Salmon Blt Recipe

1. Prepare bacon

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange bacon slices on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet (or directly on the sheet). Bake 12–15 minutes until crisp. Remove and transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Keep oven on for toasting buns if you prefer oven-toasted later.

2. Season salmon

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle with 1 tbs olive oil and rub to coat. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (if using). Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes while bacon cooks.

3. Cook salmon

Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a thin film of oil if needed. When hot, place salmon fillets in the pan and sear 3–4 minutes, flesh-side down, without moving to get a golden crust. Flip and cook 2–4 minutes more until salmon registers 125–130°F (51–54°C) for medium, or longer to desired doneness. Remove from heat and let rest 2 minutes; flaky but moist.

4. Toast buns: Split buns and lightly butter cut sides with the softened butter. Toast in a hot skillet cut-side down 1–2 minutes until golden, or place in the oven for 3–5 minutes.

5. Make lemon-mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (3 tbs), Dijon mustard (1 tsp) and juice of half a lemon. Stir until smooth. Season to taste with a pinch of salt and pepper.

6. Prepare tomato and lettuce: Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch (6 mm) rounds. Remove 2 leaves of iceberg per sandwich and pat dry. If leaves are very large, tear to fit buns.

7. Assemble sandwiches: Spread about half of the lemon-mayo on the bottom bun. Place 1 leaf of iceberg, then a salmon fillet (break into two pieces if large), add 3 slices of bacon (or arrange to preference), then two tomato slices, and finish with the remaining lettuce leaf and a smear of lemon-mayo on the top bun. Add optional dill or a few capers/hot sauce if desired.

8. Serve: Cut sandwich in half if desired and serve immediately while salmon is warm and bacon crisp. Garnish with chopped dill or parsley and offer extra lemon wedges or hot sauce on the side.