Yield: 4 servings
Pan Seared Salmon with Brown Sugar
Sweet, savory, and a little smoky, this Pan Seared Salmon is moist and flaky with a caramelized brown sugar crust. It's perfect with a salad or just about any side, and ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillets, skin on
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika, smoked or regular
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- lemon juice, optional for topping
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Instructions
- Using a paper towel, pat the salmon fillets dry. Lightly rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil on all sides of each fillet.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Season the flesh side ONLY of the filets with the rub, making sure to coat the entire exposed side and set aside. (Preparing the filets with the rub and letting them rest on the counter before searing helps to keep the rub on the fillets.)
- Over medium to medium-high heat, preheat a large stainless-steel or cast iron skillet. When the skillet is good and hot (water beads when dripped on the surface) add enough oil (about 2 tablespoons - or more if needed) to coat the bottom of the skillet.
- Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and lower the heat to medium. Do not move the fillets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes to get the skin good and crispy.
- Gently use a spatula to lift the fillets and flip. Add the butter and let cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the fillets reach an internal temperature of 120°F for medium rare or 130°F for medium. The fillets should easily flake once cooked.
- Remove from the skillet and serve immediately, with a squeeze of lemon over the top if desired.
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Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 307kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 70mg, Sodium: 75mg, Potassium: 590mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 379IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 23mg, Iron: 1mg