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Perfect Pan-Seared Salmon

Crispy skin, juicy salmon in 12 minutes. Pan-sear, bake, or grill with foolproof steps.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
  • Fish spatula or wide turner
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Paper towels
  • Basting spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 4 (6-oz) skin-on salmon fillets
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme

Instructions
 

  • Heat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high until a water drop sizzles (3 min).
  • Add oil; place fillets skin-side down. Don’t touch for 4 minutes.
  • Flip with a fish spatula; lower heat to medium.
  • Add butter, garlic, thyme; baste by spooning over fillets for 90 seconds.
  • Check 125°F for medium (use sashimi-grade or flash-frozen salmon). Rest 3 minutes on a warm plate (pre-warmed in a 200°F oven, turned off)