Description
Succulent salmon dances with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic in this simple yet elegant dish. Quick pan-frying locks in flavor, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can effortlessly create at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each, skin-on or skinless)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Cooking Fats and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (or use extra olive oil for dairy-free)
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus lemon slices for garnish)
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot salmon fillets with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring optimal surface dryness for superior caramelization.
- Generously season both surfaces of the fish with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and vibrant lemon zest, creating a robust flavor profile.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing the pan to reach an ideal cooking heat.
- Carefully position salmon fillets skin-side down, pressing gently to maximize skin contact with the hot surface for achieving a perfectly crisp golden exterior.
- Allow salmon to cook undisturbed for approximately 4-5 minutes, monitoring the skin’s transformation into a crunchy, golden-brown crust.
- Delicately flip the fillets using a spatula, continuing cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish reaches a tender, flaky consistency.
- Transfer cooked salmon to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and texture.
- Reduce skillet temperature to medium and introduce butter, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious base for the sauce.
- Introduce minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence.
- Incorporate fresh lemon juice, fragrant thyme, and optional red pepper flakes, creating a vibrant, multilayered sauce.
- Gently return salmon to the pan, delicately coating the fillets with the infused sauce.
- Embellish with freshly chopped parsley and elegant lemon slices for a visually appealing presentation.
- Serve immediately alongside roasted seasonal vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad.
Notes
- Ensure salmon is at room temperature before cooking to promote even heat distribution and prevent dry edges.
- Use a cast-iron or non-stick skillet for the best crispy skin and controlled browning without sticking.
- Opt for skin-on salmon fillets to lock in moisture and create a deliciously crisp exterior during pan-frying.
- Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness, typically 3-4 minutes per side for a medium-rare to medium doneness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg