Cast Iron Salmon
This cast iron salmon recipe delivers a perfectly crispy, golden sear with tender, flaky flesh—just like a restaurant-quality dish, but ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you're using skin-on or skinless fillets, this method ensures rich flavor and minimal cleanup.
Equipment
- Cast-Iron Skillet
- Oven
- Tongs
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 fillets salmon about 6 oz each; skin-on or skinless
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Optional Garnish
- fresh lemon wedges for serving
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) into the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2 minutes. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the salmon in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 15 minutes before cooking. Ensure your cast iron skillet is well-seasoned to prevent sticking, especially when using skinless fillets.