How to Make the Perfect Crispy Pan Seared Salmon
American · Easy · 15 min · 2 servings
This crispy pan seared salmon delivers restaurant quality results in just 15 minutes right from your stovetop. A perfectly golden and crispy skin with tender flaky flesh makes this the ultimate quick and healthy protein dinner.
Why this recipe works
This Crispy Pan Seared Salmon recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 40g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 fillets salmon skin on about 6 oz each
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels on both sides. Season flesh side generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Dry skin is the key to achieving that perfect crispy crust.
Step 2: Sear Skin Side Down
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin side down and press gently with a spatula for 10 seconds. Cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until skin is golden and crispy.
Step 3: Flip and Finish
Flip the salmon and add garlic to the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until flesh is just opaque and flakes easily. Spoon garlic over the top of the salmon as it finishes cooking.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and drizzle lemon juice over the fillets. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve immediately with your choice of side dish.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- salmon fillets → trout or arctic char fillets which cook at the same rate
- fresh dill → fresh tarragon or dried Italian herbs for a different flavor profile
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Moving the salmon around the pan before the skin has crisped causing it to stick and tear
- Cooking on too high heat which burns the outside before the inside is cooked through
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 40g protein, 2g carbs, 27g fat, 0g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →