Description
This vibrant salmon recipe features a fresh parsley sauce that brings a bright, herbaceous flavor to perfectly cooked salmon fillets. The salmon is first seared skin-side down in a skillet for a crispy texture, then finished in the oven to reach your preferred doneness. The parsley sauce, made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and apple cider vinegar, adds a zesty and refreshing complement to the rich fish.
Ingredients
Parsley Sauce
- 1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 large clove garlic, peeled
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salmon
- 4 3-ounce salmon fillets, skin on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the salmon sauce: Combine the fresh parsley leaves, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, peeled garlic clove, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a high-speed blender. Pulse until the mixture is very smooth. Pour the sauce into a jar and set it aside to use later.
- Season the salmon: Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly on both sides of each salmon fillet to enhance their flavor.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for finishing the salmon after searing.
- Sear the salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook them without flipping, watching for when the edges change color indicating they are halfway cooked.
- Finish cooking in the oven: Transfer the skillet with the salmon to the preheated oven. Cook the salmon based on your preferred doneness: 8-10 minutes for slightly pink in the middle, or 12-15 minutes if you prefer it more thoroughly cooked.
- Serve: Remove the salmon fillets from the skillet and place them on a serving dish. Drizzle the prepared parsley sauce generously over each fillet and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is oven-safe before transferring it to the oven.
- The parsley sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
- For a crispier skin, press the salmon gently with a spatula while searing.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor; dried parsley will not work as well in the sauce.