fried salmon recipe

How to Perfectly Pan-Seared Salmon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pan-seared salmon is a quick, healthy, and delicious dish that’s easy to master. Here’s a simple yet foolproof method to achieve crispy skin, tender flesh, and rich flavor every time.

Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp butter, salt, black pepper, 1 lemon (cut into wedges), fresh dill or parsley for garnish.

Steps:

1. Prep the Salmon: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels—this ensures crispy skin. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Heat the Pan: Place a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer (don’t let it smoke).

3. Skin-Side Down: Gently place the salmon skin-side down. Press lightly with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook for 4–5 minutes without moving until the skin is golden and crisp.

4. Flip and Finish: Turn the fillets and cook for 2–3 minutes more. Add butter, lemon wedges, and herbs to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the salmon for extra richness.

5. Rest and Serve: Transfer to a plate, rest for 1 minute, then garnish with herbs. Serve with lemon wedges.

Tips: For extra flavor, add minced garlic or capers to the butter in the last minute. Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if needed. Enjoy this restaurant-quality dish in under 20 minutes!