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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/lemon-brown-butter-salmon-recipe/