Why You’ll Love This Pan Seared Salmon Recipe
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting in the kitchen, you’ll love how easy it’s to whip up this pan-seared salmon.
It’s incredibly satisfying to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also looks impressive on the plate. The crispy skin gives way to tender, flaky meat, and the flavors are simply delightful.
Plus, it’s a quick meal, taking just about 15 minutes from start to finish. You can easily customize it with your favorite herbs and spices.
I promise, once you try it, this recipe will become a go-to for your weeknight dinners!
Ingredients of Pan Seared Salmon
When it comes to cooking, having the right ingredients is half the battle won. For this pan seared salmon recipe, you’ll need a handful of fresh and simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. You might even have some of these staples sitting in your kitchen already, waiting for their moment in the spotlight.
So, let’s gather what we need, and get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this meal with you.
Ingredients for Pan Seared Salmon:
- 2 (6 ounce) salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 garlic clove, sliced
Now, let’s talk about these ingredients a little more. Salmon fillets are obviously the star of the show, and they should be fresh—trust me, it makes a world of difference.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can even splurge on wild-caught salmon for that extra flavor. As for the olive oil, it’s the magical elixir that helps achieve that beautiful crispy skin.
Fresh herbs, like dill, really elevate the dish, but if you don’t have any on hand, dried herbs can work in a pinch. Just remember to adjust the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
And don’t underestimate the power of lemon juice; it brightens up the dish and adds a zesty kick. So, gather these ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
How to Make Pan Seared Salmon
Alright, let’s plunge into how to make this delicious pan seared salmon. First things first, you’ll want to gather your ingredients and set the stage for what promises to be an impressive meal.
Start by taking those 2 (6 ounce) salmon fillets and giving them a little love—place them in a bowl. Now, grab 2 tablespoons of olive oil and pour it in there, along with 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, and a sliced garlic clove.
Mix it all together gently. It’s almost like a spa day for your salmon, allowing those flavors to mingle and get cozy. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes at room temperature. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a good soak?
While your salmon is soaking up all that goodness, it’s time to heat things up. Preheat a large skillet on medium heat for about 2 minutes. You want it nice and hot, just like your favorite summer day.
Once it’s ready, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the skillet. You should hear a sizzle when you place the salmon in—if not, you might need to channel your inner Goldilocks and find that “just right” temperature.
Cook the salmon for about 5 minutes on each side. It should be golden brown and, when you poke it with a fork, it should flake away easily, like the last piece of pizza at a party.
When your salmon is cooked to perfection, carefully transfer it to plates. I usually like to serve it with some lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing.
Trust me, a little squeeze of lemon can take this dish from good to “wow, did you really make this?” So, there you have it—a simple yet elegant pan seared salmon that’s bound to impress.
And if it doesn’t? Well, at least you’ll have a delicious meal, right?
Pan Seared Salmon Substitutions & Variations
After mastering the basics of pan seared salmon, you might be curious about how to mix things up a bit.
One easy substitution is swapping salmon for another fish like trout or swordfish. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki marinade instead of lemon juice.
For a spicy kick, incorporate chili flakes or sriracha into your marinade. You can also switch up the herbs; thyme or parsley work beautifully.
Finally, serve with different sides like quinoa or asparagus to create new flavor combinations. Enjoy experimenting with these variations!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your pan seared salmon turns out perfectly every time, I recommend paying attention to the thickness of the fillets. Thicker fillets might need an extra minute or two, while thinner ones cook faster.
Don’t skip the marinating step; it infuses incredible flavor! When cooking, resist the urge to flip the salmon too soon—let it develop a nice crust.
If you’re unsure about doneness, use a fork to check if it flakes easily. Finally, serve your salmon with a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness.
Enjoy experimenting with different herbs and spices for variety!