Pan Seared Salmon

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Discover Your Next Light Meal with This Easy-to-Make Pan Seared Salmon!

Pan Seared Salmon stands out as a go-to recipe that marries the effortless elegance of golden and crisp salmon fillets with the refreshing zest of lemon.

This traditional recipe, which can be your meal ready in 15 minutes, epitomizes the beauty of minimal ingredients used to create a light meal, perfect for any night of the week.

Whether you’re in search of a quick weeknight meal or something special for family dinner, this salmon recipe ready in minutes promises a delightful experience with every bite.

So, the next time you’re pondering over dinner ideas or summer recipe ideas, remember this Pan Seared Salmon recipe.

Not only is it a testament to the beauty of simple cooking, but it’s also a surefire way to bring a touch of gourmet to your everyday dining experience.

Overhead view of Pan Seared Salmon with lemon slices on top, alongside cilantro rice and a vibrant side salad on a white plate, set on a white table.

Why Pan Seared Salmon Is a Must-Try

Pan Seared Salmon is not just an easy recipe to make at home.

It’s a testament to how a few quality ingredients can come together to form a dish that’s both nutritious and full of flavor.

Here’s why this low carb salmon recipe should be your next culinary venture:

  • Quick and Convenient: Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is the epitome of a summer meal that doesn’t keep you tied to the kitchen.
  • Versatile and Satisfying: Perfect for any night of the week, this dish can be a light meal on its own or paired with sides like rice and garden salad for a more filling option.
  • Flavorful and Healthy: With the rich, omega-3 packed salmon fillets pan-seared to perfection and enhanced with the fresh tang of lemon, this dish is a delicious way to keep your meal options healthy.
Side view of a dish featuring golden Salmon fillet adorned with lemon slices, next to cilantro rice and a colorful side salad, presented on a white plate.

Pan Seared Salmon Ingredients

  • 4 (6-ounce) Salmon Fillets: The star of the dish, rich in flavor and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • 1 Tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: For searing the salmon to achieve that golden and crisp exterior.
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter: Adds a rich flavor and helps in creating a beautifully seared crust.
  • ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt: To season the fillets and enhance their natural flavors.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a slight heat and complements the salmon.
  • 1 Lemon Cut into Slices: For garnishing and adding a refreshing zest to the salmon.
2 salmon fillets, a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of butter, half a teaspoon of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and slices of one lemon on a kitchen countertop.

Pan Seared Salmon Instructions

Preparing Your Salmon:

  1. Pat Dry the Salmon: Ensure your salmon fillets are thoroughly patted dry to achieve the perfect pan sear salmon perfectly.
  2. Season: Sprinkle the fillets with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Cooking the Salmon:

  1. Heat the Pan: Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil.
  2. Sear the Flesh Side First: Place the salmon fillets flesh side down to start. This tip is crucial for achieving that golden and crisp exterior.
  3. Flip to Skin Side: After a few minutes, once the salmon is golden, flip it to sear the skin side, adding butter and lemon slices to the pan for that exquisite lemon salmon flavor.
  4. Cook to Perfection: Continue cooking until the salmon is cooked through but still moist inside, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Two perfectly cooked salmon fillets with a golden crust, resting on a wooden cutting board, ready to be served.

Serving Your Pan Seared Salmon

This salmon recipe ready in minutes is versatile enough to serve as a standalone dish or as part of a more elaborate meal.

For a complete summer recipe idea, pair your lemon salmon with white rice and a fresh garden salad.

This combination not only offers a balance of flavors but also makes for a satisfying dinner idea that’s both light and fulfilling.

closeup view of a dish featuring golden Salmon fillet adorned with lemon slices, next to cilantro rice and a colorful side salad, presented on a white plate.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigeration: Cool the salmon to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 2-3 days.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat in a pan over low heat to retain the moisture of the salmon. Avoid the microwave to keep the salmon from drying out.
crisp, golden exterior of Pan Seared Salmon with bright lemon garnish, beside fluffy cilantro rice and a fresh side salad, elegantly plated for a wholesome meal.

Why This Recipe Works for Every Occasion

Whether you’re planning a laid-back family dinner, need easy prep for a summer meal, or seeking dinner ideas that are both quick and delightful, this pan-seared salmon checks all the boxes.

Its minimal ingredients and straightforward method make it a foolproof choice for cooks of any level.

And with the added bonus of being a low carb salmon recipe, it caters to health-conscious diners looking for a nutritious yet satisfying meal.

golden crust of Pan Seared lemon Salmon, complemented by lemon slices, with cilantro rice and a leafy green side salad on a ceramic plate, highlighting the meal's fresh and vibrant appeal.

What to Serve with Pan Seared Salmon

Pairing your Pan Seared Salmon with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal into a well-rounded, nutritious feast.

Consider these light yet flavorful options for a complete dining experience:

  • Cilantro Lime Rice: A fragrant and zesty side that adds a fresh layer of flavor, making it a perfect companion for the rich taste of salmon.
  • Greek Chickpea Salad: This hearty salad, brimming with cucumbers, tomatoes, and chickpeas, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, offers a refreshing contrast to the salmon’s succulence.
  • Tomato Salad: A simple tomato salad, seasoned with herbs and olive oil, brings a juicy and vibrant freshness that complements the salmon’s delicate flavors beautifully.
A plate of Pan Seared Salmon, golden and crisp on the outside, served over fluffy cilantro rice with a fresh side salad of mixed greens.
Yield: 4 servings

Pan Seared Salmon

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Enjoy a quick, easy-to-make Pan Seared Salmon, ready in minutes. Golden, crisp, and flavored with lemon, it's a perfect low-carb, light meal for any night. Ideal for summer, this traditional fish recipe promises minimal ingredients and delicious results.

Ingredients

  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lemon cut into slices

Instructions

Preparing Your Salmon:

  1. Pat Dry the Salmon: Ensure your salmon fillets are thoroughly patted dry to achieve the perfect pan sear salmon perfectly.
  2. Season: Sprinkle the fillets with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Cooking the Salmon:

  1. Heat the Pan: Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil.
  2. Sear the Flesh Side First: Place the salmon fillets flesh side down to start. This tip is crucial for achieving that golden and crisp exterior.
  3. Flip to Skin Side: After a few minutes, once the salmon is golden, flip it to sear the skin side, adding butter and lemon slices to the pan for that exquisite lemon salmon flavor.
  4. Cook to Perfection: Continue cooking until the salmon is cooked through but still moist inside, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Notes

  • Pat Dry: Ensure salmon fillets are completely dry before searing to get that perfect, crispy exterior.
  • Sear Flesh Side First: Start with the flesh side down to achieve a golden crust, then flip to crisp the skin.
  • Don't Overcook: Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure the salmon remains moist and tender inside.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 433Total Fat 30gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 19gCholesterol 122mgSodium 307mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 38g

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