Print

King Salmon Recipe – The Most Flavorful Way to Cook Premium Fish

King salmon recipe pan-seared with crispy skin and lemon

A buttery, rich king salmon recipe featuring crisp skin, juicy flesh, and simple, bold ingredients. Learn how to pan-sear, bake, or grill it like a pro with tips, variations, and perfect pairings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 fresh king salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon fresh thyme or dill

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional:

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for marinade)

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for glaze)

Pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and let them rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and optional Dijon or honey glaze.
  3. In a non-stick or cast-iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Place salmon skin-side down, pressing gently for the first 10 seconds to keep it flat.
  5. Cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  6. Flip the fillets carefully, add butter and garlic to the pan, and baste the fish for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • To grill: Brush salmon with olive oil and grill skin-side down for 5–6 minutes. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes.
  • To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake salmon for 12–15 minutes with a drizzle of lemon-butter sauce.
  •  Pair with rice pilaf, roasted asparagus, or cucumber-dill salad for a full meal.
  • Do not over-marinate — acidic ingredients like lemon can “cook” the fish if left too long.

Nutrition

Keywords: king salmon recipe, pan-seared salmon, crispy salmon skin, healthy salmon dinner

Exit mobile version