Is salmon better in the oven or in a skillet?

They're both great options, it just depends what you're looking for! The skillet tends to be quicker, so if you're looking to get your meal on the table in about 15 minutes - go for the skillet. If you're looking to set it and forget it, just throw it in the oven.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The best way to tell if the salmon is done is to test the internal temperature of the salmon with a digital instant-read thermometer. It should be 125 degrees in the center. You can also flake it apart with a knife to check if the center is still undercooked.

Can this be made ahead?

You can prep this ahead by making the avocado mash and storing it in an air-tight container with a layer of plastic wrap pressed down against the surface to prevent it from browning. You can also skin the salmon and portion it. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook it. For leftovers, note that it doesn't reheat super well the next day. If you do have leftovers, either heat the salmon up in a pan or enjoy it cold (microwaving salmon tends to dry it out).

Easy Skillet Salmon with Avocado and Basil

Name: Easy Skillet Salmon with Avocado and Basil
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons coconut oil; 1 ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt, divided; 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 ½ pounds boneless salmon filet, skin removed; 1 avocado; ¼ cup chopped basil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; chopped scallions, for garnish

Description

This skillet salmon with avocado and basil mash comes together in 15 minutes for a healthy restaurant-quality dinner in minutes!

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 teaspoons coconut oil
1 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds boneless salmon filet, skin removed
1 avocado
1/4 cup chopped basil
1 tablespoon lime juice
chopped scallions, for garnish

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Instructions

Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium high heat. Sprinkle ¾ teaspoon salt, Italian seasonings, crushed red pepper and black pepper all over the salmon. Lay salmon filet skinned side up in the hot oil. Let cook, undisturbed until browned and crispy along the bottom edge, and the flesh is opaque about half way up the side of the filet, 4 to 6 minutes, depending on thickness. Flip salmon over and remove skillet from heat. Allow salmon to remain in hot skillet to allow the carry-over heat to continue cooking the other side to desired doneness, about 4 minutes more.
Meanwhile, peel pit and mash avocado with basil, lime juice and the remaining ¾ teaspoon salt.
Serve salmon topped with avocado mash sprinkled with scallions if desired.

Notes

Ingredient Note: I used crushed red pepper, ground black pepper, salt, and Italian seasonings. Teeny Tiny Spice Co makes Hot Italian Spice that is perfect to use if you have that on hand. I love that stuff! I use it all the time.

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 5 ounces salmon, 2 1/2 tablespoons avocado
Calories: 232
Sugar: 0
Sodium: 525
Fat: 9
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 7
Fiber: 3
Protein: 32