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Why Pan Fried Salmon?

Pan-frying is one of the best ways to cook salmon because it locks in the moisture and creates a beautifully crisp, golden skin. This method takes just a few minutes, allowing the salmon to remain tender on the inside while developing a rich flavor on the outside. When paired with a buttery garlic sauce, the taste is elevated to gourmet levels.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

Salmon Fillets
Choose fresh, skin-on salmon fillets. Skin-on fillets are not only easier to handle in the pan, but the skin crisps up beautifully, adding texture and flavor. Salmon is high in protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for supporting heart and brain health.

Garlic
Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter with a deep aroma and flavor. Garlic is also known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Butter
Unsalted butter adds a rich, creamy base to the sauce. It complements the salmon without overpowering it, while giving it a silky texture.

Lemon Juice
A splash of lemon juice brightens the entire dish and balances out the richness of the butter.

Parsley
Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. It also contains vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants.

Olive Oil
Used for searing the salmon, olive oil adds another layer of healthy fat and prevents sticking.

Pan Fried Salmon With Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients

2 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat the Pan
In a nonstick or stainless steel skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Pan-Fry the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press lightly with a spatula to prevent curling. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the fish is mostly cooked through. Flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Move the salmon to one side of the pan. Add the butter and garlic to the empty side and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Add Lemon Juice
Stir the lemon juice into the garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over the salmon to coat it evenly.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges or your favorite side dishes like rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Pan Fried Salmon

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain even heat and proper searing.
Use a fish spatula: It’s thinner and more flexible, perfect for flipping delicate fish fillets.
Let the skin do the work: When pan-frying, don’t flip the fish too early. Let it release naturally from the pan once the skin is crispy.

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Rest the fish: After cooking, let the salmon rest for a minute or two to let the juices redistribute.

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What to Serve With Pan Fried Salmon

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

Garlic mashed potatoes
Steamed or roasted vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, green beans)
Quinoa or wild rice
Fresh salad with vinaigrette
Grilled corn or zucchini

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a pan over low heat to prevent drying out the salmon. You can also enjoy it cold over a salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for better searing.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt to avoid over-seasoning.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Can I substitute garlic with garlic powder?
Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but in a pinch, you can use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
What type of salmon is best?
Wild-caught salmon like sockeye or coho has more flavor, but farmed Atlantic salmon works fine and is more budget-friendly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil.
How long does it take to pan-fry salmon?
Typically, it takes about 6–8 minutes total depending on thickness.
Should I remove the skin?
It’s optional, but leaving the skin on helps protect the flesh and adds texture.
Can I add other herbs?
Yes, dill, thyme, or chives complement salmon beautifully.
Can this be made ahead?
The salmon is best fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as your ingredients (like butter) are certified gluten-free.
What if my salmon sticks to the pan?
Make sure your pan is hot enough and don’t flip too early. Use a nonstick or well-seasoned skillet.
Can I add vegetables to the pan?
Yes, quick-cooking veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini can be added after the salmon is cooked.
How can I reduce calories?
Use less butter or substitute with olive oil, and serve with low-calorie sides like steamed vegetables or salad.

Conclusion

This Pan Fried Salmon With Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a restaurant-quality meal in minutes. It’s healthy, flavorful, and fits into a variety of diets and occasions. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is bound to impress.

Remember to experiment and make it your own—add herbs, spice it up with chili flakes, or serve it with your favorite side dishes. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in kitchens around the world.

Pan Fried Salmon With Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Pan Fried Salmon With Garlic Butter Sauce is a quick, restaurant-quality meal made in under 30 minutes. With perfectly seared salmon fillets, a golden crispy skin, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce, every bite is tender, flavorful, and satisfying. Finished with a splash of lemon and fresh herbs, this dish is both elegant and comforting. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy a mouth-watering salmon experience at home.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings 2 Servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

2 salmon fillets 6 oz each, skin on
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Heat the Skillet

In a large nonstick or stainless steel skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Sear the Salmon

Place salmon skin-side down into the skillet. Press gently with a spatula to prevent curling. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crisp and releases easily from the pan.