Salmon, oh, how it dances on the skillet, sizzling like a campfire on a summer night. Quick, easy, yet somehow luxurious, it’s like finding a $20 bill in an old coat pocket. The garlic lemon butter? Pure magic, like sunshine bottled for your taste buds.
Steps
- Take the salmon fillets out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt 1 teaspoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until it becomes lightly golden, approximately 1-2 minutes. Add in chicken broth and lemon juice, allowing the mixture to simmer until it reduces by half, roughly 3 minutes.
- Stir in additional butter and honey into the sauce, whisking until well combined, then set it aside. Pat both sides of the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on the first side until they achieve a golden brown color.
- Flip the salmon fillets over and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they are cooked through. Transfer the salmon to plates, leaving the oil behind in the skillet.
- Generously drizzle the reserved lemon butter sauce over each piece of salmon. Garnish with chopped parsley and, if desired, lemon slices before serving immediately.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets (6 oz each, 4 servings)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for frying)
- Chicken broth (amount to create sauce)
- Fresh lemon juice (for sauce and garnish)
- Garlic (for sauce)
- Butter (1 tsp for sautéing garlic and 3 tbsp for sauce)
- Honey (to balance lemon tartness)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Nutritional Values
Calories 1388 | Calories from Fat 756 | Fat 84g | Saturated Fat 28g | Cholesterol 464mg | Sodium 324mg | Potassium 3424mg | Carbohydrates 8g | Protein 136g | Vitamin A 1980IU | Vitamin C 23.6mg | Calcium 112mg | Iron 6mg
FAQ
- How long should I cook salmon in a pan?
- For this recipe, using 6-ounce salmon fillets, cook for about 4 minutes on the first side until it becomes golden brown, then flip and continue to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until it’s cooked through.
- What ingredients are needed for the lemon butter sauce?
- The lemon butter sauce requires garlic, butter, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth. These ingredients create a vibrant and rich sauce that complements the salmon perfectly.
- Can I use something other than chicken broth in the sauce?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with white wine to create a different flavor profile for the sauce.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with pan-seared salmon?
- Some great side dishes include rice, steamed asparagus, roasted vegetables, broccoli, baked potatoes, Parmesan asparagus, and mashed potatoes.
- How can I use the lemon butter sauce with other dishes?
- This versatile sauce can enhance the flavors of various dishes, such as other fish fillets, chicken breasts, roast chicken, steak (with added herbs like rosemary or thyme), and boiled or steamed vegetables.
Tips
- Allow the salmon to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking; this ensures even cooking throughout the fillet.
- Preheat the skillet and oil before adding the salmon. This step is crucial for achieving a beautifully browned exterior.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. A dry surface helps the fillet to sear better and develop a nice crust.
- Avoid moving the salmon while it cooks in the pan. This helps in achieving better browning and prevents the fillet from breaking apart.
Equipment
- Heavy 12-inch non-stick skillet
- Small saucepan
