Paleo Pan Seared Salmon

Salmon is one of my favorite foods, I love ordering it out at restaurants and I love cooking it at home too! Salmon offers an amazing source of omega-3 fatty acids! Purchasing wild caught fish is the best option for your health, and you are supporting companies that use sustainable fishing methods, which is also better for our environment! I purchase our wild caught salmon through Butcher Box.

For seasoning the fillets I typically use the same blend of spices. I don’t really measure out the spices when I am doing this, just sprinkle some on each fillet. Simply using salt and pepper is another great option! You will want to bring your salmon to room temperate before cooking, so be sure to remove the fish from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking. Then rub some extra virgin olive oil on both sides of the fish. Next, season the skinless side with: sea salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Sprinkle the skin side with just sea salt.

I like to cook the salmon in my cast iron skillet and you can read more about safe and healthy cookware HERE. Heat the oil in your skillet at medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the salmon skin side down and cook for 2-3 minutes. Using a spatula, gently turn the fish. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes and then remove the pan from the heat. Let it rest for a couple of minutes and serve.

Another option for cooking while still using a cast iron skillet, is to bake the fish. You will preheat your oven to 450 degrees with the cast iron pan in the oven. Once the oven is preheated you will place the oiled and seasoned salmon skin side down into the hot cast iron pan and bake for 13 to 18 minutes. The cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillet.

I love serving salmon over greens with simple fresh ingredients on top. Some of my favorites are: avocado, mango, blueberries, pickled onions, and brussel sprouts. Pick any combination of your favorites for a quick, easy and healthy dinner!