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With a perfectly crisp exterior and moist, tender interior, this Pan Seared Salmon is the best of both worlds. In less than 30 minutes, you can have this restaurant-worthy meal on the table and be ready to impress!

moist and flaky pan seared salmon on a plate

Why You’ll Love This Pan Fried Salmon Recipe

  • It’s Just Impressive. Like Stuffed Salmon and Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, this is a dish that’s truly going to wow your guests (and you!). With a perfectly seared exterior and moist, flaky interior, they’ll think you are in a restaurant!
  • For the Novice and Expert Alike. I used to think that only a professional chef could pull seared fish off, but it’s completely doable at home. With a few easy pointers, all of which I have included for you below, you will also know how to pan sear salmon perfectly!
  • Dry Fish Is So Yesterday. This recipe ensures your salmon is succulent, tender, and never dry. Pan searing helps lock in the moisture and prevent drying out, as Pan Fried Chicken Breast can certainly attest.
  • It’s Versatile. While it’s anything but dull, this salmon doesn’t use bold flavors. Therefore, just about any side dish you serve will pair well with it.
Cast iron pan seared salmon on a plate with lemon and greens

5 Star Review

“If you’re having any doubts, consider this a sign: use this recipe!!!! This recipe is easy to follow, informative, and most importantly makes salmon that is DELICIOUS!”

— Caroline —

Tips for the Best Pan Seared Salmon

Making pan fried salmon that you can proudly declare better than a restaurant comes down to a few rules.

Use the Right Equipment

  • The best pan for salmon is one with a heavy bottom that you can heat to a high temperature and that conducts heat evenly. I have the best luck with stainless steel (this pan is the holy grail) and cast iron. A non-stick pan can work too, but it’s not my favorite for searing or pan frying, as it doesn’t get the surface of the fish *as* crisp.
  • GET A FISH SPATULA. This long, flexible spatula is the one I use more than any other, and it is useful for so much more than fish. From turning Oven Roasted Vegetables, to flipping eggs and pancakes, to getting that perfect flip on your fillet, a fish spatula with its wide surface area is indispensable.

Use Salmon WITH the Skin On

  • Making pan seared salmon without skin can be difficult. Keeping the skin on salmon makes it easier to flip, as the salmon is less likely to fall apart (also recommended for Instant Pot Salmon).
  • Making pan seared salmon with skin insulates it and makes it more difficult to overcook.

Let the Salmon Come to Room Temperature

  • This rule applies to just about any seared protein. Letting the salmon fillets come to room temperature ensures that the insides finish cooking at the same time the outside is crisp so that you do not overcook the fish waiting for its center to come to temperature.
  • A minimum of 10 minutes before you’d like to cook the salmon, remove it from the refrigerator.

Pat It Dry

  • Water is the enemy of well-seared salmon. Be sure to pat the fillets dry with paper towels before adding them to the pan.

Season the Fish Immediately Before Cooking

  • Salt will draw moisture out of the fish. To help it stay dry (and thus more easily crisp), wait to season it until just before you add it to the pan.
  • For a great rub, check out this Salmon Seasoning.

Wait to Add the Salmon Until the Pan is HOT

  • If you add the salmon when the pan is too cool, you won’t achieve a good sear. Wait for your pan to reach medium-high heat.
  • You know your pan is ready for searing when a drop of water dances and sizzles on the surface.
  • Be sure to give the oil time to heat up too. (To cook salmon without any oil, try Poached Salmon.)

Sear the Flesh Side First

  • Lovers of crispy, golden crust swear the salmon skin-side should be seared first. When cooked this way, the salmon is served with crispy skin side up. If you like to eat crispy salmon skin, skin-side first is probably best for you.
  • Personally, I prefer to sear the flesh side of the salmon first and serve the salmon with the skin on the bottom. It gives the salmon a beautiful presentation and since I don’t personally enjoy eating salmon skin, I prefer to save that delightful crispy portion for the flesh side, which I do eat.
  • It is easy to remove the salmon from the skin as you take bites.

Don’t Touch!

  • For the best sear, do not disturb the salmon while it cooks on each side. It’s tempting to peek, but you won’t get that crispy exterior.
  • When the salmon is done cooking, it will release easily from the pan. If it’s sticking, chances are it needs another minute or so.
  • Pan fry salmon with the skin for 7 to 10 minutes total.

TIP!

Lower the salmon down into the pan AWAY from you. This will keep the oil from splattering on you.

Crispy pan seared salmon with lemon

How to Make Pan Seared Salmon

The Ingredients

  • Salmon. Rich in omega-3s, lean protein, and vitamins, pan seared salmon is good for you. It’s beloved in our kitchen for its mild flavor and versatility.
  • Salt + Pepper. A seared fish necessity.
  • Butter + Oil. Butter makes everything better, and the oil is key for helping create the crispy exterior. Make sure to use an oil with a high smoke point like canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil to avoid burning it.
  • Lemon. A finishing squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds freshness and brightness.

