King Salmon Recipe
Make King Salmon Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Salmon & Marinade
Finishing & Garnish
Method
Salmon & Marinade
Prep the fish
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Check for any pin bones and remove with fish tweezers if present. Score the skin lightly in two or three places (about 1/4-inch cuts) to prevent curling during cooking.
Make the marinade
In a shallow bowl or rimmed dish, whisk together the 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, the minced garlic, grated ginger, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until honey is dissolved and mixture is homogeneous.
Marinate
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the dish and spoon half of the marinade over the top, reserving the other half for basting. Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. Do not marinate longer than 60 minutes to avoid textural change from the acid in the lemon/soy.
Cook & Finish
Preheat and prepare pan
When ready to cook, remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Preheat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until hot. Wipe the pan with a little oil or add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to coat the surface.
Sear skin-side down
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Press gently with a spatula for the first 15 seconds to ensure even contact. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the fish is mostly cooked through on the sides (you should see the cooked portion move up the fillet).
Flip and baste
Flip the fillets carefully and reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan and spoon the reserved marinade over the top of the fish as it cooks. Cook for 1–2 minutes more, basting constantly, until the salmon reaches desired doneness (125–130°F/52–54°C for medium-rare to 135°F/57°C for medium). Total cook time will be about 6–8 minutes depending on thickness (about 1 inch thick).