Pan-Seared Salmon & Herb Potatoes is a delicious recipe that brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table. I remember the first time I tried a dish similar to this. My family gathered around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying the wonderful smells wafting from the kitchen. Salmon is loved by many for its rich flavor and healthy benefits. The combination of the tender, flaky fish with hearty herb potatoes makes this dish truly special. It’s a wholesome meal that is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even special occasions. Trying out this recipe, you’ll find it brings not just tasty satisfaction but also a sense of togetherness.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love Pan-Seared Salmon & Herb Potatoes. First, it’s incredibly simple to make. Even if you are new to cooking, you can feel accomplished serving this dish. The ingredients are easy to find and don’t require any fancy cooking skills. The salmon cooks quickly in the skillet, and the potatoes are easily prepared while the salmon is sizzling away.
Another great factor is the freshness of the ingredients. Using fresh salmon and potatoes gives this meal a wonderful taste that is different from processed or frozen options. Plus, making this dish at home allows you to control the flavors. You can add or lessen spices based on what you enjoy.
Family meals are also special in this recipe. When you serve a homemade dinner, it shows love and care towards those you share it with. Sitting down together to enjoy your meal can make any day feel festive. You might even create some fun and lasting memories like I did that one evening when the entire family sat together, sharing laughter and good food.
How to Make Pan-Seared Salmon & Herb Potatoes
Making Pan-Seared Salmon & Herb Potatoes is a delightful process. First, imagine the smell of olive oil heating in your skillet as you season the salmon. You’ll take your salmon fillet and sprinkle it generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This step alone brings out mouthwatering scents that fill the room.
You’ll then gently place your salmon in the hot oil, skin-side down. Listen to the satisfying sizzle as it begins to cook. The fish will turn a beautiful golden brown, revealing its delicious crust.
While the salmon is cooking, you’ll turn your attention to the potatoes. Boiling them until they are tender and soft is super easy. As they simmer, you can imagine how satisfying it will be to mash your butter or olive oil into the warm potatoes, adding lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt for that extra burst of flavor.
When everything is ready, serving can be a joyful experience. Place the salmon next to the herb potatoes, creating an inviting plate that is colorful and appealing. As you sit down, the aroma of the meal will embrace everyone at the table, inviting them to dig in and enjoy.
Ingredients
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1 salmon fillet (150g): This is the star of the dish. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use trout or other white fish.
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1/2 tbsp olive oil: The oil gives the dish a rich flavor and helps to cook the salmon evenly. If you need a substitute, canola oil or avocado oil can work just as well.
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1/2 tsp salt: This enhances the flavor of all the other ingredients. Sea salt or kosher salt adds great taste.
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1/4 tsp black pepper: This adds a little kick to the dish. You can leave it out if you prefer.
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1/2 tsp garlic powder: There’s nothing like garlic to boost flavor! If you don’t have garlic powder, fresh minced garlic works well too.
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1/2 tsp paprika: This gives a smoky flavor and adds a splash of color. If you want less heat, use sweet paprika.
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1/2 tbsp lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the salmon. Feel free to use lime juice for a twist.
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2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed: Potatoes are filling and comforting. You can also use sweet potatoes for a different taste.
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1/2 tbsp butter or olive oil: This adds creaminess to the potatoes. Margarine is a suitable alternative if you need a dairy-free option.
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1/2 tsp salt: Just like with the salmon, this little bit will truly make the potatoes shine.
Directions
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Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. This step is important. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
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While the oil is heating, take the salmon fillet and season it. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly all over the salmon. Be sure to press the spices gently into the salmon, so they stick nicely.
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When the oil is ready, carefully place the salmon fillet in the skillet, skin-side down. You should hear a nice sizzle. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes. Avoid moving it around; this helps it cook evenly.
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After 4-5 minutes, gently flip the salmon using a spatula. Cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
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At the same time, you can prepare the herb potatoes. Fill a pot with water, add the potatoes, and bring it to a boil. Let them cook until they are tender, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
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Once the potatoes are soft, drain them and return to the pot. Add in the butter or olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Toss everything gently until well combined.
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Now it’s time to serve! Place the salmon beside the warm herb potatoes on a plate. Enjoy the lovely colors and the wonderful smells!
How to Serve Pan-Seared Salmon & Herb Potatoes
Serve Pan-Seared Salmon & Herb Potatoes as a comforting weeknight dinner. This dish pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables. A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette can offer a nice contrast to the richness of the salmon. If you want to enjoy a drink with it, consider serving sparkling water with lemon or a refreshing iced tea.
This recipe also works wonderfully for special occasions like family gatherings or holidays. It’s not only delicious but also looks beautiful on the table. You can even add a side of garlic bread or a warm loaf of whole grain bread to complete the meal.
How to Store Pan-Seared Salmon & Herb Potatoes
Storing leftovers of Pan-Seared Salmon & Herb Potatoes is easy and can help you enjoy this tasty dish later! First, let the food cool completely before putting it away. You can place the salmon and potatoes in airtight containers. Store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
If you have more leftovers and want to save them for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to label them with the date. You can freeze these for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or in an oven. If you choose to use the oven, preheat it to a low temperature (around 350°F or 175°C). Place the salmon and potatoes on a baking sheet and cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
Tips to Make Pan-Seared Salmon & Herb Potatoes
Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results with this recipe:
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Pat the salmon dry: Before seasoning, patting the salmon dry with a paper towel can help achieve a nice crust when cooking.
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Avoid overcrowding the skillet: If you are making more than one fillet, make sure they have space to cook. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of searing.
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Monitor doneness: Always check the salmon for doneness. It should flake nicely but still feel moist inside. Don’t overcook; it can get dry.
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Season the potatoes well: When mixing the potatoes, taste and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt or lemon juice can make a big difference.
Variation
Looking to mix things up a bit? Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe:
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Add herbs: Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives can enhance the flavor of your herb potatoes.
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Spicy kick: If you like spicy food, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for the salmon.
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Gluten-free: This recipe is already gluten-free, but if you want a crispy coating, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour on the salmon.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Pan-Seared Salmon & Herb Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. Cook the salmon fresh when you are ready to serve to keep it flaky and tender.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheating in the oven is best to keep the salmon moist. Set your oven to a low temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) and heat for about 15 minutes, covered with foil.
Q: Can I use a different fish?
Absolutely! While salmon is a great choice, you can use trout, cod, or tilapia. Just be aware that cooking times might vary with different types of fish.
By following this simple guide, you can create a delicious meal that not only comforts but also nourishes the body and soul. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and the joy of presenting your finished dish to loved ones!
Print
Pan-Seared Salmon & Herb Potatoes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A wholesome meal featuring tender, flaky salmon paired with hearty herb potatoes, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 salmon fillet (150g)
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot, but not smoking.
- Season the salmon fillet with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving.
- Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a pot of water until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes, return to the pot, and mix in butter or olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
- Serve the salmon alongside the warm herb potatoes.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice on the potatoes. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2-3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: salmon, potatoes, dinner, comfort food, easy recipe