Here’s a recipe every cook should know: how to make pan seared salmon! This is one of the best ways to cook this fish because it’s fast, it’s easy, and has incredible flavor. Pan fried salmon is faster than baked, and even better, the hot pan makes a perfect crispy browned layer on top. For us, that’s a deal breaker! It also leaves the oven free for roasting up some veggies as a side dish.
How to make pan seared salmon
Pan seared salmon, also known as pan fried salmon, is a method where the fish is cooked in a skillet until the exterior is browned and the interior is flaky and tender. You can sear salmon in oil, butter, or a combination of the two. The trick is to brown the top of the fish, then flip it and cook for a few more minutes until the internal temperature is 125 to 130°F. Here’s an overview of the basic concept:
Brine the salmon. The first step is optional but it makes the best crispy-on-the-outside, seasoned on the inside piece of salmon. It also helps to avoid the white albumin that can appear when it’s cooked (it’s edible, it just doesn’t look appetizing!). Place the salmon in a salt water solution for 15 minutes, which also helps the salmon to come to room temperature and allow for even cooking. Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet. You can also use just olive oil, but we like the flavor of both in combination. Sear the salmon skin side up for 2 to 3 minutes. Cook it over medium high heat until the fish becomes opaque about halfway through. Flip and cook 2 to 5 more minutes. The timing of when salmon is done depends on the thickness of the fillet, so use your best judgement. It should be just tender and pink at the center (125 to 130°F).
Best tool for pan seared salmon
A helpful tool for cooking salmon and other fish is a fish spatula! This tool is a wide slotted metal spatula that’s easy to gently slide underneath fish when cooking it. Because it’s so wide, it’s useful for many more kitchen tasks, too! We use it to flip and lift all sorts of foods, like eggplant pizzas or fries. If you don’t have one, you can easily use any large, wide spatula. A thin metal surface is nice to easily slide under the fish skin.
Ways to season salmon
There are a few main ways we like to season pan seared salmon. We generally do the basic method, but the blackened salmon is another favorite. Here are all our favorite ways to season salmon:
Basic pan fried salmon: Season with salt and pepper, then finish with garlic butter. Blackened seasoning: Make up a batch of Blackened Seasoning, a Cajun style blend with a mild level of heat. Go to Blackened Salmon. Cajun seasoning: Same idea, but with spicy Cajun seasoning! Go to Cajun Salmon. Magic salmon seasoning: This Salmon Seasoning really is magical: the spices are just right for the juicy, flaky salmon.
Sauces for pan fried salmon
You can also use a sauce to flavor pan fried salmon. It’s not necessary, but it can take this healthy fish to new heights. Here are a few ideas for sauces for salmon:
Dill sauce: Make the basic salmon and add Dill Sauce or Tzatziki for a tangy, creamy counterpoint. Butter sauce: This Lemon Butter Sauce or Garlic Butter Sauce are perfect with any fish. Pesto: Make up this beautifully bright Pesto Salmon. Chimichurri: Step up this salmon with Chimichurri Sauce. Caper sauce: Spoon over this lemon caper sauce to make salmon with capers. Dipping sauces: Dip it in Mustard Sauce, Remoulade or Tartar Sauce.
Why to brine salmon and the “white stuff”
The brining step for salmon takes 15 minutes: so if you’re running behind, you can skip it. However, it does a few things that are helpful for this fish:
It helps the salmon come to room temperature. This helps the salmon cook through evenly. If the fish is too cold, the inside can be uncooked when the outside is fully browned. It seasons the salmon. Brining also helps to bring flavor to the entire piece of fish. It reduces the “white stuff.” Ever have white stuff rise to the surface of salmon when you cook it? It’s coagulated protein that seeps to the surface called albumin. The amount of albumin varies depending on the fish, so it’s not something you can fully control. However, brining the salmon helps!
Sides to serve with pan fried salmon
Pan seared salmon is a great fast and easy dinner idea! Here are a few ideas of easy side dishes for salmon. Start them while the salmon is brining!
Go for Seasoned Quinoa, Lemon Rice or Basil Rice Make fun and crunchy Celery Salad with Apples Opt for Roasted Bell Peppers, Sauteed Peppers, or Best Ever Sauteed Kale Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Smashed Brussels Sprouts make a stunning meal These Sauteed Mushrooms are stunning and have beautiful meaty flavor Bake up a pan of Baked Asparagus with Parmesan while you pan fry the salmon
This pan seared salmon recipe is…
Pescatarian, gluten free and dairy free (using only olive oil). 5 from 2 reviews
