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Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe 20-Minute Easy Herb Dinner

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A quick and easy pan-seared salmon recipe that delivers crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh with fresh herbs for a flavorful, restaurant-quality dinner in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 skin-on salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or substitute cilantro or basil)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 small lemon, cut into wedges
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes while you prep your herbs and garlic.
  2. Warm the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until hot but not smoking.
  3. Place the salmon fillets skin side down in the pan. Press down gently with a spatula or tongs to prevent curling. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
  4. Carefully flip the salmon over and cook for another 2-3 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature around 125°F / 52°C). For well-done, add an extra minute. Add the minced garlic and butter to the pan, swirling to coat the fish and infuse flavor.
  5. Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the salmon while it rests in the pan for a minute.
  6. Transfer the salmon to plates, garnish with lemon wedges, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet just before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon skin very dry before cooking for best crispiness. Use medium-high heat and do not move fillets too soon to allow skin to crisp properly. Add butter near the end or off the heat to avoid burning. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a skillet to preserve crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep skin crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: pan-seared salmon, crispy salmon, quick salmon recipe, herb salmon, easy dinner, healthy salmon, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/crispy-pan-seared-salmon-recipe-20-minute-easy-herb-dinner/