Easy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemony Greens Recipe
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Simple and Magical Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemony Greens
I remember the day I discovered the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. It was one of those busy weeknights where time seemed to slip through my fingers. The fridge offered up a few salmon fillets, some lemons, and a bunch of fresh parsley that was just on the brink of wilting. As I stared at those ingredients, a memory surfaced—of a cozy seaside restaurant my husband and I visited on our first trip to the Pacific Northwest. The chef had prepared the most delicate salmon, bathed in a buttery lemon sauce that seemed to melt into the tender fish. It was the perfect marriage of flavors, and I was determined to recreate that experience in my own kitchen.
How to Make Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemony Greens At Home
With that memory guiding me, I quickly set to work. I knew I needed to keep it simple—just a few key elements to highlight the salmon’s natural richness. The sauce came together effortlessly; the scent of garlic and lemon filled the kitchen, instantly transporting me back to that little restaurant by the sea. The sizzling sound of the salmon hitting the hot skillet was music to my ears, and within minutes, I had a dish that was as elegant as it was easy.
When I plated the salmon and drizzled the golden lemon butter sauce over the top, I knew I had struck gold. It was a moment of quiet triumph—a reminder that even on the busiest days, a delicious, home-cooked meal can be just a few steps away. My husband took one bite and smiled, his eyes lighting up with the same delight I had seen years ago on our trip. It was then that I realized how powerful food can be in bringing back cherished memories, creating new ones, and connecting us to the moments that matter.
This Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemony Greens has since become a staple in our home. It’s my go-to recipe when I need something quick yet impressive, whether for a casual dinner for two or when friends drop by unexpectedly. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need a lot of time or ingredients to create something truly special—just a little love, a dash of inspiration, and the willingness to savor the simple joys of cooking.
Chef’s Notes – Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemony Greens
- Pat Dry for a Perfect Sear: Ensure the salmon fillets are thoroughly patted dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve a perfect golden crust when searing.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the salmon in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and a nice sear.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the salmon fillets to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Add a Zesty Kick: For a slight twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic lemon butter sauce for a subtle kick of heat.
- Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful fish. You can serve this Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemony Greens with a wonderful salad like our Classic Shrimp Louie Salad or this Winter Brie Salad recipe.
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
4
servings10
minutes10
minutes350
kcal10
minutes30
minutesDive into the delightful flavors of this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon! This dish is a breeze to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and just 20 minutes of your time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of tender salmon fillets with a rich garlic lemon butter sauce is simply irresistible. Get ready to impress with this easy yet sophisticated dish!
Ingredients
4 pieces Salmon Fillets skinless
Seasoning Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons Olive Oil
2 cloves Garlic finely chopped
1/4 cup Chicken Broth low-sodium
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon Butter unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 teaspoon Honey
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley finely chopped
Garnish Lemon slices (optional)
- Alternative Ingredients
Directions
- Prepare Salmon – Take the salmon fillets out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Make Sauce – In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 teaspoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns a light golden brown, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Simmer Sauce – Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Allow the mixture to simmer until it reduces by half (about 3 tablespoons), which should take around 3 minutes.
- Finish Sauce – Stir in the remaining butter and honey until well combined. Set the sauce aside.
- Season Salmon – Pat both sides of the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook Salmon – Heat olive oil in a heavy 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Serve – Transfer the cooked salmon to plates and drizzle generously with the prepared garlic lemon butter sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 750mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 4mg
- Iron: 6mg
Winter Brie Salad
Cooks in 25 minutesDifficulty: EasyDive into the flavors of the season with this Winter Brie Salad! Featuring a medley of field greens, juicy mandarin oranges, tart dried cherries, and crispy fried brie, all tossed in a tangy blackberry vinaigrette. This salad is a burst of bright, fruit-based flavors with the perfect finishing touch of melty brie bites. It’s a delightful way to start any meal and celebrate the best ingredients of winter.
Classic Shrimp Louie Salad
Cooks in 40 minutesDifficulty: MediumDive into the refreshing and vibrant flavors of this Classic Shrimp Louie Salad! Packed with fresh veggies, succulent shrimp, and a zesty homemade Louie sauce, this salad is a perfect meal for warm weather. It’s a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
FAQs – Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemony Greens
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemony Greens recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.
What can I substitute for the chicken broth?
Vegetable broth is a great alternative if you prefer a vegetarian option or don’t have chicken broth on hand.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, a visual cue is when the flesh turns opaque.
