Recipes

Pan Seared Salmon With Spicy Garlic Sauce

by StudioLink's Diet.
June 12, 2025
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Why This Pan Seared Salmon with Spicy Garlic Sauce Is a 15-Minute Winner

Crispy, golden skin hiding flawlessly tender flesh—this is The Perfect Pan-Seared Salmon, a restaurant-quality dish you can master in 15 minutes. Finished with a spicy garlic butter sauce that’s rich, aromatic, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients:

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Filets
  •   1/2 tsp salt
  •   1/2 tsp pepper
  •   1 tsp paprika
 
Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce
  •   5-6 tbsp butter
  •   2 tbsp olive oil
  •   1/2 tsp salt
  •   1/2 tsp pepper
  •   8 cloves garlic (minced)
  •   1 tsp chili pepper flakes
  •   1/2 tsp dry oregano
  •   1/2 tsp dry basil
  •   1 tbsp fresh parsley
  •   1 pinch cayenne pepper
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Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Directions

  1. Season the salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika.
  2. Cook the salmon (pan sear or air fry): If pan searing, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and sear until cooked through (internal temp 145°F). If air frying, cook at 400°F for 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness. Remove and set aside.
  3. Start the sauce: In a clean skillet, heat butter over medium heat until melted. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until translucent—avoid browning.
  4. Add the seasonings: Stir in chili flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, parsley, and a pinch of cayenne.
  5. Coat the salmon: Once aromatic, return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the spicy garlic butter sauce over them.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately with your choice of vegetables and a side of carbs like rice, potatoes, or quinoa.

Pro Tips

  • Pat the salmon dry: Removing moisture is the key to getting crispy, golden skin.
  • Don’t move the fish: Let it sear undisturbed for the full 3–4 minutes so the skin crisps and releases easily.
  • Use a cast-iron or heavy skillet: It delivers an even, consistent sear for restaurant-quality results.
  • Watch the garlic: Cook it gently over medium heat—burnt garlic turns bitter and ruins the sauce.
  • Adjust the heat: Add more chili flakes or cayenne for extra kick, or dial it back for a milder sauce.
  • Serve immediately: Salmon is best enjoyed right out of the pan while the skin is still crisp.

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