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Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon and Parsley Recipe

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4.1 from 8 reviews

This Pan Seared Salmon recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare perfectly cooked salmon fillets with a crisp golden crust and tender, juicy interior. Seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley, it's an easy yet elegant dish ideal for a healthy dinner in just 15 minutes.

  • Author: Lilya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Salmon Fillets

  • 4 6-ounce salmon fillets

Seasonings

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Essentials

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Garnish

  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure a crisp sear. Season both sides of each fillet evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
  2. Heat the skillet: Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking, which typically takes about 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Sear the salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets skin side up into the hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until the underside develops a beautiful golden crust.
  4. Flip and finish cooking: Using a spatula, gently flip each fillet over and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon reaches your desired level of doneness. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
  5. Serve: Remove the salmon from the skillet and transfer to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley to add brightness and a fresh herbal finish.

Notes

  • Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
  • Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your fillets and your preferred doneness.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor impact.
  • This recipe can be paired with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.