We love super simple salmon recipes and pan cooked salmon is about as easy as it gets. From start to finish this recipe is only about 15 minutes and yields restaurant quality salmon every time. You can dress this up or down, the flavor of the salmon really speaks for itself with this recipe!
Pan Cooked Salmon Recipe
Pan cooked salmon is one of the easiest ways to cook salmon. Pan cooking salmon is as simple as adding a little olive oil to a pan, and searing the salmon on both sides until it has a crispy exterior, and a silky smooth, perfectly cooked interior.
Pan cooked salmon is the method most restaurants use, and the seasoning possibilities are endless.
Perfect Pan Cooked Salmon
Using high quality salmon is important no matter the cooking method. This recipe for pan cooking salmon is so versatile any high quality salmon you have on hand would work great. In the photos you see, we used Coho salmon but when we make this for our own families, you’ll find us mostly using sockeye (which is technically a trout, I know) as well as Atlantic salmon. Atlantic salmon is my favorite! It’s rich and thick, and the price point is super fair. I buy it at Costco.
PRO TIP: When you’re making this, make sure to use a pan large enough to where the salmon has room to cook and is not overcrowded. That’s an important piece of information before you get going here!
Pat Dry the Salmon to Get a Perfectly Browned Crust
The golden rule of searing any meat or seafood is to remove excess exterior moisture for the best crust. Pat the salmon dry, then season with salt and pepper. If you wanted to, you could season it with our salmon seasoning for added flavor!
Get Creative with Seasoning
If you want more flavor, you could try using lemon salt, granulated garlic, or even make your own blend. That’s the best part of cooking such a simple dish, you can get creative with flavors but know that the end result of perfectly cooked salmon will be the end result. Have fun!
Use Olive Oil for the Perfect Seared Salmon
After seasoning the salmon, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan on medium high heat. Place the salmon flesh side down. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side. You’ll know the salmon is ready when it no longer sticks to the pan and releases easily once turning!
Cook the Salmon Fr 4-5 Minutes on Each Side
Flip the salmon after 4 minutes, and cook for 4-5 minutes on the opposite side.
See that! Perfectly cooked salmon with a delicious flakey meat.
From none to done in about 15 minutes- could it be any simpler?! You could serve this with some Lemon Dill Sauce on top for a little added sauciness.
You could garnish this easy salmon recipe with rosemary, lemon and some lemon zest if you want to jazz it up. It’s also delicious served simply with some oven baked rice, or corn salad.
What do you think about this recipe? Have questions? Comment below! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, and connect with us on Instagram and tag your @Laughingspatula recipes with #laughingspatula,while you’re at it…We love to see your pics!
More Salmon Recipes:
- Find all of our favorites in one spot here!
- Ginger Orange Glazed Salmon
- Salmon with Dill Sauce
- Easy Baked Salmon Recipe
Perfect Pan Cooked Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 4 6 oz salmon filets
Instructions
- Pat salmon dry with a paper towel on both sides. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a medium sized skillet pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil on medium high heat.
- Place salmon filet flesh side down and cook for 4 minutes. Gently flip to the other side, and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
- Transfer salmon to a plate and allow to rest for 4-5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
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