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Close-up of one pan seared salmon fillet.

Pan Seared Salmon

This easy recipe for pan seared salmon with blue cheese topping is proof that preparing seafood does not need to be complicated. Try this simple one-skillet recipe once and I guarantee, it will become a go-to fish dinner soon!

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword easy salmon recipe, pan-seared salmon, salmon, salmon recipes, seafood, seafood recipe, seared salmon
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 304 kcal
Author Mahy

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt ( or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 lemon thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

  1. Over medium-high heat, preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan and add the olive oil.
  2. Season the salmon fillets on both sides with salt, pepper and brown sugar.
    Ingredients: salmon, lemon slices, salt, pepper, minced garlic, blue cheese dressing, honey.
  3. Once the skillet is ready, place the salmon fillets and lower the heat to medium, and allow the salmon to sear on each side for about 2 minutes dropping the heat to medium-low after the first minute.
    salmon in skillet
  4. Add the garlic and lemon slices and sauté them with the salmon fillets for 1 minute until the flavors burst out, then cover your skillet with a lid (or use aluminum foil if you don't have a lid for that skillet or pan) while maintaining the heat at medium-low.
    salmon fillets in a skillet flipped and covered with a lid
  5. Uncover the skillet, turn off the heat and crumble the blue cheese on top of each fillet and cover them again for a just a few seconds to soften the cheese a little bit.
    Salmon filets in skillet.
  6. Sprinkle the salmon with parsley and drizzle about 1/4 teaspoon of honey on each.
    pan seared salmon with blue cheese and a hand drizzling honey on a tray.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

TIPS FOR THE BEST PAN SEARED SALMON RECIPE

  1. When cooking salmon, don't be tempted to turn up the heat, or your salmon will be overcooked on the outside and raw on the inside.
  2. Start flesh side up.
  3. Trust me, the cheese will melt on top of the salmon, even though the heat is turned off.
  4. Use maple syrup instead of honey or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, if desired.
  5. Begin with room temperature salmon for best results. If your salmon is cold you may have to adjust the cooking time.
  6. Use paper towels to remove any extra moisture from the meat before seasoning.
  7. Whenever you are ready to eat salmon, squeeze the lemon juice over the filet.

FAQ

Can you pan-sear salmon with skin?

Yes. Skin is usually only on one side of a salmon filet. Sear the skin side first.

What side of salmon do you sear first?

Searing the salmon is so easy! If it has skin, then the skin goes down first.

How long to pan sear salmon?

It takes 6-8 mins per side depending on the size and thickness of the fillet.

Nutrition Facts
Pan Seared Salmon
Amount Per Serving (1 fillet)
Calories 304 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 96mg32%
Sodium 561mg24%
Potassium 861mg25%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 179IU4%
Vitamin C 9mg11%
Calcium 45mg5%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.