How to Make Pan Seared Salmon

Let’s make pan seared salmon today. The first thing we are going to do is marinate it.

Marinating salmon is a technique used to infuse the fish with additional flavors, enhance its natural taste, and sometimes to tenderize it. The process involves soaking the salmon in a seasoned liquid for a period of time before cooking. Here are some key aspects and benefits of marinating salmon:

Benefits of Marinating Salmon

1. Flavor Enhancement:

• Depth and Complexity: A marinade can add layers of flavor to the salmon, making it more complex and interesting. Ingredients like herbs, spices, citrus, soy sauce, and various aromatics contribute to a rich taste profile.
• Balance: Marinades can balance the natural richness and oiliness of salmon with acidity from citrus or vinegar, sweetness from honey or maple syrup, and savory elements from soy sauce or miso.

2. Moisture Retention:

• Juiciness: Marinating can help retain moisture in the salmon, ensuring it remains juicy and tender after cooking. The oil or fat in the marinade can create a barrier that locks in moisture.

3. Tenderization:

• Textural Improvement: Certain ingredients in a marinade, such as acidic components like lemon juice or vinegar, can slightly break down the proteins in the salmon, making it more tender. However, care must be taken not to marinate for too long, as overexposure to acids can result in a mushy texture.

4. Infusion of Aromatics:

• Enhanced Aroma: Marinating allows the salmon to absorb aromatic elements such as garlic, ginger, herbs, and spices, enhancing the overall sensory experience when the fish is cooked and served.

Key Components of a Marinade

1. Acid:

• Acids like lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, or wine add brightness and help to tenderize the fish. They can also balance the richness of the salmon.

2. Oil:

• Oils such as olive oil, sesame oil, or vegetable oil help to coat the salmon, ensuring even flavor distribution and aiding in moisture retention during cooking.

3. Flavorings:

• Herbs and Spices: Fresh or dried herbs (dill, parsley, thyme) and spices (pepper, paprika, cumin) add specific flavor notes.
• Aromatics: Ingredients like garlic, ginger, and onions provide depth and complexity.
• Sweeteners: Honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup can balance acidity and add a subtle sweetness.

Techniques for Marinating

1. Duration:

• Timing: Marinating salmon typically ranges from 30 minutes to a few hours. Over-marinating can lead to a mushy texture, especially with acidic marinades.
• Quick Marinades: Even a short marination time of 15-30 minutes can impart significant flavor.

2. Method:

• Even Coating: Ensure the marinade evenly coats all surfaces of the salmon. This can be done in a shallow dish, a resealable plastic bag, or a vacuum-sealed bag for maximum infusion.
• Refrigeration: Always marinate salmon in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.

3. Cooking Techniques:

• Grilling, Baking, or Pan-Searing: The marinated salmon can be cooked using various methods, each providing different textures and flavors. Grilling adds a smoky element, baking ensures even cooking, and pan-searing creates a crispy exterior.

Considerations and Tips

• Balancing Flavors: Aim for a balance of acidity, sweetness, and savoriness in your marinade. Too much acid can overpower the fish, while too much sweetness can mask its natural flavor.
• Freshness: Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best results. Fresh herbs and spices will also yield a more vibrant and aromatic marinade.
• Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to find your preferred marinade. Global flavors, such as teriyaki, Mediterranean, or Caribbean-inspired marinades, can offer unique and exciting taste experiences.

Marinating salmon is an excellent way to elevate its natural flavors, add moisture, and create a deliciously complex dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of culinary preparations.

This is what you are going to need for this marinated pan seared salmon –

1- 2 pound fillet of salmon
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 scallions, finely chopped, white, light green and dark green
1 tsp. sesame oil
2 TBS soy sauce – preferably reduced sodium
2 TBS rice wine vinegar

Rinse and pat dry the fish. Carefully remove the skin, without destroying the fish. Cut it into 4 even pieces. Place it in a bowl.

In a separate bowl mix all of the other ingredients. Pour over the fish and make sure to cover all of it. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Heat a large skillet with a thin coat of olive oil. Remove the fish form the marinade – discard the marinade – and place into the hot skillet. Sear one side for 5 to 7 minutes and flip. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until fish is cooked through. Serve.

Print the Asian Marinated Salmon Recipe Here