Alton Brown Salmon Recipe

Alton Brown Salmon Recipe

This Alton Brown Salmon Recipe is a quick and perfectly seared fish dish, which uses fresh king salmon and simple seasoning. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 20 minutes.

Alton Brown Salmon Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 (12-ounce) skinless king salmon fillet, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches thick, pin bones removed
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make Alton Brown Salmon

  1. Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 475ºF.
  2. Heat the pan: Set a 10-inch oven-safe sauté pan over medium heat for 2 minutes.
  3. Season the salmon: Brush the salmon fillet with vegetable oil and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  4. Sear the salmon: Place the fillet flesh side down in the hot pan. Cook without moving it for 3 minutes.
  5. Finish in the oven: Flip the salmon, transfer the pan to the oven, and bake for 5 minutes.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Alton Brown Salmon Recipe
Alton Brown Salmon Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Can I use another type of salmon?
    Yes, but adjust the cooking time for thinner cuts like sockeye or coho.
  • Why rest the salmon after cooking?
    Resting helps redistribute the juices, making the fish more moist and tender.
  • What’s the best oil to use?
    Use a high-smoke-point oil like vegetable or avocado oil for searing.
  • How to tell if salmon is done:
    The salmon should flake easily with a fork and be opaque in the center.

What To Serve With Salmon

Pair this simple salmon with light, flavorful sides like:

  • Roasted asparagus
  • Lemon rice pilaf
  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Mixed greens with vinaigrette
  • Steamed broccoli with lemon

How To Store Salmon

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Salmon Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 300
  • Fat: 18g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 220mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this with skin-on salmon?
Yes, sear skin-side down first and adjust timing if needed.

Do I need to use king salmon?
No, but king salmon is known for its rich flavor and thick cut, which works best with this method.

Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?
It’s possible, but finishing in the oven ensures even cooking without over-searing.

Should I marinate the salmon first?
This recipe is designed for a clean, crisp sear without a marinade. You can add a glaze or sauce after cooking if desired.

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Alton Brown Salmon Recipe

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 7 minutesCook time: 8 minutesRest time: 5 minutesTotal time: 20 minutesServings:2 servingsCalories:300 kcal Best Season:Available

Description

A quick and flavorful salmon fillet seared on the stovetop and finished in the oven for tender, juicy results.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 475ºF.
  2. Heat an oven-safe sauté pan over medium heat for 2 minutes.
  3. Brush salmon with oil and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Place fillet flesh side down in the pan and cook for 3 minutes.
  5. Flip salmon, transfer to oven, and bake for 5 minutes.
  6. Remove, cover with foil, and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Keywords:Alton Brown Salmon Recipe

Hamdi Saidani

Hamdi Saidani has been a food and recipe blogger for more than 5 years years. He specializes in creating and recreating recipes from top chefs, making them easy to follow and accessible for home cooks.