Garlic Butter Salmon
Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to perfection and basted in a rich garlic butter sauce. This elegant yet simple dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs salmon fillets, skin-on
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
-
1
Pat the 2 lbs skin-on salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
-
2
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
-
3
Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy.
-
4
Reduce heat to medium, carefully flip the salmon, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked salmon, or 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.
-
5
Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
-
6
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
-
7
Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
-
8
Return the salmon to the skillet, spoon the garlic butter sauce over the fillets, and cook for another minute to warm through.
-
9
Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
-
10
Serve immediately with 1 lemon for garnish lemon slices and extra sauce spooned over the top.