why make this recipe
This dish gives you a crisp outside and soft, flaky salmon inside. It is fast to cook and tastes rich from garlic herb butter. Serve it on a weeknight or for guests. Try it with a simple side like balsamic roasted mushrooms for a full meal.
introduction
This recipe is simple. You need a hot pan, a little oil, and butter with garlic and parsley. The steps are short. You get a tasty dinner in about 15 minutes. If you like garlic butter dishes, you may also like a garlic butter beef bites idea for another meal.
how to make Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter
- Pat the salmon dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the salmon skin-side down (or presentation side down if skinless). Sear for 4–5 minutes until the skin or surface is golden and crispy.
- Flip the salmon and cook the other side for 2–3 more minutes until just cooked through.
- Turn the heat to low. Add the butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the pan. Let the butter melt. Spoon the melted garlic herb butter over the salmon for about 1 minute.
- Squeeze juice of 1⁄2 lemon over the salmon. Serve hot.
Ingredients :
3 salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless (about 150g each), 1 tbsp olive oil, Salt & black pepper, to taste, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, Juice of 1⁄2 lemon
Directions :
Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down (or presentation side down if skinless) and sear for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 2–3 more minutes until just cooked through. Reduce heat to low, add butter, garlic, and parsley to the pan. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the salmon for 1 minute. Squeeze over lemon juice and serve hot.
how to serve Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter
Serve the salmon hot with the garlic herb butter spooned over the top. Good sides are steamed greens, rice, or simple roasted vegetables. For a sweet finish, pair with a light baked fruit like baked apples with feta, honey and cranberries.
how to store Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter
Let the salmon cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 8–10 minutes or until warm. Do not freeze cooked salmon with the butter sauce; textures change after freezing.
tips to make Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter
- Pat the fish very dry before cooking. This helps the skin get crispy.
- Do not crowd the pan. Cook each fillet with space around it.
- Use medium-high heat so the outside sears quickly.
- Let the salmon cook mostly on the first side before flipping.
- Add garlic near the end so it does not burn.
- Rest the fish 1 minute after cooking so juices settle.
variation (if any)
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
- Swap parsley for dill or chives.
- Use lemon zest in the butter for more citrus flavor.
- Make a honey-soy glaze instead of garlic butter for an Asian twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes. Thaw fully in the fridge and pat dry before cooking.
Q: How do I know when salmon is done?
A: It flakes with a fork and has an even pink color inside. The center should be slightly translucent for medium, or fully opaque for well done.
Q: Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead?
A: You can melt butter with garlic and parsley and keep it in the fridge for a day. Warm it before spooning over hot salmon.
Q: Do I need skin-on salmon?
A: Skin helps get a crisp base, but skinless works fine. Cook presentation side down first.
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: Yes. Salmon gives good protein and omega-3 fats. Use a small amount of oil and butter to keep it balanced.
Conclusion
For a similar garlic butter salmon idea and extra tips, see this Garlic Butter Salmon recipe – RecipeTin Eats.
Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the salmon dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the salmon skin-side down (or presentation side down if skinless). Sear for 4–5 minutes until the skin or surface is golden and crispy.
- Flip the salmon and cook the other side for 2–3 more minutes until just cooked through.
- Turn the heat to low. Add the butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the pan. Let the butter melt. Spoon the melted garlic herb butter over the salmon for about 1 minute.
- Squeeze juice of 1⁄2 lemon over the salmon. Serve hot.