Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly seared salmon fillet with a crispy golden exterior and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center, all elevated by a burst of fresh mint flavor. This Pan Grilled Salmon with Mint recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. In just 25 minutes, you'll master a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove salmon fillets from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat salmon fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior when pan grilling.
- Season both sides of salmon fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan, pressing gently to ensure full contact with the cooking surface.
- Cook salmon for approximately 4-5 minutes without moving, allowing the skin to become crisp and golden brown.
- Gently flip the fillets using a spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the flesh side until the salmon is cooked through but still slightly translucent in the center.
- Remove salmon from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped mint over the salmon fillets just before serving to enhance the flavor profile.
- Plate the salmon and serve immediately with your choice of side dishes like roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let salmon sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent overcooking.
- Moisture is the Enemy of Crispiness: Thoroughly pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to achieve that coveted crispy skin.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook salmon in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and prevent steaming.
- Listen to the Sizzle: A proper sear should create a gentle, consistent sizzling sound - not a violent popping.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Fresh Mint is Key: Chop mint just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 487kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 109mg