The Directions

Salmon being patted dry with a paper towel
  1. Dry the Salmon. This ensures you get the best sear.
Butter melting in a skillet
  1. Heat the Butter and Oil. Get the pan nice and hot!
Four raw salmon fillets on a cutting board
  1. Season the Salmon. Do this right before cooking.
Four fish fillets in a skillet skin side up
  1. Cook the Salmon. Start skin-side up for 5 to 6 minutes.
Four seared salmon fillets in a pan
  1. Flip the Salmon. Cook for 2 to 4 more minutes.
Lemon being juiced over crispy seared fish
  1. Add a Squeeze of Lemon. For freshness and brightness. ENJOY!

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • To Reheat. Very gently rewarm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Personally, I prefer to serve the salmon slightly chilled or at room temperature over a salad or on toast, rather than reheat it.

Leftover Ideas

Flake leftover salmon into scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast (it would be scrumptious on this Scrambled Egg Toast with Roasted Asparagus) or gussy up a slice of avocado toast.

Healthy pan seared salmon on a plate

What to Serve with Pan Seared Salmon

  • Cast Iron Skillet. Making cast iron pan seared salmon will help you achieve the perfect sear.
  • Fish Spatula. Perfect for flipping the salmon fillets (yes, you do flip salmon when pan searing).
  • Instant Read Thermometer. The easiest way to check the pan seared salmon temperature.

Pan Seared Salmon

4.88 from 66 votes
How to make easy, perfect pan seared salmon at home, just like restaurant-style pan fried salmon. Crispy outside, tender and flaky inside.

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 (6- to 8-ounce) salmon fillets skin on
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus a few extra pinches
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tablespoon canola, grapeseed, avocado, or another high smoke-point cooking oil
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges
  • Chopped fresh parsley or basil, or dill, optional for serving

Instructions
 

  • Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. With a paper towel, pat the fillets very dry on both sides.
  • Heat the butter and oil in a 12-inch cast iron or heavy stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until the butter foams and the foam subsides, about 3 minutes. It’s important the pan is VERY hot before you add the salmon, or it won’t crisp properly.
  • Just before adding it to the pan, season the flesh side of the salmon with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper.
  • Carefully place the fillets in the skillet, skin-side up, lowering them down away from you to protect yourself from splatters. Sprinkle the skin side of the salmon with a pinch of kosher salt.
  • Let the salmon cook on the first side completely undisturbed until the flesh appears cooked about 3/4 of the way up the fillet, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  • With a fish spatula or similar long, wide, flexible spatula, carefully flip the fillets. They should release easily from the pan; if they are sticking, the salmon most likely isn’t ready yet. Let cook another 30 seconds or so, then try again.
  • Reduce the pan heat to medium. Cook the salmon on the other side for 2 to 4 minutes more, until it is done to your liking (I remove the salmon at 130°F for medium). Remove to a plate and let rest 5 minutes. Squeeze lemon over the top and sprinkle with herbs. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Video

Notes

  • TO STORE: Refrigerate salmon in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Very gently rewarm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 4)Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 34gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 101mgPotassium: 873mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 162IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 2mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Make Dairy-Free Pan Seared Salmon?

If you need to make this pan seared salmon recipe without dairy, you can omit the butter. Use an additional tablespoon of oil instead.

What Sauce Can I Use on this Pan Seared Salmon?

While these pan seared salmon fillets are delicious on their own, you can add a sauce or salsa for extra flavor. Try a garlic butter sauce, the avocado salsa from this Whole30 Salmon, or make teriyaki pan seared salmon using the sauce from this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry.

Can I Use a Different Type of Fish in this Recipe?

Good substitutes for salmon are another firm, meaty fish, such as halibut, cod, or hake. Note that you may need to adjust the cooking times.

(If you’re hoping to make a cod recipe, don’t miss my Grilled Cod, Pan Fried Cod, Baked Cod, or Fish En Papillote.)

Can You Pan Fry Salmon from Frozen?

No, I do not recommend making this recipe with frozen salmon. Allow the salmon to thaw completely before starting the recipe.

Can You Eat Salmon Skin?

You can eat salmon skin. It’s not my thing, but if you are a fan of crispy salmon skin, or just want the nutritional benefits (which are similar to the flesh of the salmon), you do you.

Is it Better to Pan Sear or Bake Salmon?

If you enjoy a crispy exterior, then pan seared salmon is the way to go. Baking salmon is a great option for a larger piece of fish (try this Baked Salmon in Foil for an easy technique). Making salmon in the oven also allows you to prepare side dishes while it bakes, as it doesn’t require much attention during the cooking time. (If you want to achieve some crispiness using the oven, my Broiled Salmon is a great option.)

More Delicious Salmon Recipes

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

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88 Comments

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  1. Hi Erin, This looks amazing! I don’t have a stainless steel pan and don’t like to use Teflon at high heat. Would a Dutch oven work?

