Description
Perfectly pan seared salmon fillets coated in a smoky sweet spice rub and finished with rich buttery flavor, served with a creamy homemade tartar sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 center-cut salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or off)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pinch of dill
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture generously over the top and sides of the salmon fillets.
- In another small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, and dill to make the tartar sauce.
- Melt the olive oil and butter together in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Place the salmon fillets flesh-side down into the skillet.
- Sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a dark caramelized crust forms.
- Carefully flip the fillets over and lower the heat to medium.
- Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes while basting the salmon with the pan butter.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F).
- Serve hot with homemade tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
Notes
For the best crust, make sure the salmon is very dry before seasoning. Use a heavy skillet like cast iron for even searing and rich caramelization.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg