If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to prepare, marinated salmon cooked in a cast iron skillet is the perfect choice. This method of cooking preserves the natural flavors of the fish while adding a burst of tangy, savory marinade. It results in a tender and juicy salmon filet with a crispy exterior.

To begin, you’ll need a fresh salmon fillet. Look for fillets with vibrant, firm flesh and a mild, buttery aroma. You can choose from a variety of marinades to infuse the fish with flavor. Popular options include teriyaki, honey mustard, or a simple lemon herb marinade. The marinade not only enhances the taste of the fish but also helps to keep it moist during the cooking process.

Before cooking, allow the salmon to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish and creates a more intense taste. When you’re ready to begin cooking, heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. The even heat distribution of the cast iron ensures that the salmon will cook evenly and develop a beautiful, golden crust.

Once the skillet is hot, remove the salmon from the marinade and gently pat it dry with paper towels. This step is important to ensure that the salmon doesn’t steam in the skillet and retains its crispy exterior. Season the salmon with salt and pepper, and carefully place it skin-side down in the hot skillet. Allow it to cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and releases easily from the pan.

Using a spatula, carefully flip the salmon over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness. Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the marinated salmon hot and garnish it with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor.

In conclusion, cooking marinated salmon in a cast iron skillet is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious fish. With a little preparation and the right technique, you can create a delicious and impressive meal that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests.

Preparing the marinated salmon

Before you start cooking the marinated salmon in a cast iron skillet, you need to prepare the fish to ensure it is ready for the cooking process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Thaw the salmon:

Start by thawing the salmon if it’s frozen. Place the frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight or thaw it under running cold water until it is completely defrosted. Make sure to remove any excess moisture by patting it dry with paper towels.

2. Marinate the salmon:

Next, marinate the salmon to infuse it with flavor. In a bowl, combine your desired marinade ingredients such as lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the salmon in a shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

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3. Preheat the skillet:

In the meantime, preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough for cooking the salmon. This will help create a nice sear on the fish.

4. Prepare the cooking surface:

Before placing the marinated salmon in the skillet, lightly coat the cooking surface with oil to prevent sticking. You can use a brush to evenly distribute the oil and ensure the entire surface is covered.

Note:

Make sure to preheat the skillet and coat it with oil just before you plan to cook the salmon to avoid overheating or burning the oil.

5. Remove the salmon from marinade:

Once the salmon has finished marinating, remove it from the marinade and gently pat it with a paper towel to remove excess liquid. Discard the used marinade.

At this point, your marinated salmon is ready to be cooked in the cast iron skillet to perfection and enjoyed as a delicious meal!

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Choosing the right salmon

When it comes to cooking marinated salmon in a cast iron skillet, choosing the right salmon is crucial. The type and quality of the salmon will affect the taste and texture of the dish. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting salmon for this recipe:

1. Freshness

Always choose fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture. Look for salmon fillets that have a firm and moist appearance. Avoid fish that looks dry or has a strong fishy smell.

2. Wild-caught or farm-raised

Decide whether you prefer wild-caught or farm-raised salmon. Wild-caught salmon is known for its rich flavor and high omega-3 fatty acid content. Farm-raised salmon is generally more affordable and easier to find. Both types can work well for this recipe, so choose based on your personal preferences and budget.

3. Skin-on or skinless

You can choose between skin-on or skinless salmon fillets. Leaving the skin on can help protect the flesh during cooking and add extra flavor. However, if you prefer to cook skinless fillets, make sure they are evenly cut and have a good thickness to prevent overcooking.

4. Sustainably sourced

Consider buying salmon that is sustainably sourced to support responsible fishing practices. Look for certifications such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) to ensure that the salmon was sourced from well-managed fisheries or farms.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right salmon for cooking marinated salmon in a cast iron skillet. Remember, fresh and high-quality salmon will contribute to a delicious and satisfying meal.

