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Quick Crispy Lemon Butter Salmon Filet

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A fast and easy recipe for salmon with crispy skin and a bright, buttery lemon sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon filets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), preferably wild-caught
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • Zest of 1 fresh lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels, especially the skin side, to ensure crispiness (about 2 minutes).
  2. Season both sides of the salmon evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (1 minute).
  3. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Place the salmon filets skin-side down in the hot pan, pressing gently with a spatula or tongs to ensure even contact and prevent curling.
  5. Cook the salmon skin-side down undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Peek underneath occasionally but do not flip too soon.
  6. Flip the salmon filets gently and cook the flesh side for 2-3 minutes until opaque but still moist inside (internal temperature around 125°F / 52°C for medium-rare).
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter pieces and minced garlic to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and spoon the lemon-butter sauce over the salmon repeatedly for 1-2 minutes to baste and infuse flavor.
  8. Add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring gently to combine. Let it bubble briefly to meld flavors.
  9. Serve immediately, spooning more lemon butter sauce over the salmon and garnishing with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Patting the salmon skin dry is essential for crispiness. Use medium-high heat to get a good sear without burning the butter. Avoid flipping the salmon too early to prevent tearing the skin. Basting with lemon butter keeps the fish moist and flavorful. If butter browns too fast, lower the heat. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. Salmon can be substituted with trout or Arctic char.

Nutrition

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

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