Pan-Seared Lemon Butter Salmon ππ: Crispy Skin, Juicy Inside
This pan-seared lemon butter salmon is restaurant-quality but takes only 12 minutes. Crispy golden skin, tender flaky flesh, and a rich lemon garlic butter sauce that comes together in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 12 minutes: Faster than takeout.
- One-pan cleanup: Less dishes, more eating.
- Crispy skin hack: Get that perfect golden crust every time.
- Healthy & filling: High protein, low carb, packed with Omega-3s.
Ingredients for 2 Servings π
- 2 salmon fillets, 6oz each, skin-on for best results
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter π§
- 3 cloves garlic, minced garlic;
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice π
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish π₯
Instructions π³
- Pat dry: Use paper towels to dry salmon skin completely. This is the key to crispy skin.
- Season: Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear skin-side down: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down. Press gently for 30 seconds. Cook 4-5 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.
- Flip and baste: Flip salmon. Add butter and garlic to the pan. Spoon melted butter over salmon for 1-2 minutes until cooked through.
- Finish: Turn off heat. Add lemon juice and parsley. Spoon sauce over salmon and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfect Salmon β‘
- Donβt move it: Let the skin sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes. Moving it too early will tear the skin.
- Use medium-high heat: Too low and it wonβt crisp. Too high and itβll burn.
- Check doneness: Salmon is done at 125Β°F for medium, 145Β°F for well done. It keeps cooking after you remove it from heat.
What to Serve With It π΅
Pair this salmon with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed asparagus or green beans
- Quinoa salad
- Crusty bread to soak up the butter sauce
Slug: pan-seared-lemon-butter-salmon
Meta Title: Pan-Seared Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe | 12 Minutes
Meta Description: Crispy skin pan-seared salmon with lemon garlic butter sauce. Ready in 12 minutes. Easy, healthy, and perfect for weeknights.
