Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlicky Spinach and Lemon
Ingredients
- 4salmon fillets (6 ounces each, skin-on)
- 8 ouncesfresh spinach
- 4 clovesgarlic
- 1lemon
- 3 tablespoonolive oil
- ¼ teaspoonsalt
- ⅛ teaspoonblack pepper
Prep
- 01
Mince 4 cloves garlic.
- 02
Cut 1 lemon into wedges.
Method
- 01
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 02
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- 03
Place salmon skin-side up in the pan and sear for 4 minutes without moving, until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
- 04
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and minced garlic to the pan, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 05
Add spinach in batches, stirring and letting each batch wilt before adding more, about 2 minutes total.
- 06
Return salmon to the pan skin-side down, nestling it into the spinach. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything and cook for 1 minute to warm through.
- 07
Divide spinach and salmon among plates and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Spice Tips
For warmth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. A small pinch of smoked paprika complements both the salmon and greens. Fresh dill or tarragon stirred in at the end adds a bright herbal note.
Choose fresh spinach over frozen for the best texture in this quick cook. Salmon cooks fast—watch the timer to avoid overcooking the delicate flesh.