Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Herb Butter Recipe
This Pan-Seared Salmon recipe delivers perfectly cooked salmon fillets with crispy golden skin and tender, flaky flesh. Enhanced by a luscious lemon-herb butter sauce, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for an elegant weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 (6 oz.) skin-on salmon fillets
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Lemon-Herb Butter
- 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 3 Tbsp chopped tender herbs (such as parsley, tarragon, chives, or thyme)
Instructions
- Prepare salmon: Remove the salmon from the refrigerator about 15 minutes prior to cooking to bring to room temperature. Check for pin bones and remove them if present. Pat the fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season the flesh side evenly with kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper.
- Sear salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and coats the pan bottom uniformly. Place the salmon fillets skin side up in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a golden crust.
- Flip fish and finish cooking: Using a fish spatula or a thin, flexible metal spatula, carefully flip the fillets. The cooked side should be golden and the fish should release easily; if not, cook an additional minute and try again. Cook skin side down for 4 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and the salmon flakes easily with a fork or registers between 135°F to 145°F internally.
- Prepare Lemon-Herb Butter: Remove the salmon from the skillet and tent with foil to keep warm. Pour fresh lemon juice into the hot pan and reduce heat to low. Whisk in the butter pieces until melted and smooth. Stir in the chopped tender herbs. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the prepared lemon-herb butter evenly over each salmon fillet. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Allowing the salmon to come to room temperature ensures even cooking throughout.
- Removing pin bones improves the eating experience and safety.
- Using a fish spatula helps flip the delicate fillets without breaking.
- Cook salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F to 145°F for optimal doneness.
- Feel free to customize herbs based on preference—parsley, tarragon, chives, and thyme all work beautifully.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Keywords: pan-seared salmon, salmon fillets, lemon herb butter, quick salmon recipe, healthy dinner, seared fish