Pan-Seared Salmon (Crispy Outside, Tender Inside)

A simple yet elegant dish made by seasoning salmon with salt, black pepper, and olive oil, then pan-searing it until golden and crisp on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. One of the most popular and foolproof ways to cook salmon.

01 Information

Grade

Serving

Calorie

Prep Time

Cook Time

Total Time

Easy

2 Servings

420 Kcal

5 Mins

10 Mins

15 Mins

02 Ingredients

  • 2 Salmon Fillets (skin-on preferred, about 180–200g each)

  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil

  • Salt (to taste)

  • Black Pepper (to taste)

  • Optional Lemon Wedges (for serving)

  • Optional Fresh Herbs (dill, parsley, or thyme)


03 Method

Step 1
Pat the Salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp sear.

Step 2
Season both sides with Salt and Black Pepper.

Step 3
Heat Olive Oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

Step 4
Place the Salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Press gently with a spatula for the first 30 seconds to prevent curling.

Step 5
Cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6
Flip carefully and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes until the flesh is just cooked through.

Step 7
Remove from the pan and let rest for 1 minute.

Step 8
Serve hot with Lemon Wedges and sprinkle with Fresh Herbs if desired.