Description
Salmon dreams come true with this pan seared salmon that’s crispy outside and meltingly tender inside. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, your restaurant-quality fish takes just minutes to create a delicious meal that’ll impress anyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- Salt
- Pepper
Liquids and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each) using paper towels, ensuring the surface is completely dry and free from excess moisture.
- Season both surfaces of the fillets generously with salt and pepper, creating an even coating that enhances the fish’s natural flavor.
- Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for approximately 2 minutes until the oil shimmers and is hot.
- Gently place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet, allowing each piece to sear for exactly 4-5 minutes until the skin transforms into a crispy, golden-brown texture.
- Using a spatula, carefully turn the fillets and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature to reach 145°F for perfectly cooked fish.
- During the final minute of cooking, scatter 2 minced garlic cloves around the salmon, letting them release their aromatic essence into the pan.
- Remove the skillet from heat and immediately drizzle 2 tablespoons lemon juice across the fillets.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill over the salmon to add brightness and herbal complexity.
- Transfer the hot salmon to serving plates and accompany with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Patting salmon dry ensures a crisp, golden skin that adds delightful texture and prevents sticking to the pan.
- Use a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet for the most even heat distribution and perfect sear.
- For a gluten-free or dairy-free meal, this recipe works perfectly as-is with no modifications needed.
- Fresh salmon makes a massive difference, so select bright, firm fillets with no strong fishy odor from a trusted seafood counter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Pan-Seared
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg