These salmon fillets are flaky, buttery, lemon-infused and flavorful. They’re high protein, low-calorie, keto and gluten-free.
Forget about bland oven-baked fish filets because this salmon recipe is all about the flavor. And the foolproof method!
A hot pan. A dollop of butter. A touch of lemon juice. And plenty of garlic cloves for a rich flavor.
This easy and quick salmon dish is flaky and tender, with bits of crispiness on the outside that will have you wanting more.
If you’re too hot (or lazy!) to turn on the oven, this pan-seared salmon cooking technique will make sure your dinner plans succeed.
The taste is so well-balanced and satisfying that even the kids will go crazy for this recipe.
All you need is 15 minutes, some pantry staples, and skin-on salmon filets. Let’s start cooking, shall we?
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 salmon filets – This recipe uses skin-on salmon, but you can also use skinless filets. Look for bright orange or pink filets without discoloration to make sure the fish is as fresh as possible.
Salt and pepper (to taste) – The trick is in the seasoning. Use sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Lemon (1/2, juiced) – Do not omit the lemon.
Extra virgin olive oil (1 tbsp)
Butter (2 tbsp) – Pretty much a must for the flavor, but you can skip it for a dairy-free version Just add more olive oil in.
Garlic (7 cloves, minced) – Don’t be afraid to use all seven of the garlic cloves. It is what gives the filets that rich, flavorful, and aromatic touch that you will enjoy the most.
Chopped parsley – Make sure it is fresh. Dried parsley will not work here.
A few lemon slices – For a bit of a garnish and extra lemony flavor, you will need a few lemon slices, as well.
How to Make Pan-Fried Salmon
Step 1. Start by preparing the salmon. Pat them dry with some paper towels to get as much of their surface moisture as possible. Then, squeeze half of the lemon juice over the filets, season generously with salt and pepper, and rub it all over the fish.
Step 2. Grab your pan and place it over medium heat. Add the olive oil and immediately arrange the salmon filets with the skin side up.
Leave the salmon filets undisturbed for about three minutes. This is important as you don’t want them to fall apart. Just let them cook without touching them.
Step 3. After three minutes, flip them over and allow for one more minute of cooking.
Step 4. Once the skin side is down, you can add the butter, minced garlic, the remaining lemon juice, and parsley. Then, just arrange the lemon slices around or on top of the fish. Cook for 2-3 minutes until butter has browned.
Step 5. Serve the salmon drizzled with the leftover garlic butter sauce from the pan.
What to Serve with Salmon
The balance of flavors in this recipe makes it incredibly compatible with most side dishes.
You can serve it with something well-seasoned, like spicy noodles. Or, you can go for something bland like couscous or just white, fluffy rice on the side.
Pan-fried salmon filets also go well with potatoes, mashed veggies, roasted veggies, or even some green salad.
In short, whatever you decide to pair this incredible dish with, you cannot go wrong!
Watch How to Make
More Salmon Dinner Recipes
Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash
Pan-Fried Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon filets
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 7 cloves garlic minced
- chopped parsley
- a few lemon slices
Equipment
Instructions
- Pat dry your salmon fillets with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper, squeeze half a lemon juice all over and rub it all in.
- Heat a non-stick pan to medium-high heat, add olive oil, and place the salmon fillets flesh down. Cook for 3 minutes until the surface is golden.
- Flip salmon fillets, cook for 1 minute, and add in the butter, with garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon slices.
- Cook the salmon for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is cooked and butter slightly browned.
- Serve the fillets with the butter drizzled all over the top. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.