Everybody loves a good pan-fried salmon! This dry-heat cooking method gives us the best crispy golden-brown crust on the skin side and the most delicious tender flesh on the inside. When it comes to killer texture, pan-frying is your safest bet. Pan-seared salmon is also truly easy to make. It’s so simple that this article is all you need to know to master this cooking method!
Pan-frying brings out the most flavors of the fish. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop there with the flavor! The right drinks and side dishes can complete the meal as well as take your tastebuds to the next level! It’s all about elevating your plate and you can do this by pairing your pan fried salmon with all the right entremets! So today’s post is all about the best side dishes and drinks to serve with pan fried salmon. Keep reading for some outstanding flavor combinations!
What To Serve With Pan-Fried Salmon
Grilled asparagus with lemon garlic butter sauce:
Asparagus is certainly an underrated vegetable. These tasty greens have unique versatility and different health benefits! Asparagus has a strong, almost bitter taste. But with the right sauce, it’s easy to elevate them to fit almost any kind of dish. And this lemon garlic butter sauce is no exception! Get ready for the side dish you’ll crave no matter the time of the year. This small meal suits all seasons. Plus, you can make it in less than 10 minutes!
You’ll just need asparagus, olive oil, salt and pepper, butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese (optional), lemon slices, and parsley. Start by grilling the asparagus alongside the olive oil, salt, and pepper. This should take around 5 to 6 minutes. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and toss the rest of the sauce ingredients. Then plate and decorate with Parmesan cheese and lemon slices!
Cilantro lime brown rice:
Brown rice is just as delicious as white rice. But healthier! Yes, it takes a little longer to cook but the results are worth it. This delicious side dish recipe includes brown rice with a fresh twist. Thanks to the cilantro and lime, it’s warm enough for winter but refreshing enough for summer. Set aside 40 minutes and you have a fantastic side dish ready to eat!
The ingredients are brown rice, fresh cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper. First things first, you need to cook the rice. It should be about 30 minutes! Then add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine for another 10 minutes. Now just plate it next to your pan-seared salmon!
Fresh Caprese salad:
Hot summer days and salads go hand in hand! A fresh Caprese salad is the perfect side dish for pan-fried salmon to enjoy during the warmer seasons. And it’s easy to prepare as well! With just 6 refreshing ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll find yourself making it on more than one scorching evening.
So here are our 6 ingredients: tomatoes, ball fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, salt, ground black pepper, and olive oil. Now all you have to do is chop your veggies, rinse the greens, and put this side dish together. That’s it, you’ve made Caprese salad to go with salmon!
Hibiscus iced tea:
We were just talking about summer, so an iced tea seems fitting. And Hibiscus iced tea has many health benefits, plus a delicious flavor! You can make it with either fresh or dried leaves from this gorgeous flower. And don't even get me started on how well it complements the natural flavors of salmon. Especially if you’re going for an elegant brunch! If you’re indeed looking to elevate your seafood meals, then here are our favorite fancy salmon recipes. Alright. Have 20 minutes to spare? Then let’s make this iced tea!
You’ll need Hibiscus flowers, water, honey (or your preferred tea sweetener), and lime juice. The lime gives it that nice acidity to contrast the sweetness of the flower, so resist the temptation to skip it. In a large pot, bring the flowers and water to boil. Once the liquid is boiling, turn off the flame and let it sit for 15 minutes. You can add any other herbs that you like at this time too! Once the time has passed, stir in the honey and lime juice. Mix and refrigerate!
Vegetable stir fry:
Stir-fry is a classic. It's suited for any season! And this veggie stir fry doesn’t disappoint! It’s healthy and simple, perfect for a quick salmon dinner on a busy night. In just 15 minutes you’ll have a side dish that’ll make your taste buds tingle!
The ingredients are classy and delicious. Only the tastiest vegetables that you can get at any grocery store! These are red bell pepper, yellow bell peppers, sugar snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, and water chestnuts. You’ll also need olive oil and soy sauce if you enjoy the taste. Now just cook your veggies! Roast them on a skillet over medium-high heat for 10 minutes before adding the soy sauce. Then cook for another 5 and serve hot. Done!
Pad Thai style vegetable quinoa:
Often called “the super seed”, quinoa is just one of those extremely unappreciated foods. It has notable health benefits and a comforting flavor, but it’s still not as raved about as it should. So this Pad Thai style quinoa is here to mend that! And it works great with salmon if you’re craving those Asian-inspired flavors.
You’ll need quinoa, water, peanuts, sesame oil, salt, cabbage, snow peas, carrots, onions, Pad Thai sauce, olive oil, and mushrooms. First, cook the quinoa for 20 minutes. In the meantime, chop the veggies. Afterwards just heat sesame oil and cook the vegetables in a pan. Then add the cooked quinoa and the Pad Thai sauce. Sprinkle the peanuts and call it a day!
White wine roasted potatoes:
White wine and fish are a match made in heaven! And potatoes are the perfect food to eat all year long. Not only does their flavor go well with salmon but, as carbohydrates, they also serve as a nutritional complement for the fish. These white wine roasted potatoes are a simple and delicious recipe!
The ingredients are baby potatoes, white wine, olive oil, salt and black pepper, and your favorite fresh herbs, like dill or rosemary. Just toss the potatoes in a bowl next to the wine, olive oil, and seasonings. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Then sprinkle the herbs on top and serve with pan fried salmon!
Mint and basil lemonade:
Some would say lemonade is a summer classic. But we think it’s an all-year-round type of drink! The acidity of the lemonade complements the flavors of the pan seared salmon like a dream. Plus, the whole family can drink it! Let’s see how to make mint and basil lemonade in just 10 minutes.
To make this refreshing drink, you’ll need mint leaves, basil leaves, coconut sugar, water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ice (unless it’s really cold where you live). Combina the coconut sugar and water in a small saucepan. Then remove from heat and add basil and mint leaves. In the meantime, squeeze the lemons to make lemon juice. Now mix the lemon juice, sugar and herb mixture in a large jar. Add ice and more water until full. Time to refrigerate until the pan fried salmon is ready!
Warm mushroom salad:
Tell us if this recipe doesn’t scream fall for you. Warm mushroom salad? That’s an October delight! Seriously, you’ll be surprised at how well this side dish goes with salmon. And it only takes 15 minutes to make. Get ready to elevate any weeknight dinners with this meal!
The ingredients are simple, yet absolutely tasty. You’ll need mushrooms (as many kinds as you wish), shallots, spinach, kale, olive oil, sea salt, sesame dressing, and toasted white sesame seeds. The process is as simple as it gets for a warm dish! Just chop all the ingredients and sauté them in a large frying pan for 7 to 10 minutes. And you’re done!
What are your favorite small dishes and drinks to pair with pan-fried salmon?
Anyone else gotten a little hungry by now? It’s only expected after reading through these delicious side dishes and tasty drinks! All of these foods create amazing flavor combinations when paired with pan fried salmon. So go ahead and give them a try! Now, don’t forget to check out the rest of our Oshen Salmon blog for more versatile salmon recipes and handling tips. And follow us on Instagram and Pinterest to never miss one of our posts!
