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Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce

crispy pan-seared salmon - featured image
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A quick and easy salmon recipe featuring crispy skin and a bright, buttery lemon sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), fresh or thawed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth (60 ml), optional

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press lightly with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook without moving for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
  4. Flip the fillets gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily, aiming for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.
  5. Transfer the salmon to a warm plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  7. Add lemon juice, zest, and white wine or broth if using. Let simmer and reduce slightly, about 2 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter until smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  9. Spoon the sauce over the salmon fillets and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry is essential for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent soggy skin. If skin isn’t crispy enough, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Add butter off the heat to keep sauce silky. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, pan-seared salmon, lemon butter sauce, crispy salmon, easy salmon recipe, quick dinner, healthy seafood

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