Pan-Seared Salmon with Spiced Herb Rub

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-05 · Updated 2026-08-05

A flavorful pan-seared salmon enhanced with a unique spice rub. This healthy bowl recipe (high protein, gluten free), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, smoked paprika, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 4 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 lemon wedges

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sea salt in a small bowl to create the spice rub.
2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and evenly coat each with the spice rub, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges are crispy and the skin releases easily.
5. Step 5: Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Step 6: Serve hot with 4 lemon wedges for squeezing over the top to brighten the flavors.