Description
A quick, healthy, and elegant weeknight dinner featuring pan-seared salmon fillets topped with a bright, garlicky lemon herb sauce. Ready in 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc), optional
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add salmon skin-side down (or presentation-side down). Press gently for 10 seconds to prevent curling.
- Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes without moving it. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and fish flakes easily. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan and let it melt and foam. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
- Pour in white wine (or broth) and lemon juice. Scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
- Remove pan from heat. Stir in lemon zest and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Spoon the sauce generously over the salmon fillets and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcook the fish; it continues to cook slightly after removal from heat. Patting the salmon dry is crucial for a good sear. If the sauce separates, whisk in a splash of cold water to rescue it. For dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil or plant-based butter. For alcohol-free, use chicken or vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 34
Keywords: salmon recipe, garlic lemon sauce, weeknight dinner, healthy seafood, one-pan meal, quick dinner, gluten-free