Why You’ll Love This Crispy Skin Salmon Recipe
Crispy skin salmon is a culinary delight that transforms dinner into a special occasion. I absolutely love how the skin turns golden and crunchy, adding that perfect texture to the buttery fish beneath.
Each bite bursts with flavor, and it’s surprisingly simple to make. The aroma fills my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.
Pair it with vibrant sides like brown rice and edamame, and you’ve got a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Plus, it’s elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Crispy Skin Salmon
When it comes to preparing a delicious meal, having the right ingredients is half the battle. For this crispy skin salmon recipe, you’ll want to gather some fresh and flavorful items that really make the dish shine. Don’t worry; it’s not complicated. In fact, many of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
So, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cups water
- Juice of 1 lime wedge
- 1 garlic clove, smashed
- 3 teaspoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- For the Edamame:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups edamame, shelled, blanched, and cooled
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/8 cup onions, finely minced or 1 shallot
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Salmon:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 10 ounces salmon fillets, skin on
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, crushed
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons distilled vinegar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- A pinch of salt
Now that you have your shopping list, let’s chat about a few things to keep in mind.
First off, the quality of your salmon really matters. If you can, opt for wild-caught salmon; it tends to have a richer flavor and a better texture compared to farmed.
Also, don’t skip on the fresh herbs, especially cilantro and parsley. They add a pop of freshness that can elevate your dish from good to absolutely fantastic.
And while we’re at it, consider how you’ll plate this dish. A sprinkle of the chimichurri sauce on top of the salmon not only looks stunning, but it also ties all those incredible flavors together.
How to Make Crispy Skin Salmon
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful world of making crispy skin salmon. First up, we’ll tackle the rice, which is the perfect base for this dish. Grab 1 cup of brown rice and toss it into a rice cooker with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Mix it up a bit, just to get that oil evenly distributed.
Now, pour in 2 cups of water, the juice of 1 lime wedge for that zesty kick, and drop in a smashed garlic clove. This is where the magic begins. Cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions—easy peasy. But here’s a little pro tip: after it’s done cooking, let it sit for 20 minutes. It’s like giving the rice a timeout to fluff up beautifully. Finally, stir in 3 teaspoons of chopped cilantro for that fresh pop of flavor.
Now, let’s move on to the edamame. You’ll need 2 cups of shelled, blanched, and cooled edamame, which you can find prepped in most grocery stores—thank goodness for modern convenience. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pan until it’s just smoking. Add the edamame and let it hang out for a minute—don’t stir it just yet, we want to get some nice char on them.
After that, toss in 1/8 cup of finely minced onions or shallots, along with a chopped garlic clove. Cook for about 2 minutes and season with salt and pepper. The edamame should look vibrant and smell heavenly at this point.
Now for the star of the show: the salmon. Take 10 ounces of salmon fillets, skin on, and season the flesh side with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pan until it’s just smoking—careful not to burn yourself in the process.
Place the salmon in the pan skin side down and let it cook for about 5 minutes. You should see that oil sizzling and the flesh cooking from the bottom up like a beautiful piece of art. When the flesh looks like it’s cooked halfway up, gently flip it over and cook for just 20 seconds—just enough to finish it off.
Now, while the salmon is resting, let’s whip up a quick chimichurri sauce. Combine 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 1 chopped garlic clove, ½ teaspoon of crushed red chili pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, 3 tablespoons of distilled vinegar, ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
Drizzle this vibrant sauce over your perfectly cooked salmon, and voilà! You’ve got yourself an impressive dish that’s sure to wow anyone at the dinner table. Just remember to take a moment to admire your handiwork before plunging in—you earned it!
Crispy Skin Salmon Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your crispy skin salmon, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can explore.
Try swapping salmon for trout or even skin-on chicken thighs for a different flavor profile. For a kick, experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or lemon pepper.
You can also add a twist with toppings like avocado or mango salsa instead of traditional sauces. If you want a healthier side, consider quinoa or a simple green salad instead of rice.
These small changes can make a big difference in your meal, keeping things exciting and fresh!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing crispy skin salmon, it’s important to pay attention to a few key details that can elevate your dish.
First, always make certain your pan is hot enough before adding the salmon; this helps achieve that perfect crispy skin.
Also, don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary. I like seasoning the salmon generously with salt and pepper for flavor.
When flipping, use a gentle touch to avoid tearing the skin.
Finally, let the salmon rest for a minute before serving; this helps retain its juices.
Trust me, these tips will take your salmon to the next level!