Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter: Unbelievably Good

Okay, seriously, who doesn’t love salmon? But let’s be real – sometimes cooking fish at home feels intimidating, right? Well, get ready to ditch those fears because this recipe for Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter is about to become your new weeknight BFF. I swear, it’s so easy, it practically cooks itself (okay, not really, but almost!).

The first time I made this, I was honestly shocked. I mean, restaurant-quality salmon in, like, 20 minutes? No way! But trust me, it’s totally doable. The crispy skin, the flaky salmon, and that bright, lemony butter sauce… it’s just chef’s kiss. And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your fridge and pantry.

As a home cook for over 15 years, I’ve tried a *lot* of salmon recipes. But this one? This one is special. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it delivers big on flavor every single time. Seriously, you gotta try it!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter

Quick and Easy

Seriously, from fridge to table in under 25 minutes? Yes, please! You’ll be amazed how fast this comes together. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious *now*!

Incredibly Flavorful

That lemon butter sauce? Oh. My. Goodness. It’s bright, it’s tangy, it’s buttery… it’s everything you could want! And the salmon? Perfectly cooked and flaky. So good!

Restaurant-Quality at Home

Impress your family (or yourself!) with this dish. Honestly, it tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, but it’s secretly super simple. They’ll think you’re a culinary genius, I promise!

Healthy and Delicious

Salmon is packed with good-for-you fats, protein, and all sorts of other goodness. So you can feel good about eating something that tastes amazing *and* is good for you. Win-win!

Ingredients for Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter

Salmon Fillets

You’ll want 4 (about 6 oz each) skinless salmon fillets. Aim for about an inch thick – that’s what I find cooks best!

Seasoning

Just good ol’ salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t skimp! Seasoning is key.

Olive Oil

2 tsp of olive oil – this helps get that beautiful sear!

Garlic

2 garlic cloves, minced. I’m a garlic fiend, so sometimes I add a *little* extra. Shhh!

Chicken Broth

1/4 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. This adds some body to the lemon butter sauce.

Lemon Juice

2 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice. Bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is *so* much better!

Butter

3 Tbsp + 1 tsp of unsalted butter, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces. Cold butter is important here!

Honey

Just 1/2 tsp of honey. It balances the lemon perfectly!

Parsley

2 Tbsp of minced fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness.

Garnish

Lemon slices for garnish (optional, but pretty!).

How to Make Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter

Prepare the Salmon

First things first, take those salmon fillets out of the fridge and let ’em hang out at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly, trust me! Then, grab some paper towels and pat both sides of the salmon *really* dry. This is super important for getting that crispy sear we’re after!

Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

Okay, while the salmon’s chilling, let’s whip up that glorious lemon butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt 1 tsp of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, toss in your minced garlic and sauté it until it’s lightly golden brown and smells amazing – about 1-2 minutes. Careful not to burn it!

Next, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Let that simmer until it’s reduced by about half (you should have around 3 Tbsp left) – this usually takes about 3 minutes. Now, take the pan off the heat and stir in the remaining butter and honey. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and combined. Set that aside for now – you’ll want it ready to go!

Sear the Salmon

Alright, time to get searing! Heat the olive oil in a big ol’ 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure your pan is *hot* before you add the salmon – you want the oil to be shimmering. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!

Once the oil is ready, carefully place the salmon in the pan. Cook it for about 4 minutes on the first side, until it’s golden brown and crispy on the bottom. Then, flip it over and cook it on the other side for another 2-3 minutes, until it’s cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. Don’t overcook it, or it’ll be dry!

Serve

Now for the best part! Plate the salmon (leaving any extra oil in the pan) and drizzle each serving generously with that luscious lemon butter sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices if you’re feeling fancy. Serve it immediately and enjoy every single bite of your *Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter*!

Tips for the Best Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter

Pat the Salmon Dry

Seriously, I can’t stress this enough! A dry salmon fillet is a *crispy* salmon fillet. Get those paper towels out and really go to town. You want to remove as much moisture as possible. Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference!

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

If you try to cram all the salmon into the pan at once, you’ll end up steaming it instead of searing it. Not good! Cook in batches if you need to, and make sure there’s enough space around each fillet.

Watch the Internal Temperature

If you’re a perfectionist (like me!), use a meat thermometer. You want the salmon to reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This ensures it’s cooked through but still nice and moist. No one wants dry salmon!

Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste

The lemon butter sauce is pretty amazing as is, but feel free to tweak it to your liking! If you like things extra tangy, add a squeeze more lemon juice. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a touch more honey. It’s your kitchen, your rules!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter

Salmon Options

Can’t find skinless salmon fillets? No worries! You can totally use salmon with the skin on – just sear it skin-side down first for extra crispiness. Also, feel free to swap in different types of salmon. I love using Sockeye, but Coho or Atlantic work great too!

Butter Substitutes

If you’re dairy-free (or just trying to cut back), you can definitely use olive oil or ghee instead of butter in the sauce. It’ll change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be delicious! Just make sure to use a good-quality olive oil.

Herb Variations

Parsley’s my go-to, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Fresh dill or chives would be amazing in this lemon butter sauce too. Get creative and use what you’ve got!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yep, you totally can! Just make sure you thaw it completely before cooking. And remember that patting it *super* dry is even MORE important with frozen salmon. You don’t want a soggy sear!

How do I know when the salmon is done?

Okay, so the easiest way is to gently poke it with a fork. If it flakes easily, it’s ready to go! If you’re using a thermometer, aim for 145°F. Just don’t overcook it – dry salmon is a sad salmon!

Can I bake the salmon instead?

You *could* bake it, but honestly, you’ll miss out on that amazing crispy sear! If you’re going the baking route, I’d suggest broiling it for the last minute or two to get a little color on top. But pan-seared is definitely my preferred method!

What side dishes go well with this?

Oh, so many things! Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are always a winner. Rice or quinoa are great for soaking up that delicious lemon butter sauce. Or, for something lighter, try a simple green salad. Yum!

Serving Suggestions for Your Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter

Vegetable Pairings

Honestly, this salmon goes with just about anything! But I especially love it with some steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or sautéed green beans. Simple, healthy, and delicious!

Grain Options

Looking for something a little heartier? Barley, rice (white or brown!), or even couscous are all great choices to soak up that yummy lemon butter sauce. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

Salad Ideas

For a lighter meal, try serving this salmon with a simple green salad. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, a citrus salad with grapefruit and avocado would be *amazing*. So fresh and bright!

Storing and Reheating Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop that *Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter* in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days. But let’s be real, it probably won’t last that long!

Reheating Methods

Okay, so reheating fish can be tricky, but don’t worry, I’ve got you! You can gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat or nuke it in the microwave (but be careful not to overcook it!). A little extra lemon butter sauce never hurts either!

Nutritional Information for Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, cuts of salmon, etc.). So, just keep in mind that any nutritional information provided is just a general estimate. Always best to consult a professional for specific dietary needs, ya know?

Enjoyed this Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter?

If you loved this recipe as much as I do, please leave a comment below! And don’t forget to rate the recipe – it helps other folks find it! Share your beautiful *Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter* creations on social media, too!

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