Pat salmon fillets thoroughly dry on all sides using clean paper towels.

Season skin and flesh generously with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Place salmon skin-side down and press gently with a fish spatula for 20 seconds.

Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until skin is crisp and fish is two-thirds cooked through.

Flip carefully and cook 2 minutes longer until center is tender and flaky, then serve with lemon.