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A perfectly cooked crispy pan seared salmon fillet with golden skin

Ultimate Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Herb Butter

Enjoy perfectly crispy pan-seared salmon with a delightful lemon-herb butter finish. This recipe guides you to a flaky, moist interior and wonderfully crisp skin every time.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 fillets
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 fillets Salmon Fillets (about 6 oz/170g each), skin-on
  • 1-2 tbsp Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground Black Pepper to taste

For Herb Butter Finish & Garnish

  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1 Fresh Rosemary sprig (optional)
  • 1 Fresh Thyme sprig (optional)
  • Lemon Wedges for serving (optional)
  • Fresh Dill or Parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels for crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Cooking

  • Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil until it shimmers.
  • Place salmon skin-side down, press gently for 30 seconds, and cook undisturbed for 4-6 minutes until skin is crispy and salmon is two-thirds cooked.
  • Flip the salmon; optionally add butter and herbs to baste. Cook for 1-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Serving

  • Remove salmon and let it rest for a minute or two. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, high-quality salmon. Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the fish to achieve a perfect sear.