How to Cook Salmon Fillets on the Stove Top

...
Diane Shear/Demand Media

Cooking salmon fillets on the stove top produces fillets with a crisp outside and a moist, succulent flesh. Salmon, mild-tasting and rich in omega-3s, can be cooked with heart-healthy olive oil; the olive oil has a browning effect and when used on medium heat sears the outside of the salmon flesh. Searing keeps the juices from escaping from the fish so the fillets remain moist inside. Salmon fillets need little seasoning -- just a little salt and pepper -- or experiment with adding the seasonings you enjoy to the outside of the fish.

...
Diane Shear/Demand Media

Place a skillet on a stove-top burner set to medium heat.

...
Diane Shear/Demand Media

Pour enough olive oil into the skillet to lightly coat the bottom. Lift the skillet off the burner and tilt the pan just enough to distribute the oil evenly.

...
Diane Shear/Demand Media

Sprinkle salt and pepper, to taste, on both sides of the salmon fillets.

...
Diane Shear/Demand Media

Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, and cook until the bottom side until it turns golden brown..

...
Diane Shear/Demand Media

Flip the fillets over on the other side with a spatula.

...
Diane Shear/Demand Media

Cover the skillet with its lid.

...
Diane Shear/Demand Media

Cook the fillets for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until they flake easily if you press on the flesh with a fork.