Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: A Quick & Healthy Weeknight Delight
Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with a Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is a truly delicious and incredibly easy salmon recipe that can transform your dinner routine. This culinary gem comes together in minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something both impressive and effortless. The secret lies in achieving that perfect sear: a beautifully golden, super crispy crust on the outside, while the inside remains luxuriously soft, tender, and incredibly flaky. Each succulent bite is then elevated by a silky, rich, and tangy lemon garlic butter sauce that perfectly complements the salmon’s natural flavor. This beloved low-carb salmon recipe, cherished by our family, is now ready to become a favorite in your home too!
The Irresistible Charm of Pan-Seared Salmon
While we’ve crafted other crowd-pleasing salmon dishes like our Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon and our Honey Mustard Salmon, this simple pan-seared method holds a special place in our hearts. Pan-searing salmon is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to prepare it, yielding an unparalleled texture that’s hard to resist. The intense heat of the pan caramelizes the exterior, creating a delightful crunch, while simultaneously locking in moisture, ensuring a moist and tender interior. It’s a quick cooking technique that delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Why Salmon is a Smart Choice for Any Meal
Beyond its exquisite taste and versatile nature, salmon is a nutritional powerhouse that makes it an excellent addition to any healthy diet. It’s an outstanding source of omega-3 fatty acids, renowned for supporting heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, salmon is packed with high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and a fantastic choice if you’re looking to feel fuller for longer. Rich in B vitamins, particularly B12, it also contributes to energy production and overall well-being. If you’re mindful of your calorie intake or following a low-carb diet, this pan-seared salmon recipe checks all the boxes: high in protein, full of healthy fats, and incredibly satisfying. Every tangy, garlicky bite will leave you feeling nourished and energized, without compromising on flavor.
This recipe exemplifies how minimal ingredients can produce maximum taste. It allows the inherent deliciousness of the salmon to truly shine, enhanced by the bright, zesty notes of lemon and the aromatic depth of garlic. It’s a no-fuss approach that’s considerably simpler than more elaborate preparations, such as our Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon, making it perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence but you still desire a gourmet experience.
Essential Ingredients for Your Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
One of the beauties of this recipe is its straightforward ingredient list. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry and fridge already, which means you can whip up this amazing dish almost on a whim. Opting for fresh, high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results, especially when it comes to garlic and herbs.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Skinless salmon fillets (fresh is always best)
- Fresh lemon juice (don’t skimp on this!)
- Good quality olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic (finely chopped or minced)
- Fresh Italian parsley (chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking is crucial, as this recipe moves very quickly once the pan is hot!
How to Achieve Perfectly Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon
Mastering the pan-sear isn’t difficult, but it does require attention to a few key steps. Follow these instructions for salmon that’s crispy on the outside and wonderfully moist inside, bathed in an incredible lemon garlic butter sauce.
Preparation: The Foundation for Flawless Fillets
- Bring to Room Temperature: Allow your salmon fillets to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Thoroughly Dry: Using paper towels, meticulously pat the salmon fillets completely dry on all sides. This is a critical step for achieving a truly crispy skin or crust. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Season Generously: Season the salmon all over with a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy – proper seasoning enhances flavor significantly.
- Initial Lemon Squeeze: Squeeze 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice over each fillet and gently rub all the seasoning and lemon into the flesh.
Searing for that Golden Crust
- Heat the Pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed, non-stick pan or skillet over medium-high heat until it is shimmering and hot. A truly hot pan is essential for a good sear.
- Sear Flesh-Side Down: Carefully place the salmon fillets flesh-side down (if skinless, this is the side that was previously attached to the skin), pressing them lightly with a spatula so that the entire surface of the flesh makes firm contact with the hot pan.
- Sear Undisturbed: Allow the salmon to sear, undisturbed, for 3-4 minutes. Resist the urge to move it! This uninterrupted cooking time is what develops that beautiful, crispy, golden crust. You’ll see the color creeping up the sides of the fillet.
Infusing Flavor: The Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- Flip and Continue Searing: Gently flip each salmon fillet to the other side (skin-side up if you kept the skin, or the former top side if skinless). Sear this side for about 2 minutes.
- Add the Aromatics: Immediately add the butter, finely chopped garlic, 3 tablespoons of the fresh parsley, the remaining lemon juice, and a few lemon slices directly into the pan around the fillets.
- Baste with Sauce: Stir the melting butter and garlic around each fillet, allowing the flavors to meld and the salmon to bathe in this aromatic sauce. The butter will begin to brown slightly, adding a nutty depth.
Achieving Desired Doneness
- Finish Cooking: Continue to cook the salmon for another 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Salmon is typically done when it flakes easily with a fork, or when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 145°F (63°C).
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and the salmon. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, and add an extra squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if desired.
The Final Touch: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish and Drizzle: Garnish generously with the remaining fresh parsley. Drizzle the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce from the pan over each fillet before serving.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your crispy pan-seared salmon right away to enjoy its optimal texture and warmth.
