How to Prepare Pan-fried Fresh Salmon

Fresh salmon is doubtless my favorite fish. And my favorite way to prepare it is to simply season it with salt and pepper and pan-fry it in a bit of butter. Drench it in fresh squeezed lemon juice and I'm in heaven!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fresh salmon filets
• Kosher salt
• Fresh or course ground pepper
• 1-2 fresh garlic cloves mashed and peeled OR garlic powder(if desired)
• Butter or vegetable oil

1. 
   Scaling Salmon

   The most important thing anyone needs to know about preparing any fish is that you must start with the freshest fish possible. Fresh salmon has a lovely darkish pink color and nearly no odor at all. If it smells at all fishy, don’t buy it!
   If scales are present on the skin side remove by scraping with a sharp knife blade against the direction the scales grow-from the narrower or tail end towards the wider head end. It helps to place filets on a cutting board in the sink and take your time as to not cause scales to fly everywhere! Rinse fish and pat dry then allow to air dry a bit on paper toweling.

2. 
   Seasoned salmon ready for the pan.

   Season fish with Kosher salt and course or freshly ground pepper. (Also prinkle with a bit of garlic powder if desired.)

3. Next, melt butter in heavy bottomed skillet over medium to medium high heat. When butter is melted, add fresh garlic if using. Let cook, stirring as needed, for about 1-2 minutes or until both butter and garlic are lightly browned. Remove garlic cloves and discard.

4. 
   Pan frying Salmon

   Add salmon filets skin side up. Cook for 3-6 minutes or until a nice brown crust if formed on the underneath. Turn skin side down and cook 2-6 minutes more or until done. Fish should be opaque throughout and flake easily when done. Do not over cook!

5. 
   Ready to serve!

   Transfer to plate. Adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

Tips & Warnings

• It is easy to over cook fish. Some cooks prefer to remove fish just before done and allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving as it will continue to cook even after removing from the heat.
• Serve with a lovely fresh salad and you have a complete meal!
• To grill salmon, cover grill with foil sprayed with cooking spray. Place salmon on grill. Cook 3-6 mins per side or until done.
• Don't take for granted that your salmon filet is totally bonelss. Even fileted fish can some times contain a bone or two!

[suzonka]

on 6/6/2009 ill try it