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A perfectly cooked pan seared salmon, ideal for beginners, with crispy skin.

Classic Simple Pan Seared Salmon for Beginners

This recipe offers a foolproof method for beginners to achieve perfectly pan-seared salmon with crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh. It requires minimal ingredients and delivers a delicious meal in under 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings 2 fillets
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Large heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 Salmon Fillets (about 6 ounces each, with skin on)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (or high smoke point oil)
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • Lemon Wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  • Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, and heat until it shimmers.
  • Carefully place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, into the hot pan and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, pressing gently on the top for the first minute.
  • Flip the fillets once the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the salmon is cooked about two-thirds through; cook for another 2-3 minutes until desired doneness.
  • Remove from the pan and serve hot, ideally with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

For best results, ensure the salmon is completely dry before searing. Pressing the fillets gently with a spatula in the first minute helps achieve maximum skin crispiness. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.