Description
Golden-crisp on the outside, buttery-tender on the inside — this Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce is what seafood dreams are made of. The salmon fillets are lightly seared until they develop a beautiful crust, then drizzled in a silky garlic butter sauce infused with herbs and lemon slices. The aroma alone is enough to draw the whole family into the kitchen.
This is not your average salmon recipe — it’s a restaurant-quality dish ready in under 20 minutes. The combination of savory garlic, fresh herbs, and a splash of citrus creates a depth of flavor that complements the richness of the salmon without overpowering it. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or impressing guests over the weekend, this is one dish that’s both elegant and effortless.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and black pepper. Let the fillets sit out for about 10–15 minutes to come to room temperature.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, place the salmon fillets into the skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Let them cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop a crispy golden-brown crust. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3–4 minutes until they are just cooked through and flake easily with a fork.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: After removing the salmon from the skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same pan. Once the butter has melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown. Add fresh thyme (optional) and lemon slices into the pan, stirring gently to combine. Swirl the sauce to coat the garlic and herbs, allowing the lemon to release its juice into the butter.
- Serve: Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the cooked salmon fillets. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes