gently press the salmon firmly in place for 10 seconds or so, to prevent the skin from buckling. Repeat this process with the second fillet of salmon. This ensures that the skin makes good contact with the pan and starts to crisp.
Continue to cook, pressing gently on the back of the salmon fillets occasionally. Once the skin becomes crispy and the fish is mostly opaque, the fillets should easily release from the pan (this should be about 4 more minutes, depending on the thickness.) Turn the fillets over and cook for another minute or so, until the fish is completely opaque. The internal temperature should register 130°F for medium, (about 7 minutes total) or 140°F for a well-done fillet of fish (a minute longer).
Transfer the fish to a platter and sprinkle some parsley over the fillets. Serve with a simple salad and the caramelized lemon halves. Squeeze some lemon juice over the salmon and enjoy!