Pan Seared Salmon with Creamy Peas

Juicy pan seared salmon is the easiest, healthy protein to cook for dinner. It’s versatile and delicious with almost any side dishes but served with creamy peas it’s the perfect one pan dinner recipe.

Ingredients

This seared salmon recipe couldn’t be simpler. The salmon is seasoned with salt and pepper before being seared. The peas are flavored with garlic, dill and lemon and is the perfect side dish for Spring.

• Salmon. I used frozen salmon for this recipe but use fresh if you can.
• Salt and black pepper. 
• Olive oil. Canola oil or avocado oil can be substituted.
• Shallot. 
• Garlic cloves. 
• Peas. Frozen peas are great in this recipe.
• Dill. Fresh or dried.
• Cream. Heavy or whipping cream.
• Sour cream. 
• Fresh Lemon juice. 

How to pan sear salmon with skin

1. Prepare and season the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. If you’re using frozen salmon, allow to thaw in the fridge overnight. Patting the salmon dry will ensure the salmon sears nicely and creates a golden crust. Drizzle with a few teaspoons of olive oil and season with salt.
2. Sear the salmon: Place a large cast iron skillet or stainless steel frying pan over medium-high heat and allow to preheat for a minute or two. Place the salmon into the pan, skin-side down, and allow to sear for 2-3 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Carefully flip over with a fish spatula and allow to sear for another 2-3 minutes or until cooked to your preference and tender. The salmon is cooked when the flesh easily flakes apart. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the creamy peas: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil then add the finely chopped shallot and garlic. Sauté for a minute or two then add the peas and dill. Pour in the cream and add the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper then bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes or until the peas are cooked. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and stir into the sauce. Place the salmon back into the pan and allow to reheat.
4. Serve: Serve the salmon and peas with lemon wedges.

Can I make this ahead?

The salmon cooks so quickly so there isn’t much need to cook it in advance to reheat, unless you’d like to meal prep ahead. Any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

What to serve with seared salmon

Salmon is delicious with all kinds of side dishes. Asparagus is a classic accompaniment but I also love serving salmon with crispy potatoes, a simple orzo pasta salad or broccoli.

1. Smashed baby potatoes
2. Easy lemon orzo salad
3. Grilled broccoli salad

Salmon recipes

1. Pan seared salmon with dill yogurt sauce
2. Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon
3. Creamy Cajun Salmon