Looking for a restaurant-quality dinner that’s quick, healthy, and luscious enough to make any night feel special? This Easy Pan Seared Salmon Recipe (with garlic green beans) is your foolproof solution. Crispy-skinned, succulent salmon meets tender garlicky green beans on a single plate—a celebration of simple cooking with maximum flavor. Whether you’re new to searing fish or a seasoned home chef, this method guarantees juicy, savory salmon every time, perfectly complemented by vibrant, fresh sides. Trust me: you’ll crave this meal again and again.

Easy Pan Seared Salmon Recipe (with garlic green beans) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of standby ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Each element boosts the aroma, color, and flavor of your Easy Pan Seared Salmon Recipe (with garlic green beans), so don’t skimp—choose the freshest you can find for the best results!

Salmon fillet: A fresh, high-quality salmon fillet delivers buttery texture and rich flavor; skin-on is best for crispiness.
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper: Simple seasoning brings out the natural sweetness of the fish and keeps flavors bright.
Oil (with high smoke point): Choose avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil—these can handle high searing heat without burning.
Green beans (trimmed): Crisp, green beans add crunch, color, and a fresh counterpoint to the salmon’s richness.
Garlic cloves (minced): Just two cloves transform the beans into something irresistible—don’t skip this aromatic upgrade.
Salt (to taste): A final sprinkle just before serving makes every bite pop with flavor.

How to Make Easy Pan Seared Salmon Recipe (with garlic green beans)

Step 1: Season the Salmon

First, pat your salmon fillet nice and dry with a paper towel—this is the secret to an ultra-crispy skin! Generously sprinkle both sides with salt and a good grind of black pepper. You want every bite to be well-seasoned, so don’t hold back.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

If you have a stainless steel pan, give it a moment to preheat until a flick of water dances across the surface; this ensures a beautiful sear and prevents sticking. Wipe dry, then pour in your oil and give the pan a gentle swirl so the bottom’s well coated and ready for action.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

Lay your salmon skin-side down into the hot, oiled pan. Let it be! The secret is leaving it untouched for 1–2 minutes so that perfect golden crust forms. After a minute or two, gently shake the pan—if the fish releases easily, it’s ready to flip. Then, sear the other side until both are wonderfully crisp and caramelized.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

Depending on the thickness of your salmon, it may already be just-cooked through after searing. If it’s extra thick, pop it in a 400°F oven for 5–8 minutes until cooked to your liking. Let it rest off the heat for a minute or two, allowing the juices to settle for a moist, flaky finish.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Green Beans

In that gorgeous pan, keep the delicious leftover oil and toss in the minced garlic—sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s golden and fragrant. Add your pre-steamed green beans (steam or boil for 5 minutes ahead of time) and toss for 3–5 minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of salt. The residual pan flavors make the beans sing!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Plate your salmon alongside the glossy, garlicky green beans. A squeeze of fresh lemon right over top lifts every flavor. For a complete meal, add a scoop of buttery rice or your favorite grain. That’s it—your Easy Pan Seared Salmon Recipe (with garlic green beans) is ready for its close-up!

How to Serve Easy Pan Seared Salmon Recipe (with garlic green beans)

Garnishes

Fresh lemon wedges are a must—just a squeeze enhances the salmon’s richness and cuts through with brightness. Try scattering a handful of chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top for a burst of color and herby flavor, or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

This Easy Pan Seared Salmon Recipe (with garlic green beans) is a superstar on its own, but pairing with fluffy jasmine rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or quinoa makes it a hearty meal. A crisp green salad or some roasted baby potatoes are also fantastic for a bistro-style dinner at home.

Creative Ways to Present

For date night, serve the salmon stacked on a bed of garlic green beans with a microgreens garnish and a small swirl of lemony yogurt sauce. Family dinner? Keep it casual—pile high in a big platter and let everyone dig in. You can even flake the salmon onto a composed salad or into tacos for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras, store both salmon and green beans in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. Keeping them separate helps retain the best texture for each component of your Easy Pan Seared Salmon Recipe (with garlic green beans).

Freezing

While salmon freezes well (wrap fillets tightly in plastic or foil and store up to two months), the green beans are best enjoyed fresh. If you must freeze, lay the salmon in a single layer and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat the salmon in a gentle oven (300°F) or a covered skillet over low heat until just warmed through. The green beans can be tossed quickly in a hot pan to revive their crispness. Avoid microwaving the salmon, as it can become dry and rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Easy Pan Seared Salmon Recipe (with garlic green beans)?

Absolutely! Just thaw the salmon completely and pat it very dry before seasoning and searing. This helps you achieve that irresistibly crispy skin and even cooking throughout.

What other vegetables can I use if I don’t have green beans?

Asparagus, snap peas, or thinly sliced zucchini work beautifully in place of green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to keep your veggies crisp-tender.

Why is my salmon sticking to the pan?

Three things help prevent sticking: a hot pan, enough oil, and patience! Make sure your pan is preheated, don’t skimp on the oil, and let the salmon naturally release before flipping. Nonstick pans also make it easier if you’re unsure.

How do I know when my salmon is done?

Your salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has a slightly translucent center that turns opaque with a minute of rest. A food thermometer should read about 125–130°F in the center for moist, tender results.

Can I double the Easy Pan Seared Salmon Recipe (with garlic green beans)?

Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or work in batches, and don’t crowd the pan so the salmon sears, not steams. This recipe is easy to scale up for a dinner party or family meal.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Easy Pan Seared Salmon Recipe (with garlic green beans) a try. It’s that rare, magical combination of fast, fresh, and flavor-packed, perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. You’ll be amazed how restaurant-worthy a homemade salmon skillet dinner can be—so gather your favorite ingredients and let your kitchen be filled with delicious aromas tonight!

Easy Pan Seared Salmon Recipe (with garlic green beans) Recipe

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5.3 from 29 reviews

Author: Patricia
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious and easy pan-seared salmon dish paired with garlic green beans for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Salmon:

1 salmon fillet
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper
2 tbsp oil (with high smoke point)

Garlic Green Beans:

1 handful of green beans (trimmed)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
Salt (to taste)

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Instructions

Season the Salmon: Pat your salmon fillet dry, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat the Pan: If using stainless steel, make sure it’s hot before adding oil (a splash of water should bounce across the surface). Wipe dry, then pour in the oil and swirl to coat.
Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down and don’t move it. After 1–2 minutes, gently shake the pan; once the salmon naturally releases from the surface, flip it. Repeat on the other side until golden and crisp.
Finish Cooking: Depending on thickness, your salmon may already be done. If not, pop it into a 400°F oven for 5–8 minutes to finish. Remove and let it rest.
Make the Garlic Green Beans: In the same pan with the leftover oil, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in steamed green beans (steam or boil for 5 minutes beforehand) and toss for 3–5 minutes. Season with salt.
Serve & Enjoy: Plate your salmon with the garlic green beans. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon over the salmon and pair with buttery rice for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-Seared
Cuisine: International