Pan-Seared Lemon Salmon

This pan-seared lemon salmon keeps dinner simple: a hot skillet, well-seasoned fish, and fresh lemon at the end. The outside gets crisp while the inside stays tender and flaky.

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 to 10 minutes
Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 lemon, halved
• Chopped parsley, optional

Instructions

1. Pat the salmon very dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Place salmon in the pan, presentation side down, and cook 4 to 5 minutes without moving it.
5. Flip the salmon, add butter, and cook 3 to 4 minutes more, spooning butter over the top.
6. Squeeze fresh lemon over the salmon and finish with parsley if using.

Mood Messy Tips

• Dry salmon browns better, so do not skip the paper towel step.
• If the fillets are thick, lower the heat after flipping so the center cooks gently.
• Serve with rice, roasted potatoes, salad, or buttered noodles.

Video: Watch the original Mood Messy Kitchen TikTok inspiration here.