18 Crispy Pan Seared Salmon Recipes Perfectly Seasoned
When it comes to cooking fish, few methods are as impressive and easy to execute as pan-searing. And when that fish is salmon, the results are nothing short of mouthwatering. With its rich flavor and flaky texture, salmon is a crowd-pleaser, and when you add in a crispy pan sear, it’s a culinary game-changer.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 different pan-seared salmon recipes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of this popular fish. From classic lemon butter sauces to international-inspired flavors like teriyaki and chimichurri, these recipes are sure to inspire your next meal. So whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a new twist on an old favorite, keep reading to discover the perfect pan-seared salmon recipe for you.
Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
A flavorful and elegant dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the preheated skillet and swirl it around.
4. Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. While the salmon is cooking, mix together the lemon juice, garlic, and parsley in a small bowl.
6. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
7. Add the remaining butter to the skillet and let it melt.
8. Pour the lemon butter sauce over the salmon and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Garlic Herb Pan Seared Salmon
A flavorful and aromatic pan-seared salmon dish infused with the richness of garlic and herbs, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Place salmon fillets in the skillet, skin side up (if they have skin). Cook for 2-3 minutes or until browned.
5. Flip salmon fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and dill. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Cooking Time: Approximately 8-10 minutes per serving.
Honey Glazed Pan Seared Salmon
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and savory honey glazed pan seared salmon recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
3. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add 1-2 tsp of the honey glaze to the preheated pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
5. Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin side down (if they have skin).
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan Seared Salmon with Mango Salsa
Elevate your salmon dish with the sweetness of mango and a hint of spice. This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Juice of 1 lime
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Add olive oil to pan and sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, and lime juice in a bowl.
5. To serve, place seared salmon on plate and top with mango salsa. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Cajun Pan Seared Salmon
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this Spicy Cajun Pan Seared Salmon recipe, a perfect blend of spicy and savory.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 lemon, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the preheated skillet. Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning mixture evenly over the salmon during the last minute of cooking.
6. Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan Seared Salmon with Dill Cream Sauce
Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Cream Sauce Recipe
Elevate your seafood game with this elegant and flavorful pan-seared salmon dish, paired with a tangy dill cream sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Add butter to the preheated skillet and sear the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. In a small bowl, mix together heavy cream, chopped dill, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve the pan-seared salmon with the dill cream sauce spooned over the top.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves.
Cooking Time:
– Salmon: 8-10 minutes total (4-5 minutes per side)
– Dill Cream Sauce: None needed, as it’s prepared just before serving
Enjoy your delicious Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Cream Sauce!
Maple Soy Pan Seared Salmon
This pan-seared salmon recipe combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the savory flavors of soy sauce, creating a dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and soy sauce.
3. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Add olive oil to the preheated pan and swirl to coat the bottom.
5. Place salmon fillets in the pan, skin side up (if they have skin).
6. Pour the maple-soy mixture evenly over the salmon.
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan Seared Salmon with Avocado Salad
A flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the richness of pan-seared salmon with the creaminess of avocado.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Add the olive oil to the skillet and sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. While the salmon is cooking, combine the diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro in a bowl.
5. Serve the pan-seared salmon with the avocado salad on top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pesto Crusted Pan Seared Salmon
A flavorful and visually appealing dish that combines the richness of salmon with the vibrant flavors of pesto.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly made basil pesto
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the pesto and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Dredge each salmon fillet in the pesto-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Sear the salmon for 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes total
Pan Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach
A flavorful and nutritious dinner option that combines the rich taste of salmon with the earthy goodness of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Add olive oil to the preheated pan, then place salmon fillets.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine garlic and spinach in a small bowl.
6. Remove salmon from heat, top each fillet with the garlic-spinach mixture.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Pan Seared Salmon
A sweet and tangy glaze elevates this pan-seared salmon to a new level, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup balsamic glaze
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, mix together balsamic glaze, garlic, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
5. Brush the glaze mixture over the salmon during the last minute of cooking.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan Seared Salmon with Coconut Rice
Experience the harmonious union of rich salmon and creamy coconut rice in this delightful recipe.
Ingredients:
• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, heat coconut milk over medium heat.
3. Add cooked rice, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Meanwhile, season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Sear salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Serve pan-seared salmon atop coconut rice, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Pepper Pan Seared Salmon
Lemon Pepper Pan Seared Salmon Recipe
Elevate your seafood game with this bright and citrusy salmon dish, featuring a flavorful lemon pepper crust.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp white pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, butter, black pepper, white pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place salmon fillets on a plate or tray. Brush the lemon pepper mixture evenly over each fillet, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the coated salmon fillets, skin side down (if they have skin).
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish is cooked about halfway through.
6. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with salt to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
Pan Seared Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
A flavorful and healthy meal that combines the richness of pan-seared salmon with the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Toss sweet potatoes, zucchini, and red bell pepper with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
5. Meanwhile, season salmon fillets with lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
7. Serve pan-seared salmon with roasted vegetables and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Teriyaki Pan Seared Salmon
A sweet and savory twist on traditional pan-searing, this Teriyaki-inspired recipe adds a depth of flavor to your salmon without overpowering its natural taste.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup Teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place the salmon fillets in the preheated pan, skin side down (if they have skin).
4. Pour the Teriyaki mixture evenly over the salmon.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is cooked halfway through.
6. Flip the salmon and cook an additional 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes total
Pan Seared Salmon with Chimichurri Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the richness of salmon with the bright, herby flavors of chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, mix together parsley, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create chimichurri sauce.
5. Serve seared salmon with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan Seared Salmon with Quinoa Pilaf
A flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the richness of salmon with the nutty goodness of quinoa.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Season salmon fillets with paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Place salmon in the skillet, skin side up (if applicable). Cook for 2-3 minutes or until browned.
6. Flip salmon and transfer to preheated oven. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve with quinoa pilaf and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pan Seared Salmon with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This recipe combines the richness of pan-seared salmon with the earthiness of sautéed mushrooms and a hint of cream. A perfect dish for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon butter and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with mushrooms. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in Dijon mustard. Serve salmon atop the creamy mushroom sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors and textures of 18 mouthwatering pan-seared salmon recipes! From classic lemon butter sauce to spicy Cajun seasonings, these perfectly seasoned dishes will elevate your seafood game. Discover how to cook up crispy, flavorful fillets with honey glazes, mango salsas, and creamy mushroom sauces. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or bold and zesty, there’s a recipe on this list that’s sure to please. So go ahead, get cooking, and treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure!