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Easy Pan Fried Salmon Recipe

This recipe is super quick and simple. It requires very little effort, uses few ingredients and it tastes delicious!
Print Recipe
Pan fried salmon
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 pan
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 tong
  • 1 stove
  • 2 plates

Ingredients

  • 1.5-2 lbs Fresh Skin on Salmon Fillets
  • 2 tbs butter
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tsp adobo
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1-2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

Season the salmon

  • Squeeze 1/2 lemon over the fillets (I like to use a fork to poke the lemon prior to squeezing out the juice)
  • Evenly sprinkle adobo, pepper, paprika, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning over the fillets.
    pan fired salmon

Cooking the salmon

  • Heat up your pan on medium heat.
  • Melt the 2 tbs of butter.
  • Once butter is melted, place skinless side of salmon fillets down first. Sear for 5 minutes. This will give it a nice sear and color!
  • Flip the fillets over to the skinned side of the salmon. ( I use a spatula and a tong to do this)
  • Use a lid to cover the salmon to allow it to cook thoroughly.
  • Lower the heat to low.
  • Let the salmon cook for about 8-10 minutes.
  • Do a temperature check on the thickest part of the fillet. It should read 145 degree, depending on how thick the fillets are.
  • Once your salmon is done, remove from heat.
  • Serve with a side of white rice, glazed carrots, green beans, roasted potatoes or over a simple fresh salad.
  • Enjoy!

Video

Notes

*Use fresh salmon fillets with the skin on- the skin will get nice and crispy, so you can enjoy eating that too! 
*Try to choose a fillet with fat evenly distributed for best flavor and a center cut of the salmon for even cooking.
*Use a spatula and tongs to help you flip the salmon (that's how I do it 🤪)
*serve with a slice of fresh lemon to give it one final squeeze if you'd like!
Servings: 4
Cost: $10-$15