Pan-seared salmon with lemon butter sauce

Pan-seared salmon with lemon butter sauce is a dish that combines simplicity with gourmet flavors. The crisp, golden exterior of the salmon paired with a rich, citrus-infused butter sauce creates a perfectly balanced dish that’s sure to impress.

Benefits of Eating Salmon

Salmon is highly prized not only for its delicious taste but also for its health benefits. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, salmon promotes heart health, aids in weight management, and contributes to the health of your skin and hair.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – fresh, skin-on
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – freshly ground, to taste
Garlic powder – to enhance flavor
1 shallot – finely chopped for a subtle sweetness
4 cloves garlic – minced, for a robust flavor
1 cup parsley leaves – fresh, for freshness
2 tsp fresh thyme – for a earthy note
1 tsp kosher salt – for seasoning
8 oz. unsalted butter – softened, for the sauce
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – for cooking and flavor
Zest and juice of half a lemon – for citrusy brightness

Instructions

Prepare the Compound Butter:

In a food processor, blend shallot, garlic, parsley, thyme, and kosher salt until finely chopped.
Add butter, olive oil, lemon zest, and juice, pulsing until combined.
Form into a log using plastic wrap, refrigerate until firm.

Season and Cook the Salmon:

Dry salmon with paper towels, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high, cook salmon starting skin-side up until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove salmon, keep warm.

Make Lemon Butter Sauce:

Lower heat, add a slice of compound butter to the pan.
Stir into salmon juices, scraping up browned bits.
Simmer until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Preparation

Skin-on Fillets: Cooking salmon with the skin on helps retain moisture and adds texture.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best enjoyed when it’s still slightly translucent in the center.
Rest the Salmon: Let it rest a few minutes off the heat before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Conclusion

This pan-seared salmon dressed in a luscious lemon butter sauce is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients creating extraordinary meals. Serve it with a side of vegetables or a light salad for a complete, nutritious dish that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.