Pan-Fried Salmon Steak - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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This salmon steak is ready in 15 minutes. Seasoned with sage and cooked in butter, it's a delicacy.

It's a delicious and seemingly fancy restaurant-level dish that is very easy to prepare, making it the ideal choice for a weeknight dinner.

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I typically use salmon fillets in recipes such as baked salmon or pan-fried salmon. But when I spot big, thick salmon steaks at the fishmonger, I can't resist. There's something extra satisfying about them!

Salmon is one of my favorite fish. It's fatty and flavorful, and I prefer it to white fish such as baked cod or grilled mahi mahi.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Steak vs. Fillet
  • Variations
  • Instructions
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Salmon Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card
  • Reviews

Ingredients

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You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

  • Salmon steaks: Available at the fish counter at most supermarkets and at Whole Foods Market.
  • Sea salt and black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper has the best flavor.
  • Dried sage: It's an important part of this recipe, so make sure it's fresh.
  • Unsalted butter: For frying the fish.

Steak vs. Fillet

You get a steak when you slice the whole salmon crosswise, including the bone. In contrast, a salmon fillet is a cut you get when you slice the fish lengthwise, away from the bone.

In the photos below, you can see the bone in the center of the steak. The fillets only have pin bones if those were not removed by the fishmonger.

Both of these cuts are shown with skin. But fillets are often sold skinless, while steaks always come with the skin.

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Variations

  • Add more spices. I sometimes add half a teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • For an entirely different flavor profile, I sometimes cook the salmon in olive oil instead of butter and season it with a teaspoon of smoked paprika and half a teaspoon of ground cumin.
  • Enjoy spicy food? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

Sprinkle, then rub both sides of the salmon with salt, pepper, and sage.

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Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl to coat. When the foaming subsides, add the salmon. Cook it for three minutes on the first side.

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Turn the fish to the other side. Use two wide spatulas, as shown in the photo below:

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Lower the heat to medium, and cook until the salmon is cooked through, for about three more minutes.

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Transfer the salmon to a plate, spoon the pan juices on top, and serve.

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Expert Tip

This recipe was written for 6-ounce pieces. If your salmon pieces are bigger, you'll need to fry them for longer, about 4-5 minutes per side, reducing the heat to medium after the first 3 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

What is salmon steak?

It's the cut you get when you slice the whole salmon crosswise, including the bone. In contrast, a salmon fillet is a cut you get when you slice the fish lengthwise, away from the bone.

What is the best method to cook salmon?

There's no one "best" method! I like it sauteed, as we do here; baked - check out this baked salmon recipe; grilled salmon is juicy and flavorful; poached salmon is tasty and moist. And it's also excellent when broiled - here's a good recipe for broiled salmon.

When is salmon fully cooked?

Salmon is fully cooked when its color changes from translucent to opaque. Its internal temperature, measured by an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (without touching the bone), should reach 145°F.

Serving Suggestions

Salmon steak pairs well with almost any side dish. I often serve it with one of the following:

  • Butternut squash souffle
  • Roasted peppers
  • Steamed spinach
  • Roasted radishes
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Roasted cauliflower
  • Sauteed broccolini, as shown in the photo below.
  • Mashed cauliflower, as shown in the photo below.
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It also goes well with salads, including coleslaw, cucumber salad, tomato salad, and arugula salad.

Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to three days. Reheat them gently so that they don't dry out. I usually reheat them in the microwave, covered, at 50% power.

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More Salmon Recipes

  • Paprika Salmon
  • Asian Salmon
  • Teriyaki Salmon

Foodie Newsletter

I send out a weekly newsletter with a recipe and tips. Want these recipes in your inbox?Subscribetoday! You can unsubscribe at any time.

Recipe Card

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4.98 from 286 votes

Pin Recipe Print Recipe

Pan-Fried Salmon Steak

Thissalmon steakis ready in 15 minutes. Seasoned with sage and cooked in butter, it's a delicacy.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time15 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 364kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon steaks 6 ounces each, about ½ inch thick
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

  • Sprinkle, then rub both sides of the salmon with salt, pepper, and sage.

    Pan-Fried Salmon Steak - Healthy Recipes Blog (17)

  • Melt the butter in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl to coat.

    Pan-Fried Salmon Steak - Healthy Recipes Blog (18)

  • When the foaming subsides, add the salmon steaks. Fry them for 3 minutes on the first side.

    Pan-Fried Salmon Steak - Healthy Recipes Blog (19)

  • Turn to the other side, lower the heat to medium, and cook until the salmon is cooked through, for about 3 more minutes.

    Pan-Fried Salmon Steak - Healthy Recipes Blog (20)

  • Transfer the salmon to plates, spoon the pan juices on top, and serve.

