Simply pan-fried salmon locks in the natural juices and heart-healthy oils while providing an irresistible golden crust.
Salmon is not only one of the most nutritious foods on the market, but also one of the easiest to prepare. As with anything, the secret to cooking salmon is to start with a quality, fresh product. The better the fish, the less time and effort it takes. And this easy pan-fried salmon really is the easiest and quickest way to prepare this popular seafood dish. Actually, there are only 4 ingredients!
Ingredients
- salmon fillets: A large, fatty fish with a rich and almost buttery flavor. It’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants.
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy oil that I almost always use when cooking in the kitchen.
- Kosher Salt: The larger, flat flakes help the salt stick to the salmon more easily and also help enhance the fish’s natural flavor.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is my favorite, it’s spicy, woody and warm. That’s all you need to flavor this dish.
How to cook lightly pan seared salmon
First, descale the skin of your salmon fillets and pat dry with paper towels. It’s not mandatory, but I find it makes eating the fish more enjoyable. Then season evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
Preheat a pan that has been drizzled with olive oil over medium-high heat and bring to high, then place the salmon in, skin-side down. The trick to searing is to place the salmon in a super hot pan. This preserves moisture and flavor.
After about 4 minutes, the skin side should be nice and crispy. Then use a fish spatula or tongs to flip the salmon over and cook on the other side until a nice brown crust has formed. And that’s all you have to do! Pan frying fish is super quick and easy.
Serve your Easy Pan Seared Salmon with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley. I serve it with brown rice, asparagus or broccoli.
Switch it
Salmon isn’t the only fish that cooks well in a pan. If you don’t have salmon, or maybe you don’t like it, try a different type of seafood instead! Bass, bass, flounder, scallop, shrimp, snapper, and cod are great options to try this recipe.
Frequently asked Questions:
Can you eat salmon skin?
Yes! Especially when fried in a pan, it becomes crispy and delicious.
Is it better to pan sear or bake salmon?
I like to do both! Depends on the night and what I’m feeling If you want to try a baked salmon recipe, try my Baked Salmon With Fresh Herbs.
Which side of the salmon do you sear first?
Start skin-side down, as this forms a protective barrier between the hot pan and your salmon to begin with. Wait until the skin is nice and crispy before turning.
More seafood
Have you tried this fish and are you amazed? Next time you do it, take a picture and share it on your social networks! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.
Seafood isn’t just a dish you eat in restaurants. It’s entirely possible to prepare seafood dishes at home, and this lightly pan-fried salmon is a great way to get started. Be sure to let me know how you like it in a comment!
Your fork is waiting.
Simply pan-fried salmon
Searing salmon at high temperature retains its natural juices and heart-healthy oils, creating an irresistibly golden crust.
Pen
Servings:
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Preheat a large skillet over high heat, then drizzle with olive oil.
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Sprinkle salmon fillets evenly with salt and pepper, then place skin-side down in pan.
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Cook on the first side for 4 minutes or until a nice golden brown crust forms. Turn over and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 0GProtein: 33GFat: 11GSaturated Fatty Acids: 1GCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 656mgPotassium: 833mgFiber: 0GSugar: 0GVitamin A: 70IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.4mg