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Pan Fried Salmon with Maple Ginger Glaze Recipe

A wonderful salmon recipe
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: salmon
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 fillets salmon skin on
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon optional
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil or avocado oil

For the Glaze

  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Pan Frying the Salmon

  • Select fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Wild-caught salmon is often preferred for its robust flavor, but farm-raised salmon can also be used.
  • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieving a crispy skin. Season the fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron or stainless steel, to ensure even heat distribution. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or avocado oil.
  • Place the salmon fillets in the hot pan, skin-side down. Press the fillets lightly with a spatula to ensure even contact with the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving the fillets, allowing the skin to become crispy.
  • Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or appears opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Preparing the Maple Ginger Glaze

  • Combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the glaze thickens. Remove from heat once the desired consistency is reached.
  • Once the salmon fillets are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the maple ginger glaze generously over the salmon, ensuring even coverage.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

We served this dish with a watercress, orange & parsnip salad but you can serve it with greens, rice, vegetables or a combination of all.