Pan-Seared Garlic Lemon Salmon Fillets
Flaky, tender salmon kissed by zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, seared to golden perfection in just minutes.
Total: 15 minPrep: 5 minCook: 10 min4 servings
Ingredients
Servings:
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Steps
- 1 Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 2 Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- 3 Once the oil is shimmering, add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- 4 Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness.
- 5 Reduce heat to medium, add butter, minced garlic, and lemon zest to the skillet, spooning the melted butter over the fillets.
- 6 Squeeze lemon juice over the fillets and sprinkle with parsley.
- 7 Transfer to a plate and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories:
350 kcal
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in lemon juice, zest, and a drizzle of olive oil for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon to achieve a nice sear.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F to preserve moisture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of roasted asparagus and wild rice pilaf.
- Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon wedge.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking.