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Garlic Lemon Herb Pan-Fried Salmon Recipe for Crispy Flavor

Pan-fried salmon in a garlic lemon herb sauce is a quick, crispy skillet salmon recipe that uses only a few ingredients and takes about 15 minutes to prepare.

Pan-fried salmon on a plate

If you want one reliable skillet salmon recipe to make again and again, this is it.

This simple method delivers a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. It’s fast, straightforward, and perfect for weeknights or any time you want a flavorful fish dinner without fuss.

Let’s get cooking.

Crispy salmon fillet in a pan

How to Make Garlic Lemon Herb Pan-Fried Salmon:

Heat the avocado oil in a large stainless steel or cast-iron skillet (a 12‑inch skillet works well) over medium-high heat.

Season the salmon fillets with sea salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Place the fillets flesh-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the edges begin to turn opaque. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for an additional 2 minutes. If the pan gets too hot, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low.

Add the garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to the pan and stir gently to combine with the pan juices.

Cover the skillet and cook 2–5 more minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your preferred level of doneness. The salmon should be opaque through most of the fillet and flake easily with a fork when done.

Serve the salmon with your favorite sides and enjoy.

Two cooked salmon fillets with lemon

Suggested Side Dishes:

        • Teriyaki vegetable stir-fry with rice
        • Orange-ginger roasted carrots
        • Balsamic roasted vegetables
        • Roasted sweet potato salad with spinach and grapes
        • German-style sweet potato salad
        • Roasted winter vegetable quinoa salad with cider vinaigrette

      Crispy salmon for life!

      Garlic Lemon Herb Pan-Fried Salmon

      5 from 1 vote
      By Julia
      Prep: 10 minutes
      Cook: 15 minutes
      Total: 25 minutes
      Servings: 4 servings
      Two pan-fried salmon fillets in a metal pan, garnished with chopped herbs and spices, with a halved lemon placed beside the fillets.
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      Skillet-cooked salmon with lemon and herbs

      Ingredients 

      • 3 Tbsp avocado oil
      • 1 1/2 lbs salmon, cut into fillets
      • 2 tsp onion powder
      • 1/4 tsp black pepper
      • 1/4 tsp sea salt, to taste
      • 4 cloves garlic, minced
      • 1 lemon zested
      • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
      • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

      Instructions 

      • Heat the avocado oil in a large stainless steel or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
      • Season salmon fillets with sea salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Place flesh-side down in the hot skillet and cook 2–3 minutes, until the sides start to turn opaque. Flip and cook 2 more minutes; lower the heat if needed.
      • Add garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley to the pan and stir gently to combine with the pan juices.
      • Cover the skillet and cook 2–5 minutes more, until the salmon reaches your preferred doneness. Serve with desired sides and enjoy.

      Nutrition

      Serving: 1serving, Calories: 361kcal, Protein: 35g, Fat: 24g

      Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

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