Pan Seared Salmon Recipe

Everything you need to know about pan seared salmon. From what salmon to use to a fool proof tutorial on how to sear salmon fillet. Watch the step-by-step video tutorial to learn how to make the best pan seared salmon that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. 

It's advised to have seafood twice a week and luckily, salmon is one of those ingredients that I never get tired of. I love how you can make salmon in many different ways. From baked dijon salmon and crispy orange glazed salmon to salmon in foil, there are so many ways to cook this delicious fish that's packed with omega-3 and other nutrients. 

Wild caught salmon vs farm raised salmon

To answer this question, first let's take a look at the definitions: 

Wild caught salmon is caught in natural environments like river and ocean and farm raised salmon is raised in farms and fed with fish feed. Wild salmon is much more expensive than farm raised salmon and is harder to find in the supermarkets. According to healthline, farmed salmon has more fat and wild salmon is richer in minerals. Wild salmon is leaner because it has more space to move compared to farmed salmon. 

So which one is better?  Both types of salmon have pros and cons. Not everyone is a fan of how wild salmon tastes and it's usually harder to find. Farmed salmon is way more affordable and it's easier to cook but it also has higher fat content.  In conclusion, it's best to buy what suits your budget and preference. Always check with your store's fish department to make sure the salmon is fresh. 

An easy marinade for more flavor

Salmon has such rich flavor of its own. To make this Mediterranean style pan seared salmon, I marinated the fillets in a combination of garlic, olive oil, lemon and spices such as oregano and paprika. Marinade the salmon for no more than 30 minutes because of its tender flesh. 

Skin on or skin off?

Keep the skin on at all times unless you're poaching the salmon. Cooking salmon with the skin on will prevent it from being overcooked. It also keeps the shape of the salmon fillet while being seared. 

How to pan sear salmon 

• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. 
• Brush the salmon fillets with a bit of olive oil and season with spices. 
• Once the oil is hot, place the salmon skin side down in the pan. 
• Cook untouched for about 4 minutes on one side and then flip the fish. 
• Sear for another 5 minutes until the salmon is cooked completely. 
• Serve seared salmon with your favorite side dish. 

Pan seared salmon is crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. It's important to flip the salmon and let both sides get very crispy. Follow this tutorial and you will have perfect crispy salmon every time. 

How long to pan sear salmon

Depending on the size and thickness of the fish, it would take anywhere from 4 to 6 minutes to sear salmon on each side. It's important not to overcook the salmon otherwise it will be dry inside. 

How to know if salmon is cooked

There are a couple of ways to see if salmon is cooked properly:

• The salmon turns from pink to opaque. 
• The internal temperature would be at 140ºF when an instant thermometer is inserted in the middle. 

That being said, make sure not to overcook the salmon. It keeps cooking for a few more minutes when it's off the heat, so keep that in mind when you're cooking fish. 

Can I use other oils to make pan seared salmon?

Yes. You can also sear salmon in vegetable oil or canola oil. Make sure that the oil you're using has a high smoke point to avoid burning the salmon.

What kind of pan to use

It's best to use a nonstick pan when it comes to searing a tender fish such as salmon. You don't want the skin or flesh to stick to the pan. 

Pan sear vs bake

Both methods word great for salmon and they are both pretty easy to do. Baked salmon requires less hands on time but more time in the oven. Pan seared salmon is crispier and cooks in a shorter time. If you're looking for baked salmon recipes, try our baked salmon fillet with lemon or oven baked salmon with olives and capers. 

What to serve with salmon

You can serve salmon with many different sides. We served it with some sauteed onions and spinach with juicy burst tomatoes. Other side dishes to serve with this dish are:

• Mediterranean potato salad
• Instant pot brown rice 
• Mediterranean lentil salad

What to do with the leftovers

You can store the leftover salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. My suggestion is to always try to serve salmon fresh and finish it in one sitting. However, you can also turn your leftovers to salmon patties using a few vegetables and spices.