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    Home » Blog » Uncategorized

    Salmon A La Plancha

    Published: Sep 15, 2021 · Modified: Apr 25, 2022 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    Salmon a la plancha, or pan-seared salmon is a delicious recipe that any fish lover will adore. Perfectly seared to golden perfection on the outside and fork-tender on the inside, this salmon in cast iron recipe will have you hooked from the first bite.

    I’ve always loved fish of any kind, from fried to baked, but my favorite way to cook it is in the pan. Using high heat and a cast-iron skillet, I’ve perfected this delicious herbed butter salmon recipe.

    Salmon on a bed of asparagus and a slice of lemon; all served on a white plate. The salmon is topped with thyme and chopped garlic.

    Seared Salmon in Cast Iron

    Salmon is such a versatile fish, which is why I love it so much. I’ve made all sorts of salmon recipes from my jerk salmon to fried salmon bites, and they’re always delicious. You just can’t beat its flavor.

    Ingredients

    It doesn’t take much to make this delicious salmon a la plancha recipe. In fact, it only takes six ingredients, and the only one you’ll have to buy especially for the recipe is the salmon itself.

    • Fresh salmon fillet
    • Unsalted butter, melted & divided
    • Garlic cloves, minced
    • Lemon juice
    • Fresh thyme, chopped (plus more for garnish)
    • Salt and pepper

    Check the recipe card below for full information about this recipe like quantities.

    Instructions

    Making this delicious salmon in cast iron is as easy as the recipe list. It only takes a few steps to create a perfectly seared salmon a la plancha in no time at all.

    Step 1: Make the Lemon Butter Mixture

    In a small bowl, whisk your melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped thyme together. Set aside.

    Step 2: Pan Sear the Salmon

    Heat your plancha griddle or cast iron skillet over medium heat until hot. Drizzle melted butter on the bottom of the cooking surface and place the salmon, skin side down, onto it. Pour the lemon butter over the salmon and sautee on medim-high heat for 10 to 13 minutes or until the salmon is flaky with a fork.

    Step 3: Finish in the Oven

    Place the salmon under the broiler for about a minute to finish the recipe by browning the edges of the garlic.

    Step 4: Plate

    Finally, garnish your salmon with lemon wedges and more fresh thyme.

    Hint: A plancha griddle is preferred for this recipe, but if you don’t have one, a cast iron skillet does the trick.

    Salmon fillet on a black pan with thyme, sliced lemon and a fork.

    Substitutions

    There aren’t a lot of ingredients to this recipe, but if you find yourself out of any of them, I have some substitutions here that will work well.

    • Bottle Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred, but bottle will work in a pinch.
    • Pre-Minced Garlic – If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use minced garlic out of a jar.
    • Dried Thyme – Fresh herbs are always best, but dried thyme will work if that’s all you have.

    Variations

    Want to personalize this salmon in cast iron recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.

    • Spicy – Add red pepper flakes to your lemon butter to give a spicy kick to the dish.
    • Chives or Green Onions – Chopped chives or green onions work well in the lemon butter.

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy my maple bourbon salmon.

    Salmon on a bed of asparagus and a slice of lemon; all served on a white plate with a fork. Neighboring this white plate is a black pan with salmon fillet, slice of lemon and thyme.

    Equipment

    You don’t need much of anything to make this delicious salmon a la plancha. The tools required for this recipe are simple!

    • Bowl
    • Spoon
    • Plancha griddle or cast iron skillet
    • Lemon squeezer (not required but helpful)

    Storage

    You can store this salmon in the refrigerator for three to four days in an air-tight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to six months.

    Tips

    This recipe is so simple, I only have one tip for it. It’s an easy one, but it’s very important.

    • Don’t move the salmon. Let the salmon sear without moving it so that the outside can brown. This prevents it from sticking.
    Forkful of salmon held above a plate of salmon, asparagus, lemon and thyme.

    More Salmon Recipes

    Do you like salmon as much as I do? Here are some recipes you may also like to try

    • Pesto Salmon
    • Honey Smoked Salmon
    • Simple Salmon Cakes
    Salmon on a bed of asparagus and a slice of lemon; all served on a white plate with a fork. Neighboring this white plate is a black pan with salmon fillet, slice of lemon and thyme.

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about salmon a la plancha? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this salmon a la plancha recipe.

    How do I freeze?

    Wrap your salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.

    How long can I keep it in the freezer?

    This salmon will keep well in the freezer for up to six months with no loss of flavor.

    How do I reheat frozen salmon a la plancha?

    Allow your salmon to defrost in the refrigerator, then place it on a baking sheet, loosely covered with foil, and bak for 15 minutes at 275.

    Do I have to use a cast iron skillet or plancha griddle?

    You don’t have to use a cast iron skillet to planch griddle, but it’s recommended. These hold the heat better and will allow you to place them under your oven’s broiler to brown the garlic.

    Salmon a la Plancha

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    Salmon A La Plancha

    This salmon a la placha is easy to make and so delicious. Salmon in cast iron always comes out golden brown on the outside and tender inside.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 13 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine French

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ pound fresh salmon fillet or 12 oz
    • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted & divided
    • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 large lemon juiced
    • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme chopped (plus more for garnish)
    • salt
    • pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Get out and measure your ingredients.
    • In a small bowl, add melted butter.
    • Add fresh lemon juice.
    • Add minced garlic and chopped thyme. Whisk until combined. Set aside.
    • Heat the plancha griddle or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Dizzle 1 tablespoon melted butter on the bottom and place salmon, skin side down onto the griddle.
    • Pour the lemon butter mixture over the top.
    • Sauté on medium-high for about 10-13 minutes or until the salmon is flaky with a fork. Occasionally scooping up the herbed butter sauce and basting over the salmon as it cooks.
    • To finish off browning the garlic edges, place under the broiler for 1 minute. Garnish with lemon wedges and additional fresh thyme.
    • Enjoy every bite!

    Notes

    • As Plancha griddles may be hard to find in the United States. A cast iron skillet would be a great substitute.
    Keyword butter salmon, herbed butter salmon, salmon a la planca
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Welcome!

    Ken and Karin

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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