This pan seared salmon recipe features juicy salmon fillets cooked skin-side down in an olive oil skillet, creating a golden brown crust that is both crispy and flavorful.
The dish is finished with a rich garlic butter sauce made with minced garlic, lemon juice, and capers, perfect for an elegant dinner option.
With a cook time of just 15 minutes, this quick dinner is ideal for busy weeknights. The salmon is cooked undisturbed to achieve a crisp skin and tender center, making it a restaurant-quality dish that easily flakes apart and pairs beautifully with greens.
Preparing the Perfect Pan Seared Salmon
Creating a stunning pan seared salmon dish begins with selecting high-quality salmon fillets. Look for fresh, skin-on fillets that are firm and vibrant in color. The skin plays a crucial role in achieving that desired golden brown crust.
Start by patting the salmon dry with paper towels. This step is essential as it helps to achieve a crisp skin when cooked in the hot olive oil skillet. Season the salmon generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the fish.
Cooking Techniques for Salmon Fillets
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add extra-virgin olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. It’s important to cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, allowing the skin to become crisp and golden brown.
After the initial cooking time, gently flip the fillets. Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, ensuring the center is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. This method guarantees tender salmon that is both juicy and flavorful.
Enhancing Flavor with Garlic Butter Sauce
To elevate the dish, prepare a rich garlic butter sauce in the last minute of cooking. Add unsalted butter, minced garlic, and capers to the skillet. The butter melts and combines with the garlic, creating a fragrant sauce that complements the salmon beautifully.
As the garlic butter sauce simmers, spoon it over the salmon fillets. This not only adds flavor but also gives the fish a lovely sheen, making it visually appealing. The combination of lemon juice with the garlic enhances the overall taste, making it a delightful addition.
Plating for Presentation
Once the salmon is cooked to perfection, it’s time to plate. Carefully transfer the fillets onto a serving dish. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top for a luxurious finish. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
For an elegant touch, serve the salmon alongside a fresh green salad. This combination not only balances the richness of the fish but also adds a vibrant contrast to the plate. The rustic wooden table background enhances the presentation, making it look like a restaurant-quality dish.
Quick Dinner Option for Any Occasion
This pan seared salmon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With a total cook time of just 15 minutes, it’s an ideal quick dinner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or presentation.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a meal at home, this elegant salmon dish is sure to impress. The combination of the crisp skin, tender center, and rich garlic butter sauce creates a memorable dining experience.
Nutrition and Serving Suggestions
Each serving of this pan seared salmon provides a nutritious meal, packed with protein and healthy fats. With approximately 350 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying choice that fits well into a balanced diet.
For a complete meal, consider pairing the salmon with a variety of sides. Roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a light pasta salad can complement the flavors beautifully. This dish not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the body.
Quick and Elegant Pan Seared Salmon Recipe
This recipe showcases perfectly pan seared salmon, seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cooked in hot oil over medium-high heat. The addition of lemon slices and chopped parsley enhances the flavor, while the garlic butter sauce adds richness. Serve with a lemon garnish for a beautiful fish platter.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: In a nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot oil. Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden brown.
- Flip the Fillets: Carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes, or until the center is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the last minute of cooking, add the butter, minced garlic, and capers to the skillet. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the salmon.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the skillet and place on a plate. Drizzle with the garlic butter sauce, garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley, and serve with greens.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 2 fillets
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
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