Pan‑Cooked Salmon Recipes

About Pan-Seared Salmon

Pan-searing salmon is a classic technique that delivers restaurant-quality results in under 10 minutes. The method creates an irresistibly crispy, golden-brown skin while keeping the interior tender and moist. With just a good pan, proper heat control, and a few simple techniques, you can master this elegant cooking method that's perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and impressive date nights.

Why Pan-Sear Salmon?

Crispy, Golden Skin: High heat renders the fat beneath the skin, creating an addictively crispy texture that's impossible to achieve with other methods.

Quick Cooking Time: Most fillets are done in 8-10 minutes, making this the fastest stovetop method for fresh salmon.

Built-In Pan Sauce: Use the flavourful fond (browned bits) left in the pan to quickly create delicious sauces with butter, lemon, wine, or capers.

Precise Control: Stovetop cooking gives you instant temperature adjustments – raise or lower heat as needed for perfect results.

No Special Equipment: All you need is a good skillet – cast iron, stainless steel, or non-stick all work beautifully.

Pan-Searing Tips for Success

Choose the Right Pan: Cast iron retains heat best for searing; stainless steel creates excellent fond; non-stick prevents delicate fish from tearing.

Start with Dry Skin: Pat salmon completely dry with paper towels – moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.

Use High Smoke-Point Oil: Canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil won't burn at high temperatures – avoid olive oil for searing.

Wait for the Shimmer: Heat oil until it shimmers but doesn't smoke – this ensures proper searing temperature (around 400°F).

Skin Side Down First: Cook 70-80% of the time on the skin side, pressing gently with a spatula for the first minute to prevent curling.

Don't Flip Too Early: Salmon will naturally release from the pan when ready – forcing it early tears the flesh and ruins presentation.

Recipes

Pan‑Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter

A quick weeknight dinner of crispy pan‑seared salmon finished with a silky lemon butter sauce.

Sesame Ginger Salmon

Pan‑seared salmon drizzled with a sticky sesame ginger sauce and topped with scallions.