Pan Seared Salmon is an effortlessly elegant dish, perfect for quick yet satisfying meals. This recipe features fresh salmon fillets, crisped to perfection, with a tender, moist center. It's delightfully simple, requiring just a few common seasonings, yet it's versatile enough to be enhanced with your favorite sauces.
What You’ll Find On This Page
Ready in just 15 minutes, this salmon is a superb choice for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a special occasion, pairing wonderfully with everything from roasted veggies to light salads. Discover how minimal ingredients and a straightforward process can transform salmon into a truly delectable meal.
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To prepare this Pan Seared Salmon, you'll need a few staple pantry items, easily available at most grocery stores. Let's take a look at the essential ingredients for this dish.
- Salmon Fillets: The centerpiece of the dish, offering a rich, luxurious taste. Skin-on fillets yield a delightful crispness, while skinless options cater to a lighter, more delicate texture. Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is both delicious and nutritious.
- Garlic Powder: This kitchen staple adds a sweet and aromatic garlic flavor, providing a depth of taste without overpowering the delicate salmon.
- Ground White Pepper: A subtle twist to traditional black pepper, white pepper offers a gentler heat, enhancing the fish's flavor without adding too much spice.
- Chili Flakes: These bring a customizable warmth to the dish, allowing you to tailor the spiciness to your liking. They also add a splash of vibrant color for visual appeal.
- Lemon Juice: The zesty, tangy notes of fresh lemon juice cut through the richness of the salmon, balancing its flavors. It also acts as a natural tenderizer, ensuring the fish is perfectly succulent.
How to Pan Sear Salmon at Home?
Dive into the world of Pan Seared Salmon with our step-by-step guide, complete with photos and videos. Follow along as we transform simple ingredients into a culinary delight, perfect for any meal. Let's get started!
Discover More Delectable Salmon Dishes:
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- Blackened Salmon
- Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Honey Glazed Salmon
- Baked Salmon
- Teriyaki Salmon
- Pan Fried Salmon
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Salmon Patties
- Salmon Pasta
- Salmon Salad
Pan Seared Salmon
Ingredients
- 5 fillets Salmon, or cut based on your preference
- 1 ½ tbsp Olive Oil, or other cooking oil of your choice
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- ½ tsp Ground White Pepper, or black pepper
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt, as needed
Instructions
To Make Pan Seared Salmon
- Start by laying the salmon fillets on a clean plate or in a bowl. Generously drizzle lemon juice over the fillets for a zesty flavor. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, ground white pepper, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt, covering all areas for a robust seasoning.
- Gently rub the spices into the salmon, ensuring each fillet is thoroughly coated. This step is crucial for infusing the salmon with flavors and achieving a well-seasoned crust.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Place salmon fillets skin side down, spaced apart to avoid steaming. Sear for 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing a crispy crust to form.
- Carefully flip each fillet using a thin spatula to avoid breaking the delicate crust. Continue to sear for an additional 4-5 minutes. The goal is to attain a golden color while ensuring the salmon is cooked through but still moist inside.
- Once the salmon reaches a beautiful golden hue, remove the fillets from the pan. The Pan Seared Salmon is now ready to be served. It's best enjoyed immediately while the skin is crispy and the interior is tender and juicy.
To Serve
- Serve your Pan Seared Salmon with a simple side of greens or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, pair with mashed potatoes or quinoa. For more creative and diverse pairing ideas, please refer to the serving suggestions section.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Preparation and Cooking Techniques:
- Achieving Crispy Skin: Searing skin-on salmon is essential for a crisp exterior. The skin acts as a barrier, retaining moisture and fats for a juicy interior. Ensure the skin is thoroughly dried and the pan is hot enough before placing the fillet.
- Let Salmon Rest at Room Temperature: Allow the salmon to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Importance of Preheating Oil: Hot oil is crucial for a non-stick experience and a crispy skin. It should sizzle upon contact with the salmon. Cold oil increases the chances of the salmon sticking and tearing.
- Sear Skin Side Down First: Start with the skin side facing down and give it enough time, about 4-5 minutes, to become crispy and crunchy. This initial sear sets the stage for the texture and flavor of the fish.
- Flipping Technique: Flip the salmon using a thin spatula with care to maintain the integrity of the crispy skin. Aim for a light golden-brown color on the flipped side.
- Pat Dry the Salmon: Before seasoning, pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, ensuring a better sear and crisper skin.
- Use the Right Oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. These oils can withstand high heat without burning, which is essential for a good sear.
- Choice of Pan: Opt for a well-seasoned cast iron or a high-quality non-stick pan. This choice helps in avoiding the skin from sticking to the pan and ensures an evenly crispy exterior.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding lowers the pan's temperature, leading to steaming rather than searing. Cook in batches for the best results.
- Avoid Moving the Salmon Too Early: After placing the salmon in the pan, let the salmon form a crust before moving it. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Disturbing it too soon can break the crust.
Finishing Touches and Serving:
- Experimenting with Seasonings: While basic seasonings are used here, there's room for creativity. You might consider a simple salmon marinade, chili seasoning, blackened seasoning or glazing with sauces like garlic butter or honey garlic for additional flavor layers.
- Check for Doneness Properly: Salmon is done when its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) recommended by FDA. You can also check by gently pressing the top of the fillet; if it flakes easily with a fork, it's ready.
- Rest the Salmon Before Serving: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, preventing them from running out when cut, which keeps the salmon moist.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
For salmon enthusiasts and seafood lovers, our curated selection offers a range of simple, tasteful recipes. Dive into perfect salmon fillets and harmonious side dishes that promise to fulfill your seafood desires and elevate your dining experience.
Serving Suggestions
Explore ideal pairings for your Pan Seared Salmon, ranging from light salads to hearty grains. These suggestions enhance the dish's flavors and textures for a delightful meal.
- Fresh Greens: Pair the salmon with a light, fresh salad. Leafy greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette complement the rich flavors of the salmon.
- Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a healthy and colorful side.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A side of smooth, buttery mashed potatoes makes for a classic and satisfying pairing.
- Quinoa or Brown Rice: For a wholesome, fiber-rich option, opt for quinoa or brown rice. These grains absorb the flavors and add a nice texture contrast.
- Couscous or Orzo: Light and fluffy couscous or orzo can be flavored with herbs and lemon zest to complement the salmon.
- Sauces and Dips: Offer a sauce like a dill yogurt sauce, lemon butter sauce, or a light tartar sauce to enhance the flavors.
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any delicious juices.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with a light dressing can balance the warm, rich salmon.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a fun twist, sweet potato fries add a sweet and savory element that pairs well with the salmon.
Storage Suggestions
Enjoy this dish fresh for the best taste and texture. If storing leftovers, refrigerate in an air-tight container for up to 2 days. Note that reheating may slightly change the texture, but the salmon will still be delicious.
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