Description
This recipe creates perfectly seared salmon steaks with desirable char lines and a bright, invigorating citrus yellow flavor. It’s a simple, restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and a healthy family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon steaks, 1-inch thick (approx 170g each)
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 2–3 fresh lemons
- 2 Tbsp (10 g) fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 0.5 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep Your Salmon Steaks: Pat salmon dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season generously with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper on both sides, then zest one lemon over the salmon, ensuring an even coating.
- Heat Your Pan: Place a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat for 3-5 minutes, until smoking lightly. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, watching for it to shimmer, indicating it’s ready.
- Sear for Char Lines: Carefully place salmon steaks, skin-side down (if applicable, otherwise presentation side down), in the hot pan. Press lightly with a spatula to ensure full contact and listen for a strong sizzle. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving to achieve deep, delicious char lines.
- Flip & Finish: Flip the salmon steaks carefully. Squeeze fresh lemon juice (from 0.5 lemon) over them and add a sprig of dill or parsley to the pan. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, and the flesh looks opaque.
- Rest & Serve: Remove salmon from pan and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Garnish with more fresh herbs and lemon wedges for that vibrant citrus yellow presentation, ready to enjoy.
Notes
To prevent overcooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F (63°C). For best searing, ensure the pan is (very) hot and the fish releases naturally before flipping. This dish is naturally low-carb; serve with non-starchy vegetables. Try avocado oil for a higher smoke point or butter for richer flavor. Limes or oranges can be used for different citrus profiles. Wild-caught salmon is often leaner. Fresh herbs and organic lemons enhance flavor. Buy firm, moist salmon and cook within 1-2 days. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes. For kids, offer lemon juice on the side. Add thin lemon slices to the pan during the last minute for extra citrus.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon steak (approx 170g)
- Calories: 480 calories
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: salmon, char lines, citrus, lemon, seared, healthy, easy dinner, weeknight, fish, omega-3