The LAZIEST but Best Way to Cook Salmon
The LAZIEST but Best Way to Cook Salmon is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by Senpai Kai on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 25 min
Cost: $13.00 total, $6.50 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 fillets Salmon Fillet (Skin‑on, about 200 g each, fresh)
- 1 tsp Salt (Kosher or sea salt)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp High Smoke Point Oil (Canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Melted, for sauce)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp Fresh Tarragon Flowers (Garnish, optional if unavailable use chopped tarragon leaves)
Instructions
Pat and Season Salmon
Use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets completely dry, then sprinkle both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Time: PT5M
Heat Oil Until Smoking
Add the high‑smoke‑point oil to the skillet and heat over medium‑high until the oil just begins to smoke.
Time: PT2M
Sear Skin‑Side Down
Place the salmon fillets skin‑side down in the hot pan, press gently with a spatula for 5 seconds to ensure full contact, then reduce heat to medium‑low and cook for 6‑8 minutes until the skin is deep golden and releases easily.
Time: PT8M
Finish (Optional Flip)
If you prefer the flesh more done, gently flip the fillets and cook an additional 1‑2 minutes; for medium‑rare, skip this step.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Butter‑Lemon Sauce
While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small bowl (microwave or stovetop) and whisk in the fresh lemon juice until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Plate and Garnish
Transfer the salmon to a serving plate, drizzle the butter‑lemon sauce over the top, and sprinkle the tarragon flowers for a fresh aromatic finish.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 500
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 35 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Fish, Dairy
Last updated: April 7, 2026





