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Crispy Baked Salmon with Golden Skin

This baked salmon recipe focuses on achieving a perfectly crispy, golden crust on the skin, elevating the fish's natural tenderness. The key is in searing the skin-side in a hot skillet before finishing in the oven, resulting in a smoky crackle and flaky interior. The final dish boasts a satisfying crunch with tender, flavorful flesh underneath.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Western
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon fillets with skin preferably skin-on for crispiness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt for seasoning
  • 1 lemon lemon for juice and zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped for garnish
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Ovenproof skillet
  • Spatula
  • Tongs
  • Parchment or foil-lined baking sheet
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, especially on the skin—this helps achieve that crispy crackle.
  3. Rub the fillets with a little olive oil on all sides, focusing on the skin, and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt to help draw out moisture and promote crispness.
  4. Heat an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until hot—when you flick a drop of water, it should sizzle immediately.
  5. Add a splash of olive oil to the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
  6. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the hot skillet, pressing gently with a spatula for about 10 seconds to prevent curling and ensure contact.
  7. Sear the fillets for 4-5 minutes, watching for the skin to turn deep golden brown and crackle, with a rich aroma filling the air.
  8. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip each fillet and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  9. Bake the salmon for 6-8 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork, indicating perfect doneness.
  10. Remove the skillet from the oven, transfer the fillets to a plate, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, garnishing with chopped dill and black pepper for brightness and aroma.
  11. Serve immediately, with the crispy skin facing up to enjoy that satisfying crackle with every bite.

Notes

Ensure the skin is thoroughly dried and seasoned well to maximize crispness. For extra flavor, add a dash of paprika or garlic powder before searing. Resting the salmon briefly after baking helps retain its juiciness.