Salmon fillets 101

Salmon fillets 101 is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Adam Ragusea on YouTube.

Prep: 9 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 28 min

Cost: $9.02 total, $4.51 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 fillets Wild Salmon Fillet (about 6 oz each, skin on, pin bones removed)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin, for pan)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Garlic Powder (adds subtle garlic flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes for basting)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 cup Broccoli Florets (steamed, optional side)

Instructions

  1. Thaw and Dry

    If the salmon is frozen, place it in the refrigerator overnight or submerge sealed in cold water for 20‑30 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Remove Pin Bones

    Feel the flesh side for any remaining pin bones and pull them out with tweezers or clean fingers.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Season Fillets

    Season both sides of each fillet with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Heat the Skillet

    Place the skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and wait until it shimmers but does not smoke.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Sear Flesh Side

    Lay the fillets flesh‑side down. Cook without moving until the edges turn opaque about halfway up the side and a golden crust forms, roughly 3‑4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Flip and Baste

    Gently flip the fillets, add butter and lemon juice to the pan, and spoon the melted butter over the fish for 1‑2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Rest

    Transfer the salmon to a plate and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Prepare Side

    While the salmon rests, steam the broccoli florets until bright green and just tender, about 4‑5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
34 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free, Keto‑Friendly

Allergens: Fish, Dairy

Last updated: April 13, 2026

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Salmon fillets 101

Recipe by Adam Ragusea

A simple, forgiving way to cook wild salmon fillets on the stovetop. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then finished with a buttery lemon basting sauce for a moist, medium‑rare center. Served with steamed broccoli for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner.

EasyAmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
9m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
34m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.02
Total cost
$4.51
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Removing pin bones before cooking
  • Ensuring the pan is hot enough for a crust but not smoking
  • Flipping only after the crust releases easily
  • Basting with butter and lemon for flavor and moisture

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Handle the skillet with oven mitts; the handle gets very hot.
  • If cooking for vulnerable individuals, ensure salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of wild salmon in Alaskan cuisine?

A

Wild salmon has been a staple for Indigenous peoples of Alaska for millennia, providing essential protein and omega‑3 fats. Commercially, Alaskan Bristol Bay sockeye salmon is celebrated for its sustainable harvest practices and bright, rich flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of salmon dishes in Pacific Northwest cuisine?

A

In the Pacific Northwest, salmon is traditionally smoked, grilled over cedar planks, or poached in broth. Modern home cooks also pan‑sear it with butter and herbs, as demonstrated in this recipe.

cultural
Q

How is wild salmon traditionally served in Alaska?

A

Wild Alaskan salmon is often served simply grilled or baked, accompanied by seasonal vegetables like potatoes or wild greens, allowing the fish’s natural flavor to shine.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is wild salmon commonly associated with in Alaskan culture?

A

Salmon runs mark important seasonal festivals for Indigenous communities, and the fish is featured at family gatherings, holiday feasts, and community potlucks throughout the year.

cultural
Q

What makes pan‑seared wild salmon special compared to farmed salmon in American cooking?

A

Wild salmon has a higher omega‑3 to omega‑6 ratio and a deeper, more vibrant flavor due to its natural diet of crustaceans, while farmed salmon is fattier and milder. The pan‑sear method highlights the firm texture and bright color of wild salmon.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pan‑seared salmon from the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea?

A

Common errors include cooking over too high heat, which burns the crust; flipping too early before the crust sets; and neglecting to remove pin bones, which can ruin the eating experience.

technical
Q

Why does this Adam Ragusea salmon recipe use medium heat instead of high heat for searing?

A

Medium heat allows the flesh side to develop a golden crust without scorching the oil, and it gives the interior time to reach a perfect medium‑rare doneness while keeping the fish moist.

technical
Q

Can I make this pan‑seared salmon ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can season the fillets up to 30 minutes ahead and keep them refrigerated. Cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheated gently.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the salmon is perfectly medium‑rare?

A

The side of the fillet should be opaque about two‑thirds of the way up, while the center remains a translucent pink that barely jiggles when the pan is shaken.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Adam Ragusea specializes in approachable, science‑backed cooking tutorials that blend culinary fundamentals with humor, focusing on everyday home‑cooking techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea's approach to cooking salmon differ from other cooking channels?

A

Adam Ragusea emphasizes the forgiving nature of salmon, explains the science behind fat content and cooking windows, and demonstrates multiple pan options (stainless steel, cast iron, nonstick) so viewers can choose what works best for their kitchen.

channel

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