If you’ve got a skillet and a few simple ingredients, you’ve got dinner. These pan-seared recipes bring out the best in everything from sea bass to steak—no sous vide or fancy gadgets needed. Whether you’re leaning into fresh seafood like Chilean sea bass and lingcod, or searing up cuts like duck breast and Teres Major, each recipe offers that satisfying crust and juicy center we all love.
There’s something here for every appetite and cooking skill, from quick chicken cutlets to wild game like woodcock. A few recipes even double up with rich sauces or clever tricks, like caper butter or the one-ingredient turkey burger fix.
These are the kinds of meals that make your kitchen feel a little more like your favorite restaurant—just with fewer dishes and a way better playlist.
Pan Seared Sea Bass
This pan-seared sea bass is surprisingly easy to pull off and delivers restaurant-level flavor. Created by Chef Sinu from Holland America Line, it’s rich, tender, and one of those recipes you’ll make again after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Sea Bass
Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass
Bring bold flavor to the table with cumin-spiced Chilean sea bass, finished with chimichurri butter. Pan-seared for a crisp crust and buttery center, this recipe is a go-to when you want something impressive but low-effort.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass
Pan Seared Juicy Turkey Burgers
Never eat a dry turkey burger again. This recipe uses a simple trick to keep the patties juicy and tender, making these pan-seared turkey burgers a great option for weeknights or casual meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Juicy Turkey Burgers
Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass with Caper Tomato Butter
This Chilean sea bass dish is finished with a rich caper tomato butter sauce that adds brightness and depth. The fish stays buttery and flaky, making it a perfect choice for when you want seafood that feels a little special.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass with Caper Tomato Butter
Teres Major Steak (Grilled or Pan Seared)
Sometimes called the “poor man’s filet,” Teres Major steak is tender and full of flavor. Pan-sear it with garlic butter for a quick meal that tastes like steakhouse fare without the price tag.
Get the Recipe: Teres Major Steak (Grilled or Pan Seared)
Pan seared Denver Steak
This underrated cut is all about big flavor on a budget. A hot pan and quick sear bring out the best in Denver steak, giving you ribeye vibes at chuck steak prices.
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Pan Seared Sablefish (Black Cod) with White Wine Tomatoes
Sablefish, or black cod, cooks beautifully in a skillet. This one-pan recipe adds a white wine tomato sauce that complements the rich fish without overpowering it—perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Sablefish (Black Cod) with White Wine Tomatoes
Pan Seared Chicken Cutlets
These chicken cutlets come together fast with a homemade seasoning mix and a quick sear. They’re ideal for busy nights when you need something tasty and satisfying on the table in under 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Chicken Cutlets
Pan Seared Cod with Tarragon Cream Sauce
Cod gets a flavor boost in this pan-seared recipe with a simple tarragon cream sauce. It’s a flexible, beginner-friendly way to use up fresh or frozen cod for a weeknight meal that still feels a little elevated.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Cod with Tarragon Cream Sauce
Pan Seared Lingcod Recipe
Lingcod fillets sear up beautifully in this simple yet flavorful dish. With a crisp golden crust and tender inside, it’s a great option if you want to try something a bit different than the usual fish fare.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Lingcod Recipe
Pan Seared Woodcock
Woodcock, or Timberdoodle, is a flavorful upland game bird. A quick pan sear in butter and oil with just salt and pepper lets the meat shine—ideal for those who enjoy wild game and simple prep.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Woodcock
Pan Seared Duck Breast
This duck breast recipe uses a classic pan-sear to get crispy skin and juicy meat, no fancy prep required. It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a cozy date night or a dinner that feels a little elevated.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Duck Breast
Butter Herbed Shrimp and Juicy Pan Seared Pork Chops
Pork chops get a flavorful upgrade with buttery herbed shrimp on the side. The whole dish is cooked in one pan, making it easy enough for a weeknight but bold enough for a dinner guest.
Get the Recipe: Butter Herbed Shrimp and Juicy Pan Seared Pork Chops