    1. Hi Kat! Yes I do believe a dutch oven would work, although I haven’t tried it myself. If you try it out, let me know how it goes!

  2. Like you, I was always afraid to make salmon, however, your recipe is a winner, we loved it! Thank you for all of the great recipes.

    Sincerely,
    Eileen Lorenzini
    P. S. I made your roasted asparagus with the salmon, it was also a hit. 😍5 stars

    1. Thank you!!! I have tried so many recipes, hoping to end up with restaurant-quality salmon. None of them have explained the searing process as well as you have here. This is my new go-to recipe for salmon, it was absolutely delicious!!!5 stars

  3. Quick and easy !
    I used a herb blend topping and we loved it!
    Next time we are going to try some Old Bay seasoning5 stars

  4. If you’re having any doubts, consider this a sign: use this recipe!!!! I love to cook but am a little shy on my own when it comes to fish from lack of experience. This recipe is easy to follow, informative, and most importantly makes salmon that is DELICIOUS! Go for it :)5 stars

  5. Just cooked Salmon using your tips and recipe. Great taste and quick. Used cast iron frying pan. Did not do salt on the skin. Nor eat the skin. Thank you for the tips. Love the way it turned out.5 stars

  6. So good! The recipe was super easy to follow and I really appreciated the tip section. I feel more confident pan searing salmon now!!5 stars

  7. Erin–I really love your pan-seared salmon recipe, but there’s an ad on your site that restarts every time I scroll down. So I mute it, and it unmutes every time I scroll. The most annoying ad I’ve ever encountered. It will truly repel anyone who comes to your site. Good luck.

    1. Hi Susan, I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience the ads caused you! I will certainly keep paying close attention to the number of ads and how they load, as I never want them to hinder your ability to view the recipe or the blog post. I do truly appreciate your feedback and apologize again for the inconvenience! Also, there is a quick and convenient “jump to recipe” button that will help you get to the recipe faster and a print button to have the recipe quickly at your fingertips. Hope this helps!

  8. Very good! Easy to follow recipe and the flesh side down first worked very well and was easy to flip after 5 min. Thanks so much!5 stars

  9. Absolutely delicious. I made the seasoning mentioned in the overview. I used my cast iron pan. It was wonderful.5 stars

  10. Just tried this recipe. My wife, who doesn’t usually eat salmon, loved it. I made a sauce of 1 TBS of finely chopped rosemary, 1 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 TBS of apple cider vinegar.5 stars

  11. I HATE Salmon – or thought I did – until I found Erin’s wonderful cooking technique. Fabulous. Foolproof. Best salmon recipe I ever found! Now I LOVE salmon. Thanks, Erin5 stars

  12. This is probably the best salmon that I’ve ever made myself. I normally bake my salmon but I decided to pan sear it this time. It was delicious.5 stars

  13. Amazing recipe! Crispy on the outside and very tender within. I served it with rice and asparagus. Delicious!5 stars

  14. Not a big salmon fan, eat it cause it’s healthy. But after this recipe, I’m sold! I have never gotten so much flavor from salmon, especially with so few ingredients. This will be a weekly go to meal. Thank you.5 stars

  15. I made this for my wife last night and she loves it. Simple and delicious. Can’t wait to try your other recipes. Thank you!5 stars

  16. Love this recipe! I made a surprise salmon dinner for my husband using your recipe! The recipe was super easy to follow. Plus my husband said it was amazing!5 stars

  17. It’s amazing that such a simple recipe makes the most wonderful salmon! It’s always moist and flakey, never dry. It’s easy to adjust the taste by playing with different spices.
    Will definitely make this again.5 stars

  18. I’m not the type to cook with exact measurements but I did eye the ingredients to use about the amount called for in the recipe and it turned out so good! I served it with grilled asparagus and brown rice. DELISH!5 stars

  19. Love this!! I made 4 pieces for myself and my husband. I figured I would eat most of it because he is super picky about his fish but he almost ate it all lol. It was delicious and I will definitely be making this more often.5 stars

  20. I have been looking for a seared salmon recipe and tried this tonight. It was truly excellent and will be cooking again. I did not have parsley so I used fresh tarragon which I had on hand instead. I also had to cook a little longer, probably depending on the size of salmon filets. Great flavors!5 stars

  21. Made this for dinner tonight and it was really delicious! Restaurant quality and very easy to make! I only made 5 filets and wish I made more! The family loved it! I served sautéed squash, zucchini, red potatoes and onions on the side.5 stars

  22. WOW! My family licked their plates clean! This was so easy and delicious! Served with crispy smashed potatoes and roasted broccoli with lemon and parm. We will be making this weekly on ‘Salmon Sundays’!5 stars

  23. I followed this recipe and it came out perfect. I would just add to make sure it’s padded down dry before seasoning with salt and pepper. Thank you for great salmon!5 stars