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Garlic Butter Salmon with Crispy Edges

A close-up of a perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Salmon with crispy edges resting in melted butter sauce.
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A straightforward recipe for pan-seared salmon featuring a rich lemon garlic butter sauce, designed to give you crispy skin and moist flesh.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy skin. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
  3. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Press down gently on the top of each fillet for 10 seconds to ensure full contact with the pan.
  4. Sear the salmon, undisturbed, for 4 to 6 minutes until the skin is deeply golden brown and crisp. You will see the color change move about halfway up the side of the fillet.
  5. Flip the salmon fillets carefully. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
  6. Add the butter to the skillet. As the butter melts, spoon the melted butter over the fish continuously for about 1 minute.
  7. Add the minced garlic to the butter in the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  8. Stir in the lemon juice. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  9. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salmon. Serve immediately with the garlic butter sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

  • For the crispiest skin, ensure the salmon is very dry before it hits the hot pan.
  • If your fillets are very thick (over 1.5 inches), finish cooking in a 400°F oven for 3-5 minutes after searing and adding the butter.
  • Do not move the fish while the skin is searing; let it form a crust.

Nutrition

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