Easy Pan Seared Salmon

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Easy pan seared salmon locks in the natural juices and heart-healthy oils while creating an irresistible golden crust.

Salmon is not only one of the most nutrient-dense foods available, but it also happens to be one of the easiest to prepare. Like anything, the secret to cooking salmon is to start with a high-quality, fresh product. The better the fish, the less time and fuss it requires. And this Easy Pan Seared Salmon is seriously the simplest and quickest way to prepare this popular seafood. Really, it’s only 4 ingredients!

Ingredients

Salmon fillets: A large, fatty fish that is rich and almost buttery in flavor. It’s also a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants.
Olive oil: A heart-healthy oil that I almost always use when cooking in the kitchen.
Kosher salt: The larger, flat flakes make the salt stick easier to the salmon and also helps to enhance the fishes natural flavor.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is my favorite, it’s spicy, woody, and warm. It’s all you need to flavor this dish.

How to Make Easy Pan Seared Salmon

Start by descaling the skin of your salmon fillets and patting them dry with paper towels. It’s not mandatory, but I find it makes the fish more enjoyable to eat. Once that’s done, season evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

Pre-heat a pan drizzled with olive oil over medium-high heat and bring it up to high heat, then add the salmon skin-side down. The trick to searing is to add the salmon to a super hot pan, and that helps to lock in the moisture and flavor.

After about 4 minutes, the skin side should be nice and crispy. Then use either a fish spatula or tongs to flip the salmon over and let the other side cook until a nice brown crust has formed. Ands that’s all you’ve got to do! Pan frying fish is super fast and simple.

Serve your Easy Pan Seared Salmon with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley. I’ll serve it with brown rice, alongside asparagus, or broccoli.

Switch It Up

Salmon isn’t the only fish that pan fries well. If you don’t have salmon, or maybe don’t like it, give a different type of seafood a try instead! Bass, perch, flounder, scallops, shrimp, snapper, and rock cod are all great options to try this recipe with.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you eat salmon skin?

Yes! Especially when pan-seared, it gets crispy and delicious.

Is it better to pan sear or bake salmon?

I enjoy doing both! Depending on the night and what I’m feeling. If you want to try a baked salmon recipe, try my Baked Salmon with Fresh Herbs.

What side of salmon do you sear first?

Start with the skin-side down, as it creates a protective barrier between the hot pan and your salmon as you get started. Wait until the skin is nice and crispy before you flip.

More Seafood

Like It, Eat It, Share It!

Did you try this fish and love it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.

Seafood is not just a dish to be eaten at restaurants. It is totally doable to make fish dishes at home, and this Easy Pan Seared Salmon is a great one to start with. Be sure to let me know how you like it in a comment!

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