Dinner

Pan Seared Salmon Recipe

Bylina Carter January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Introduction

Pan seared salmon is a simple yet elegant dish that delivers crispy skin and tender, flavorful flesh. With just a few seasonings and a quick sear, you can enjoy perfectly cooked salmon in under 10 minutes.

A white oval plate holds a bed of fluffy white rice as the first layer, spread evenly across the plate. On top, four pieces of cooked salmon fillets are placed in a neat row, each with a golden-brown seared surface sprinkled lightly with black pepper and fresh green parsley bits. Two lemon wedges, bright yellow with visible juicy pulp, rest on the rice near the salmon, adding a pop of color. The plate sits on a white marbled texture surface with a small white bowl of chopped parsley visible to the left and a blue and white striped cloth partially visible to the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 6-ounce salmon fillets
½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Lemon wedges, for serving

Chopped parsley, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season each piece evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the salmon fillets skin side up in the skillet and cook without moving them until the surface is golden brown, about 4 minutes.

Step 3: Carefully flip the salmon fillets and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until they reach your preferred doneness.
Step 4: Transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy skin, make sure the salmon is completely dry before seasoning and searing.

Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or enjoy cold on salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

The image shows a white round plate with one large layer of cooked white rice that is fluffy and soft. On top, slightly off center, lies a single piece of grilled salmon, with a golden-brown crust on the outside and a moist, flaky pink inside that is being lifted by a silver fork near the bottom edge. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the salmon and rice. On the left side of the salmon, two small lemon wedges with bright yellow skin and juicy flesh rest directly on the rice. In the background, there is a larger white bowl filled with two more grilled salmon pieces resting on white rice. To the right, there is a small white bowl filled with fresh chopped green herbs. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface, with a folded grey and white striped cloth napkin near the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry thoroughly before cooking to ensure a good sear.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque throughout. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.

Pan Seared Salmon Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 144 reviews

Author: lina

Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Pan Seared Salmon recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy salmon fillets with a simple seasoning of garlic powder, salt, and pepper, cooked to golden perfection in olive oil. Finished with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, this dish is perfect for a healthy, elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Fillets

4 6-ounce salmon fillets

Seasonings

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Oil

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Garnish

Lemon wedges, for serving
Chopped parsley, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season each fillet evenly on all sides with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Heat the Skillet: Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering but not smoking, indicating it’s ready for cooking.
Sear the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets skin side up into the hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until the bottom surface is golden and crispy.
Flip and Cook Through: Using a spatula, gently flip each fillet over and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, adjusting the time based on your preferred level of doneness.

Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon fillets to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and scatter chopped parsley for an aromatic and fresh garnish before serving.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry is essential to ensure a crispy sear.
Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

For extra flavor, you can add paprika in seasoning if desired.
Serve immediately to enjoy the salmon at its best texture and flavor.
This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course

Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: pan seared salmon, salmon fillets, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon, quick dinner, olive oil salmon, garlic salmon, lemon parsley salmon

lina Carter

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