Pan-Seared Salmon

These restaurant-style pan-seared salmon fillets have perfectly crisp skin and tender flesh. Simply seasoned with salt and pepper, this versatile dish will become a new favorite. Make this easy and delicious recipe at home to impress your friends and family!

5 from 6 votes

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 8

Total Time: 13

Servings: servings

Calories: 303kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

2 (6-oz) salmon fillets skin-on, 1 to 1.5 inches thick
1 tablespoon olive oil or a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed oil
kosher salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Pat the salmon dry on all sides with paper towels.
Season liberally with salt and pepper.
Heat a pan over medium-high heat.
Add the oil.
Once the oil is shimmering, add the salmon skin-side down and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the skin is lightly browned, crisp, and lifts from the pan easily.
Flip the salmon. Cook on the remaining side for 3 to 4 minutes, until the interior temperature reads 125 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare. For medium, continue cooking for another minute, or until the internal temperature reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Taste for seasoning, adjust if needed, and serve.

Notes

General

Thicker salmon fillets may take 30 seconds to a minute longer, while thin salmon fillets should be cooked for less time. Use an instant-read thermometer to test the temperature of the salmon.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze leftovers. Let the salmon cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, then store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the skin will not remain the same. I recommend removing the skin before storing.
Reheating: There are several ways to reheat leftovers. For crisp skin, you can reheat the salmon in a low oven (about 275 degrees Fahrenheit) for 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a pan over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side.
The air fryer is also an option. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then let the salmon cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145.

Nutrition