This salmon recipe is too easy to be this good.

Learn how tocook salmonon the stove, and find your new favorite go-to weeknight dinner.

We call for skin-on salmon because it makes it easier to sear and flip in the pan.

Southern Living Pan Seared Salmon topped with herb butter on a plate to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It’s easy, fast, and nearly effortless.

How Do You Know When Pan-Seared Salmon Is Done?

Salmon is generally donewhen it flakes easily with a fork.

Southern Living Pan Seared Salmon ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

What To Do With Leftover Pan-Seared Salmon?

If youhave any leftovers, salmon is great on a salad, in tacos, or stirred into risotto.

Keep going with these salmon dishes:

Ingredients

Salmon:

4(6 oz.

Southern Living Pan Seared Salmon on a plate after cooking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Check fish for any pin bones and remove them.

Pat fillets dry with paper towels.

Season the flesh side of the salmon with salt and pepper.

Southern Living Pan Seared Salmon seasoning the fish before cooking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sear salmon:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high until it shimmers.

The oil should cover the entire bottom of the pan; add another teaspoon or two if needed.

Place the salmon in the pan, skin side up, and cook 5 minutes.

Southern Living Pan Seared Salmon cooking the fish skin side up

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The fish should be golden brown and release easily from the pan.

If it doesnt release easily, cook 1 minute longer before flipping.

Prepare Lemon-Herb Butter:

Remove the fish from the pan and tent with foil to keep warm.

Southern Living Pan Seared Salmon fish after flipping in the pan

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Pour the lemon juice into the hot pan and turn the heat to low.

Whisk in the butter until melted, then stir in the herbs.

Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Southern Living Pan Seared Salmon covering the fish with foil to keep warm

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Finish and serve:

Drizzle butter over salmon fillets and serve immediately.

Southern Living Pan Seared Salmon Lemon Herb Butter in pan

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Pan Seared Salmon on a plate to serve topped with lemon herb butter

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox