Quick Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe with Easy Citrus Glaze
A quick and easy pan-seared salmon recipe featuring crispy skin and a bright, sweet-tart citrus glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), preferably wild-caught
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste, freshly ground
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice combined
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, chilled
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the salmon dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin (about 3 minutes).
- Season both sides of the salmon fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper (2 minutes).
- Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Press gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Flip the fillets and cook the flesh side for 2-3 minutes until just cooked through but still moist inside.
- While the salmon cooks, combine minced garlic, fresh citrus juices, honey, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Remove the salmon from the pan and spoon the warm citrus glaze generously over each fillet.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
Pat salmon dry thoroughly before cooking to ensure crispy skin. Use a hot pan and do not move the salmon while cooking skin-side down. Make the citrus glaze while salmon cooks to save time. Adjust heat to avoid burning skin. Cook in batches if pan is crowded. For oven finish, sear skin-side down 3 minutes then bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 o
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Protein: 34
Keywords: salmon, pan-seared salmon, crispy salmon, citrus glaze, quick salmon recipe, healthy dinner, easy seafood