Pan-Fried Fish Fillets Or Steaks
4 servings Our favorite way to cook salmon fillets. Most of the frying occurs on the skin side, which gets nice and crispy.
Ingredients
- 1½ to 2 pounds skin-on fish fillets or steaks, at least 1 inch thick
- Salt (if not brined) and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 (Salsa Verde, Yogurt-Dill Sauce, or Fruit Salsa) (opens in new tab)
Let's Prepare
Collect
Gather these ingredients — no prep needed yet.
- 1½ to 2 pounds skin-on fish fillets or steaks, at least 1 inch thick
- Salt (if not brined) and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 (Salsa Verde, Yogurt-Dill Sauce, or Fruit Salsa)
Let's Cook
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Step 1.
Have ready: 1½ to 2 pounds skin-on fish fillets or steaks, at least 1 inch thick
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Step 2.
Brine or dry-brine, if desired, and pat dry. Sprinkle with: Salt (if not brined) and black pepper
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Step 3.
Heat in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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Step 4.
For fillets: Lay the fish skin side down in the skillet and press gently on the top of the fillets with a spatula for the first 30 seconds. Cook until the skin is deep brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the fish and cook for about 1 minute more for medium-rare to medium or 2 minutes for well-done.
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Step 5.
For steaks: Cook the fish on one side for 4 minutes, turn, and cook for 4 minutes more, or until the internal temperature in the center of the fish reads 125° to 130°F. If desired, serve with: (Salsa Verde, Yogurt-Dill Sauce, or Fruit Salsa)
