Go Back
+ servings

Pan Fried Salmon

A quick and delicious pan-fried salmon recipe that results in a crispy skin and tender, flaky fish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 fillets salmon skin-on, about 6 ounces each
  • 1 teaspoon salt to season the salmon
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
For the Lemon Butter Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Prepare the Salmon
  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a crispy skin when frying.
  2. Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
Heat the Skillet
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This indicates that the oil is hot enough to sear the salmon.
Cook the Salmon
  1. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  2. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them. This allows the skin to become crispy.
  3. Using a fish turner, gently flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the butter. Allow it to melt, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  2. Stir in the lemon juice and mix well. This adds a bright flavor to the sauce.
  3. Remove from heat and set aside.
Serve
  1. Plate the salmon fillets and drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the top.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1filletCalories: 350kcalProtein: 34gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 800mgVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!