    Pan-Fried Salmon Steak - Healthy Recipes Blog (21)

Video

Notes

  • This recipe was written for 6-ounce salmon pieces. If yours are bigger, you'll need to fry them for longer, about 4-5 minutes per side, reducing the heat to medium after the first 3 minutes.
  • Salmon is fully cooked when its color changes from translucent to opaque. Its internal temperature, measured by an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (without touching the bone), should reach 145°F.
  • You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to three days. Reheat them gently so that they don't dry out. I usually reheat them in the microwave, covered, at 50% power.

Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 1salmon steak | Calories: 364kcal | Protein: 36g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 411mg

Made this Recipe?

If you made this recipe, please leave a comment sharing your experience with others. Thank you so much!

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

About the Author

Pan-Fried Salmon Steak - Healthy Recipes Blog (22) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

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Pan-Fried Salmon Steak - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Is pan fried salmon good for you? ›

Rich in omega-3s, lean protein, and vitamins, pan seared salmon is good for you. It's beloved in our kitchen for its mild flavor and versatility. Salt + Pepper. A seared fish necessity.

What is the healthiest way to eat salmon? ›

Some of the healthiest methods of preparing salmon are pan-frying (searing), roasting, grilling, poaching, and baking in parchment paper.

Does salmon taste better with butter or oil? ›

Butter makes everything better, even salmon. I also love the way fresh herbs pair with salmon. We all know dill is a go-to pairing for salmon, it's almost like salt and pepper. They're just made to be together.

Is frying salmon in olive oil healthy? ›

But, do you know which is the best oil to use for frying fish and its health benefits. While some may beg to differ, going by traditions and different types of cuisines, experts say fish fried in Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the healthiest option. The study was published in the journal Food Research International.

Should I use oil when frying salmon? ›

Pan-frying salmon produces crisp skin and succulent flesh. Use a good, heavy-based frying pan, ideally non-stick, and butter or oil with a high burning point. Heat butter or oil over medium high heat and cook salmon, skin-side down, for 4-5 minutes.

Is there a downside to eating salmon? ›

Eating large amounts of salmon and other fish could expose you to cancer-causing chemicals, or carcinogens. Fish get these chemicals by swimming in polluted water. Although both wild and farmed salmon carry this risk, the benefit-risk ratio for wild salmon is significantly greater. Nervous system damage.

Is salmon healthier baked or fried? ›

When fish is fried at higher temperatures, it loses some of the important omega-3 fats and vitamin D with some studies reporting fish such as salmon loses half of its vitamin D when fried. Baking fish is a great way to keep the important nutrients intact without upping the fat content to unhealthy levels.

Is it better to bake or pan fry salmon? ›

For smaller, crispy, skin-on Salmon; a crispy pan sear is recommended. For bigger fillets, and succulent, skin-off King Salmon; the best method would be cooking in an oven.

What brings out the flavor of salmon? ›

Marinating salmon can add additional flavor and help the fish stay moist during cooking. Most marinades include an acidic element like lemon or vinegar which add a pleasant tanginess to the fish. Salmon is considered by some to be a "fishy" tasting fish because it is firm and high in fat.

What can I put on salmon to make it taste better? ›

A creamy but slightly tangy sauce works really well with salmon, and it's why sour cream-dill sauce over salmon is such a classic. Try mixing in curry powder, Sriracha, or scallions into yogurt or crème fraîche for an easy, elegant salmon topper.

What is the tastiest way to cook salmon? ›

Wrap your salmon in a parchment packet with aromatics, citrus, veggies, and a drizzle of olive oil. The steam trapped in the packet will infuse the fish with flavor and cook it gently, making it tender and juicy. Bonus: The parchment packets only take about 15 minutes at 425°F and the cleanup is minimal.

What is the best pan to fry salmon in? ›

For the best results, you need to select the right type of pan. Here's what we recommend, depending on how you're cooking: For crispy skinned fish or breaded pan-fried fish: Cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel skillets. For sautéing filets or delicate fish: Nonstick or hybrid pans.

Is salmon better pan fried or baked? ›

Pan-frying or pan-searing is one of the best ways to cook salmon fillets. It's quick, easy, and gives the fish that perfect crispy, crunchy skin. A simple pan-fried salmon is the secret to a flavorful and healthy weeknight dinner in 30 minutes or less.

What are the benefits of pan seared salmon? ›

In addition to protein, pan seared salmon is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are a type of unsaturated fat that have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving heart health.

Is fried salmon bad for cholesterol? ›

Deep-frying your fish would definitely add fat and cholesterol. If you sauté fish, use an oil that's low in saturated fat, such as avocado oil. Salmon, sockeye, cooked with dry heat, 3 oz.

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