The Classic: Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
Indulge in restaurant-style pan-seared salmon bathed in a luxuriously light lemon butter sauce. Easy to make and bursting with fresh flavours, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that impresses.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Spoon
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
For the salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets, each about 150g skinless and boneless
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Lemon butter sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter for optional option
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter for the sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 minced garlic clove, optional
Instructions
Cook the salmon fillets:
- Pat the 2 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season generously with Salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the 2 salmon fillets, in the pan, skin-side down (if using skin-on salmon).
- Sear for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Gently flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through (flaky when tested with a fork).
Make your lemon butter sauce:
- (optional) In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add 1 minced garlic clove, (if using) and Sautee for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- Let the sauce Emulsify, stirring constantly.
Plating:
- Transfer the cooked salmon fillets to plates.
- Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the salmon and serve immediately.
Notes
Recipe Tips
- For extra crispy skin (if using skin-on salmon), score the skin side with a sharp knife before searing.
- Don't overcook the salmon! It will continue to cook slightly even after removing it from the heat.
- Love a stronger lemon flavor? Add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice to the sauce.
- This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy this Smoked Salmon Salad on its own for a light lunch or pair it with crusty bread sticks.
- For a more substantial meal, serve it over a bed of quinoa or Jasmin Rice.
- Serve over a bed of potato salad for a delicious option.
- Pair with roasted asparagus or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
- Top with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy bite.
- Serve with a side salad drizzled with a simple vinaigrette.