Pro Tips & Variations for an Even Better Salmon Experience
Take your pan-seared salmon from great to extraordinary with these expert tips and optional variations:
- The Right Pan is Paramount: Investing in a good quality non-stick pan is non-negotiable for this recipe. It ensures the salmon doesn’t stick, allowing for that flawless, crispy crust and preventing unnecessary stress during cooking.
- Butter Alternatives: If you’re hesitant to use butter, or prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute it with an additional 2 tablespoons of olive oil or even a high-heat avocado oil. The sauce will still be flavorful, just with a slightly different richness.
- A Splash of Gourmet: For an elevated, gourmet touch, add 3-4 tablespoons of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) along with the butter and garlic. The wine will deglaze the pan, adding another layer of sophisticated flavor to your sauce.
- Freshness is Key for Herbs: When it comes to parsley, fresh is the only way to go for this recipe. Dried parsley simply won’t provide the vibrant color, fresh aroma, or bright flavor that fresh Italian parsley delivers. It’s essential for both cooking and garnishing.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If cooking more than two fillets, work in batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower its temperature, steam the salmon instead of searing it, and prevent that desirable crispy exterior.
- Skin On or Off? This recipe works with both skinless and skin-on fillets. If using skin-on, sear skin-side down first for 4-5 minutes until the skin is incredibly crispy, then flip and finish cooking. The crispy skin is a delightful textural contrast and adds flavor.
- Internal Temperature for Perfection: For perfectly cooked salmon that’s moist and tender, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when measured at the thickest part of the fillet. This ensures it’s fully cooked yet still succulent.
- Resting Time: After removing the salmon from the pan, allow it to rest for 1-2 minutes on a plate before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in an even more tender and flavorful fish.
- Customizing Your Garlic: While 8 cloves of garlic might seem like a lot, it contributes significantly to the sauce’s depth. Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal preference, but don’t skip it entirely!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
This pan-seared salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Whether you prefer a light and healthy accompaniment or something more substantial, you have plenty of delicious options to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Throw some vibrant greenery on your plate to balance the richness, or opt for comforting carbs.
- Green Vegetables: Complement the salmon with fresh, crisp greens like Grilled Asparagus, Buttery Sautéed Green Beans, broccoli, or spinach. Their slight bitterness and freshness cut through the rich sauce beautifully.
- Creamy Carbs: For a more comforting meal, serve alongside Creamy Mashed Potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or even a light cauliflower mash for a low-carb alternative.
- Grains: Simple white rice, fluffy couscous, or a quinoa salad make excellent foundations for absorbing that incredible lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Fresh Salads: A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette or a crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a piece of crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that delectable sauce!
This pan-seared salmon recipe truly delivers restaurant quality on your plate, ready in under 15 minutes of active cooking. It’s perfectly cooked, boasting a crispy exterior and flaky interior, all enveloped in that luxurious, buttery lemon garlic sauce. De-LICIOUS!
Beyond the Plate: Storing and Reheating Leftovers
While this salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly save leftovers. Store any remaining salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to keep the sauce with it, as it helps maintain moisture.
When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the fish. The best methods for reheating are gently in a lightly oiled pan on the stovetop over low heat, or in an oven preheated to 275°F (135°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until just warmed through. This helps preserve some of that delicious crispy texture and prevents it from becoming rubbery.
Discover More Irresistible Salmon Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with salmon, explore our other fantastic recipes that celebrate this versatile fish:
- Creamy Tuscan Salmon
- Easy Salmon Piccata
- Easy Honey Garlic Salmon
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Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Ingredients
- 28 ounces skinless salmon filets
- 1/4 teaspoon salt to season
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper to season
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 cloves garlic finely chopped or minced
- 4 tablespoons Italian parsley fresh, chopped, divided
- 1/2 lemon sliced
Instructions
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Pat dry room temperature salmon filets with paper towel. Season all over with salt, pepper. Squeeze 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice over each filet, and rub all the flavour in.
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Heat the olive in a large non-stick pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place salmon filets flesh side down, pressing them lightly so the entire surface of the flesh comes into contact with the pan. Sear, undisturbed, for 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden.
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Flip and sear the other side of each filet for TWO minutes. Add in the butter, chopped garlic, 3 tablespoons of parsley, remaining lemon juice and lemon slices. Stir the butter and garlic around each filet.
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Continue to cook the salmon for a further 1-2 minutes, or until salmon reaches desired doneness. (The butter will begin to brown slightly.) Taste test and season with salt and pepper to your tastes, and add more lemon juice if desired.
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Garnish with the remaining parsley and drizzle the butter over each filet.
Serve immediately.
Notes
- A good quality non stick pan will prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan and causing unnecessary stress.
- You can substitute the butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil if you’re hesitant to use butter
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
