Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy skin with tender flaky salmon
Quick and easy to prepare
Healthy and high in protein
Perfect for weeknight dinners
Minimal ingredients with big flavor
Pairs well with many side dishes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic
Lemon juice
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika optional
Fresh parsley or dill optional

Directions

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the salmon skin-side down in the hot skillet.
Cook without moving the salmon until the skin becomes crispy.
Flip the salmon carefully and add butter and garlic to the skillet.
Spoon the melted butter over the salmon while it finishes cooking.
Cook until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes

Variations

Add Cajun seasoning for spicy salmon.
Use honey and garlic for a sweet savory glaze.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Top with a creamy lemon sauce.
Use lime juice instead of lemon for a citrus twist.
Add capers for extra savory flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain texture. Avoid overheating to keep the salmon moist and tender.

FAQs

How do I get crispy salmon skin?

Pat the salmon dry and cook skin-side down in a hot skillet without moving it.

What type of salmon works best?

Atlantic, sockeye, or coho salmon all work well.

How do I know when salmon is cooked?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F internally.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, thaw it completely before cooking.

What oil works best for pan searing?

Olive oil or avocado oil are great options.

Can I remove the skin before cooking?

Yes, but the skin helps protect the salmon and becomes deliciously crispy.

What side dishes pair well with salmon?

Rice, roasted vegetables, potatoes, or salad pair wonderfully.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the butter or use a dairy-free alternative.

Why is my salmon sticking to the pan?

The pan may not be hot enough or the salmon was moved too early.

Can I add sauces to pan seared salmon?

Yes, lemon butter sauce, garlic cream sauce, or teriyaki sauce pair well.

Conclusion

Pan Seared Salmon is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that delivers crispy skin and tender flaky fish with minimal effort. Perfect for everyday dinners or elegant meals, this simple salmon recipe is a reliable favorite that pairs beautifully with countless side dishes and flavors.

Pan Seared Salmon

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Orange Chicken is a crispy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet, tangy orange sauce with savory garlic and ginger. This homemade takeout-style favorite is perfect for busy weeknight dinners and pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Fry
Cuisine: Chinese
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces.
Season the chicken lightly with salt and black pepper.
In a bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch.
Coat the chicken pieces evenly in the flour mixture.
Dip the coated chicken into the beaten eggs for extra crispiness.
Fry, bake, or air fry the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Simmer the sauce for several minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve hot with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Notes

Fresh orange juice and zest provide the brightest citrus flavor.
Chicken thighs stay especially juicy and flavorful in this recipe.
For spicy orange chicken, add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce.
Air frying the chicken creates a lighter version with less oil.
Add broccoli or bell peppers for extra vegetables and texture.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 890 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg