This pan-seared salmon has crispy skin and golden on the outside yet flakey and juicy on the inside with a garlic butter sauce topped with slices of fresh lemon.

If you like salmon recipes, try our Grilled Salmon or the Cheesy Ranch Salmon.

Close up of pan seared salmon topped with greens and lemon.

Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe-

Pan-searing the salmon is such a quick and delicious method to prepare salmon. The ingredients in the recipe are so simple and will pair with just about any side making the salmon a go-to really for just about any occasion.

Ingredients for Salmon Pan-Seared:

  • Salmon: Make sure your salmon is fresh or completely thawed before starting. Frozen salmon will not work in this recipe.
  • Seasoning: Just classic seasoning of salt and pepper is all you need.
  • Butter + Oil: The oil will give the salmon skin its crispiness and the butter will make up the sauce.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds so much flavor.
  • Lemon: Fresh lemon slices give the lemon butter sauce a slightly acidic kick, enhancing the fish.
  • Herbs: Pair this salmon with your herbs to garnish, we like cilantro or parsley.
Ingredients needed to make pan seared salmon recipe. Salmon, seasoning, greens, lemon, butter, oil.

How to Make Pan-Seared Salmon-

This recipe comes together so quickly so you want to make sure your sides will be ready as salmon is best enjoyed fresh.

  1. Cut salmon- Cut your salmon fillets, we cut them into four.
  2. Season fish- With a paper towel pat dry the room temperature salmon and season the salmon with salt and pepper on all sides.
  3. Heat pan- Add the olive oil to the skillet and get it hot oven on medium-high heat. A cast-iron skillet that’s good quality works great.
  4. Sear salmon- Place salmon flesh side down and pan-sear salmon for 3-4 minutes undisturbed.
  5. Add garlic butter- Flip salmon, cook another 2 minutes and add the butter with garlic.
  6. Add lemon- Cook salmon for another 1-2 minutes. Add salmon slices over top of the salmon and pour the butter garlic sauce over the salmon.
  7. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy.
Pan seared salmon topped with seasoning, greens, and lemon all inside a pan.

Serve with-

You can serve the easy salmon dish in so many different ways for a quick and easy dinner or hearty lunch.

  • Entree- Serve as a main entree with Mashed Potatoes, Baked Rice, or even simple white Rice.
  • Salad- Substitute chicken in our popular Cobb Salad with the salmon.
  • Bowl- Enjoy it as a hearty salmon bowl with rice and veggies like spinach and tomatoes
  • Vegetable- With a side of vegetables like Baked Asparagus, or Roasted Broccoli.
  • Sandwich- As a sandwich with fresh Bagels, drizzled with fresh lemon juice, and red onion, topped with capers.
  • Meal planning- This recipe is great if you meal plan and prep several days of meals
Close up of salmon with butter sauce inside of searing pan.

Storing-

  • Fridge- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
  • Freeze- The salmon may be easily frozen in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months.
  • Reheat- Reheat the leftover salmon over low heat until reheated.

More Seafood Recipes:

If you love this salmon recipe, here are more popular seafood recipes to try:

Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe

Author: Valentina
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5 from 1 vote
This is an incredible recipe for Pan Seared Salmon. Fresh salmon seasoned and pan seared in a garlic butter sauce and topped with lemon slices.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh salmon fillet
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 fresh lemon cut in half and cut half the lemon into slices
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 Tbsp fresh herbs

Instructions

  • Pat salmon down with a paper towel and cut the salmon in four parts.
  • Season salmon on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • High oil over high/med heat.
  • Flip salmon and add in butter, galic and add slices to top of the salmon.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon over salmon and pour the butter over tops of the salmon.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy.

Nutrition

604kcal Calories4g Carbs47g Protein44g Fat15g Saturated Fat8g Polyunsaturated Fat18g Monounsaturated Fat1g Trans Fat170mg Cholesterol685mg Sodium1194mg Potassium1g Fiber1g Sugar620IU Vitamin A8mg Vitamin C57mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 604 Calories from Fat 396
% Daily Value*
Fat 44g68%
Saturated Fat 15g94%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 8g
Monounsaturated Fat 18g
Cholesterol 170mg57%
Sodium 685mg30%
Potassium 1194mg34%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 47g94%
Vitamin A 620IU12%
Vitamin C 8mg10%
Calcium 57mg6%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
Course: entree
Cuisine: American