Pan Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter
This Pan Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter recipe delivers tender, flaky salmon with a crispy skin, coated in a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce.
Equipment
- Paper towels
- Large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
- Spatula
- Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets skin-on, center-cut, about 6 ounces each
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3-4 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1 fresh lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, place salmon skin-side down in the hot pan and press gently for 30 seconds to ensure even contact.
- Sear for 4-6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the salmon is cooked halfway up; do not move or flip.
- Flip the salmon to the flesh side, add butter to the pan, and once melted, add minced garlic.
- Tilt the pan and baste the salmon with the garlic butter for 2-4 minutes until desired doneness is reached.
- Remove salmon from the pan, squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the pan with the butter and garlic.