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October 27, 2024
If you’re a fan of salmon, you’re in for a treat! Cooking salmon in a cast iron skillet in the oven is a delicious and easy way to prepare this nutritious fish. The result is a beautifully seared exterior with a moist and flaky interior, making it a perfect main dish for any occasion.
Using a cast iron skillet is a great choice for cooking salmon in the oven because it distributes heat evenly and retains heat well, giving you a perfectly cooked salmon every time. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced chef, this cooking method is sure to impress your family and friends.
Step 1: Preparing the salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating up, season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with flavors like lemon zest, dill, or garlic powder.
Step 2: Heating the cast iron skillet
Place the cast iron skillet in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes to heat it up. This step is important to ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and gets that perfect sear. Heating the skillet in the oven also reduces the chance of the salmon sticking to the pan.
Step 3: Cooking the salmon
Once the skillet is hot, carefully remove it from the oven using oven mitts or potholders. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and return it to the oven. Cook the salmon for about 12-15 minutes, or until it easily flakes with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
This method of cooking salmon in a cast iron skillet in the oven ensures a beautifully seared crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Serve your deliciously cooked salmon with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Salmon in a Cast Iron Skillet in the Oven
Salmon cooked in a cast iron skillet in the oven is a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to prepare. The cast iron skillet helps to create a crispy skin while keeping the inside tender and moist. Follow these simple steps to cook salmon perfectly every time.
Step 1: Preparing the Salmon
Start by selecting fresh salmon fillets. Make sure they are free of any strong smells and have a nice vibrant color. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Season the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the cast iron skillet inside to heat up as well. It’s important for the skillet to be hot before adding the salmon, as this will help to sear the skin and keep the fish moist.
Step 3: Searing the Salmon
Once the oven and skillet are preheated, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet, and when it starts to shimmer, carefully place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, into the hot skillet. Use a spatula to press the fillets down gently to ensure even searing.
Cook the salmon for about 3 minutes, or until the skin turns crispy and golden brown. Avoid moving the fillets around too much during this time to prevent them from sticking to the skillet.
Step 4: Finishing in the Oven
After searing the salmon, carefully transfer the skillet back into the preheated oven. Cook for an additional 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Serve the salmon hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes like roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh salad.
Follow these simple steps to cook salmon perfectly in a cast iron skillet in the oven. With its crispy skin and tender flesh, you’ll have a delicious meal that is sure to impress!
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Prepare the Salmon
Before cooking salmon in a cast iron skillet in the oven, it’s important to properly prepare the fish. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious result:
- Choose fresh salmon: Select a high-quality piece of salmon from a reputable fishmonger or grocery store. Look for vibrant color and firm flesh.
- Remove the scales: Use a knife or fish scaler to remove the scales from the skin of the salmon. This step is optional, but it can make the skin more enjoyable to eat.
- Check for bones: Run your fingers along the surface of the salmon to feel for any bones. Use a pair of tweezers or fish pliers to remove any bones you find.
- Season the salmon: Sprinkle the salmon with salt and pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend, to enhance the flavor.
- Let it sit at room temperature: Allow the seasoned salmon to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps the fish cook more evenly.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to the desired temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C).
By properly preparing the salmon, you’ll set the stage for a delicious and satisfying dish. Once the salmon is ready, it’s time to heat up the cast iron skillet and start cooking!
Preheat the Oven
Before you start cooking your salmon in a cast iron skillet, it’s important to preheat your oven. This will ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and thoroughly.
To preheat the oven, follow these steps:
- Turn on the oven by pressing the power button.
- Set the oven temperature to the desired cooking temperature. For salmon, a temperature of 375°F (190°C) is recommended.
- Wait for the oven to reach the set temperature. This can take a few minutes, so be patient.
- Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, it is ready to use for cooking your salmon.
Preheating the oven is an essential step in cooking salmon in a cast iron skillet. It ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and retains its moisture, resulting in a delicious and tender dish.
Season the Skillet
Before cooking the salmon, it’s important to properly season the cast iron skillet. This will ensure that the salmon doesn’t stick to the pan and will add flavor to the final dish. Here are the steps to season the skillet:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Wash the cast iron skillet with warm water and mild dish soap. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely with a kitchen towel.
- Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or melted butter to the entire surface of the skillet, including the sides and the handle.
- Place the skillet upside down on the middle rack of the preheated oven.
- Bake the skillet for 1 hour to allow the oil or butter to polymerize and create a non-stick surface.
- After 1 hour, turn off the oven and let the skillet cool down completely inside.
- Once the skillet is cool, use a paper towel to wipe off any excess oil or butter.
By properly seasoning the cast iron skillet, you’ll be ready to cook the salmon without worrying about it sticking to the pan. This step is essential for achieving a crispy and delicious crust on the salmon.
Cook the Salmon in the Skillet
Now that you have preheated the oven and prepared the salmon, it is time to cook it in the skillet. Follow these easy steps to ensure a perfectly cooked salmon:
- Heat the cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. This will allow the skillet to get hot enough to sear the salmon.
- Add a little bit of cooking oil to the skillet and spread it around. This will prevent the salmon from sticking to the skillet.
- Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, in the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can prevent proper cooking.
- Cook the salmon for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it has a nice golden crust. During this time, avoid constantly flipping the salmon, as it can cause it to become dry.
- If you prefer your salmon to be more well-done, you can bake it in the preheated oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Once the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness, carefully remove it from the skillet using a spatula.
- Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and ensure a tender and moist piece of fish.
Tips:
- If you want to add extra flavor to your salmon, you can season it with herbs, spices, or a marinade before cooking.
- Make sure to not overcook the salmon, as it can become dry and lose its flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with different cooking methods, such as broiling or grilling, to achieve different textures and flavors.
| Time | Temperature |
|---|---|
| 3-4 minutes per side | Medium-high heat |
Finish Cooking in the Oven
Once you have seared both sides of the salmon in the cast iron skillet, it’s time to finish cooking it in the oven. This method ensures that the salmon is cooked through evenly and retains its moisture.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you’re searing the salmon on the stove. This will allow the oven to reach the desired temperature by the time you’re ready to transfer the skillet.
Carefully place the cast iron skillet with the seared salmon in the preheated oven. Make sure to use oven mitts to protect your hands from the hot skillet.
The amount of time needed to finish cooking the salmon in the oven will depend on the thickness of the fillets. As a general guide, cook the salmon for 4-6 minutes per 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) thickness.
To check if the salmon is fully cooked, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently twist. If the salmon flakes easily and the flesh is opaque, it’s done. If it still appears translucent in the center, continue cooking for another minute or two.
Once the salmon is fully cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Place it on a heat-resistant surface, such as a trivet or a wooden cutting board, to avoid damaging your countertops.
Keep in mind that the cast iron skillet will remain very hot even after it’s removed from the oven, so handle it with caution.
Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fillet, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Now that your salmon is cooked to perfection, it’s ready to be enjoyed. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a refreshing salad.
FAQ
What is the best way to cook salmon in a cast iron skillet in the oven?
The best way to cook salmon in a cast iron skillet in the oven is to preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper, and then heat the cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the skillet and place the salmon skin-side down. Sear the salmon for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy, then flip it over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
What temperature should the oven be set to for cooking salmon in a cast iron skillet?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for cooking salmon in a cast iron skillet.
How long does it take to cook salmon in a cast iron skillet in the oven?
It usually takes about 8-10 minutes to cook salmon in a cast iron skillet in the oven. You should sear the salmon in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
Can I use any type of seasoning for cooking salmon in a cast iron skillet in the oven?
Yes, you can use any type of seasoning for cooking salmon in a cast iron skillet in the oven. Salt and pepper are commonly used to season the salmon fillet, but you can also add other spices or herbs according to your preference, such as garlic powder, paprika, dill, or lemon zest.