Creating the marinade

Making a flavorful marinade is key to achieving delicious marinated salmon. Here’s a simple recipe that you can customize to your taste:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper until well combined.
  2. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
  3. Pour the marinade over the salmon, making sure each fillet is evenly coated.
  4. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the salmon to absorb the marinade.
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Note: You can also add additional ingredients to the marinade, such as honey, Dijon mustard, or your favorite herbs and spices, to customize the flavor to your liking.

Once the marinade is ready, it’s time to move on to cooking the marinated salmon in a cast iron skillet.

Marinating the salmon

To begin, place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a ziplock bag.

Next, prepare the marinade by combining the following ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Whisk the marinade together until well combined. Then, pour the marinade over the salmon fillets, making sure they are fully coated.

Cover the dish or seal the bag, and let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a stronger flavor.

This marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate the salmon and infuse it with delicious taste.

After marinating, remove the salmon from the dish or bag and discard any excess marinade.

Now you are ready to cook the marinated salmon in a cast iron skillet!

Cooking the marinated salmon

Once the salmon has finished marinating, it’s time to cook it in a cast iron skillet. This method of cooking allows for even heat distribution and a delicious crispy crust on the fish.

Ingredients:

– Marinated salmon fillets

– Cooking oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil)

– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add enough cooking oil to the skillet to lightly coat the surface.
  3. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated salmon fillets into the skillet, skin side up.
  4. Cook the salmon for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is nicely browned and crispy. Do not move the fillets around during this time to ensure a crispy crust forms.
  5. Using a spatula, carefully flip the salmon fillets over, taking care not to break the crust.
  6. Cook the salmon for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Season the cooked salmon with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Remove the salmon from the skillet and serve immediately.

Serving suggestions:

Marinated salmon can be served on its own as a main dish, or paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It also goes well with a lemon-dill sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Recipe Prep Time Cook Time Total Time
Marinated salmon in cast iron skillet 10 minutes 8 minutes 18 minutes

Preheating the cast iron skillet

Before cooking the marinated salmon in a cast iron skillet, it is important to preheat the skillet properly. This will help ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and develops a delicious sear.

Step 1: Gather the necessary tools

First, make sure you have all the necessary tools for preheating the cast iron skillet:

– Cast iron skillet
– Stove or burner
– Cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)

Step 2: Heat the skillet

Place the cast iron skillet on a stove or burner and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the skillet to heat for about 5 minutes, or until it is hot to the touch.

Step 3: Add the cooking oil

Once the skillet is hot, add a small amount of cooking oil. Swirl the oil around the bottom of the skillet to evenly coat it.

Step 4: Let the skillet heat up

Allow the skillet to heat up with the oil for another 1-2 minutes, or until the oil is shimmering and just starting to smoke. This indicates that the skillet is properly preheated.

Once the cast iron skillet is preheated, it is ready for cooking the marinated salmon. Follow the remaining steps in the recipe for a delicious and flavorful meal!

FAQ

How do I marinate the salmon?

To marinate the salmon, simply mix together the desired marinade ingredients in a bowl. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over the fish. Make sure the salmon is fully coated with the marinade, then cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the salmon.

Do I need to preheat the cast iron skillet before cooking?

Yes, it is recommended to preheat the cast iron skillet before cooking the marinated salmon. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes until it is hot. Preheating the skillet ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and develops a nice sear on the outside.

How long should I cook the marinated salmon in the cast iron skillet?

The cooking time for marinated salmon in a cast iron skillet will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it is done.

Can I use a different type of skillet instead of a cast iron skillet?

Yes, if you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use a different type of skillet to cook the marinated salmon. A stainless steel or non-stick skillet would work well too. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, as different skillets may cook the salmon at slightly different rates.

What are the ingredients needed to cook marinated salmon in cast iron skillet?

To cook marinated salmon in a cast iron skillet, you will need the following ingredients: salmon fillets, olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic cloves (minced), ginger (grated), honey, salt, and pepper.

How long should I marinate the salmon before cooking it in a cast iron skillet?

It is recommended to marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes before cooking it in a cast iron skillet. This will allow the flavors to infuse into the fish and make it more flavorful.