Pan Fried Salmon Recipe with Sauce

This pan-fried salmon recipe with sauce will yield pan-seared salmon that are extremely crunchy on the exterior while succulent, soft, and flaky on the interior, finished with a silky, tasty buttery sauce.

This is a crunchy pan-fried salmon with a honey garlic butter sauce that is a delectably simple salmon recipe that will be ready in minutes.

It is perfectly flaky with a salty, sweet, and sticky honey and soy sauce glaze with bright lemon juice, melted butter, and roasted garlic.

This is the ideal dinner for a busy weeknight; it is pan-fried and will be ready in just 20 minutes.

You will love this quick and healthy fish dinner recipe, and the honey garlic salmon is filled with flavor and nutrients.

The sweet and tasty glaze is the most scrumptious sauce for these sautéed salmon filets with crunchy skin.

The salmon is pan-seared rapidly on a hot pan, which helps it become crunchy on the exterior and remain juicy and moist on the interior.

The high heat helps store the moisture as you cook the fish.

Perfect Pan-Fried Salmon

As you know, perfect pan-fried salmon has to have crisp skin, medium-rare, moist, and soft flesh, and fat that has been completely rendered.

However, achieving this can be quite the task, given that the skin can stick and the salmon can easily overcook.

There’s also a layer of fat underneath the skin, which can come out greasy.

However, all these can be pretty simple with the right technique.

The secret to this is to cook the salmon most of the way through with the skin side down, as this will help insulate the delicate flesh from the direct heat of the pan.

This method always creates great results with minimal effort.

Honey Garlic Salmon

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Fish
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (8 ounces each (225 g), skin on or off, patted dry with paper towels)
• ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of paprika or smoked paprika

For the Sauce:

• 4 cloves of garlic (finely minced)
• 3 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 5 teaspoons of soy sauce

Laid-Out Instructions

• First, season the salmon fillets with salt, paprika, and pepper. Then, use your hands to gently press the seasonings into the flesh.
• After that, melt the butter over medium-high heat in a pan and sear the salmon skin-side down first.
• That being done, use your spatula to lightly press the fillets into full contact with the pan. Turn them over after a few minutes, then allow them to rest on a plate when done.
• Now, get the melted butter in the pan and add the water, honey, garlic, lemon juice, and soy sauce.
• Afterward, cook for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken.
• Now, return the cooked salmon fillets to the pan and coat them with sauce. Then, cook for a couple more minutes until everything is incorporated with the glaze. That being done, garnish with parsley and lemon slices, and serve.

What to Serve with Salmon

You can just serve this delicious pan-fried salmon recipe with sauce with rice and steamed asparagus, and it will come out perfect.

Below are a few more ideas for some additional sides for salmon that you can enjoy:

• Broccoli
• Mashed potatoes
• Baked potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Parmesan asparagus

Other Ways to Use the Lemon Butter Sauce

You can also try this lemon butter sauce recipe:

• You can try it with a roast chicken or chicken breasts.
• Try it on any fish fillet.
• You also have the option of trying it on boiled potatoes or other boiled or steamed vegetables.
• Also, try it on steak with extra herbs like thyme or rosemary.

You can add an extra tablespoon or two of butter here if you want an even richer sauce.

You can also keep it at a minimum of 3 tablespoons to keep it on the healthier side, in addition to the teaspoon to sauté the garlic.

How to Store

You can keep this leftover honey garlic salmon, if you have any, in the fridge for up to 4 days.

You can always add the leftovers to your lunch salad.

And if you’ve got plenty of leftovers, then freeze them.

Just make sure that you tightly wrap the filets in plastic and then freeze them. This will make them last for up to 3 months.

Recipe FAQs

Can I Eat The Salmon Skin?

Well, when my salmon skin is crispy from pan-frying, I love eating it.

You can leave the skin on in the recipe, but ensure that you sear the skin side when cooking.

Crunchy salmon skin is delectable and packed with nutrition.

With that being said, it is totally up to you if you want to eat it or not.

However, when you buy fresh salmon, you can always ask your fishmonger to get rid of the skin. This is based on your preference.

What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?

There are so many types of salmon out there: sockeye, wild, farm-raised, and so on.

You can actually use any type you want for this recipe.

I will suggest farm-raised salmon because I personally love the taste and texture; however, keep in mind that wild salmon is a bit healthier.

This recipe is actually an excellent opportunity to get the least costly one, particularly if you are on a budget.

This is your best bet, especially since this recipe does not require full, thick filets; small pieces are frequently cheaper.

How Can I Defrost Frozen Salmon?

If previously frozen, make sure that you completely defrost the salmon, as this will help ensure that it cooks evenly and completely.

To defrost frozen salmon, first unwrap the frozen salmon, then get a plate or shallow bowl and place it on it.

After that, place it in your refrigerator for around 24 hours; by then, it should be thawed, but this is based on how thick it is. However, it might take a bit longer.

Final Notes on Pan Fried Salmon Recipe with Sauce

Make sure that you allow the salmon to rest briefly before cooking, as this will help it cook more evenly.

Also, preheat the pan and oil, as this will help the salmon brown better. Avoid adding to a cold skillet.

Before adding the salmon to the pan, dab it dry; this will always help with better browning.

You can serve your pan seared salmon with a sauce or just serve it on its own, but as you are already aware, the lemon butter sauce will take it to a whole new level of delectableness.

This concludes this guide on pan fried salmon recipe with sauce.