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Quick Crispy Lemon Butter Salmon

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A quick and easy salmon recipe featuring crispy skin and a buttery lemon glaze, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 oz (170 g) each, preferably wild-caught
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
  • Zest from half a lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste, preferably flaky sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • A small handful fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside for 5 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Mix until well blended. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Set aside.
  3. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  4. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Press gently with a spatula for about 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving to achieve a deep golden-brown crust.
  5. Carefully flip the fillets using a fish spatula. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the flesh side.
  6. Spoon the lemon butter glaze over each fillet. Allow it to melt and bubble, spooning continuously for 1-2 minutes to baste the fish and lock in flavor.
  7. Check doneness: salmon should be opaque and flake easily but remain moist inside. If needed, reduce heat and cook an extra 1-2 minutes.
  8. Transfer salmon to plates, spoon any remaining lemon butter from the pan over the top, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon dry to ensure crispy skin. Use room temperature fish for even cooking. Preheat pan fully before cooking. Press fillets gently to prevent curling. Do not flip too soon to avoid sticking. Baste with lemon butter to keep fish moist. Medium-high heat is ideal to avoid burning butter.

Nutrition

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

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