Lemon-Brown Butter Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon-Brown Butter Salmon recipe brings a vibrant twist to a classic favorite. The nutty brown butter combined with fresh lemon zest and garlic creates a deliciously rich and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the tender, flaky salmon.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. neutral oil
• 4 (6-oz.) skin-on salmon fillets
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1 lemon
• 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley or dill

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the oil in a large stainless steel skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides generously with kosher salt.
2. Step 2: Place the salmon in the skillet skin side down and cook without moving for 4 minutes. Flip the salmon gently, then finely grate the lemon zest evenly around the fillets.
3. Step 3: Scatter the cubed butter pieces around the salmon. Swirl the pan carefully to melt the butter and help distribute the lemon zest. Cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Step 4: Cut the zested lemon in half. Add the chopped garlic and squeeze the juice from half the lemon around the salmon. Cook undisturbed for about 1 minute, until the salmon flakes easily and the garlic smells fragrant and slightly softened.
5. Step 5: Transfer the salmon to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crisp skin, press gently when placing salmon skin side down and avoid moving it until it releases naturally from the pan.
• Try swapping parsley for fresh dill or basil for a different herbal note.
• If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving.

Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve moisture, or enjoy cold in salads. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the fish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What type of pan works best for cooking the salmon?

A stainless steel or nonstick skillet works well to achieve a crispy skin and even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure good searing.

Lemon-Brown Butter Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 55 reviews

This Lemon-Brown Butter Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets cooked in a sizzling skillet with brown butter, fresh lemon zest, and garlic. The bright citrus and rich butter meld to create an irresistibly flavorful, tender fish dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
• 4 (6-oz.) skin-on salmon fillets
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1 lemon (zest and juice divided)

Brown Butter Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil and Season Salmon: In a large stainless steel skillet over medium heat, heat the neutral oil until shimmering. Meanwhile, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with kosher salt.
2. Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes to allow the skin to crisp and the salmon to cook through partially.
3. Add Lemon Zest and Butter: Carefully flip the salmon fillets. Finely grate the lemon zest around the fillets in the pan. Dot the cubed butter pieces around the salmon and swirl the pan gently to melt the butter and distribute the lemon zest, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add Lemon Juice and Garlic: Cut the zested lemon in half and squeeze the juice from one half around the salmon. Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan. Cook undisturbed for about 1 minute, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly softened.
5. Serve: Transfer the salmon to a serving platter and spoon the brown butter lemon sauce from the pan over the fillets. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill and serve immediately.

Notes

• For best results, use skin-on salmon fillets to get a crispy skin texture.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with olive oil, but the deep brown butter flavor will be missing.
• Make sure not to move the salmon too much during searing to allow a crust to form.
• Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the dish and balance the richness of the butter.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh, herbal note, but this is optional.

Keywords: salmon, lemon, brown butter, quick dinner, skillet, healthy fish recipe