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Easy Lemon Butter Salmon for Two

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A quick and flavorful salmon recipe featuring a luscious lemon butter sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces (170g) each
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat a 10-inch non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even contact. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and releases easily.
  4. Flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through but still moist (internal temperature around 125°F/52°C for medium-rare).
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Push the salmon to one side of the pan and add 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir gently as the butter melts, letting the sauce bubble and thicken for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the salmon fillets a few times to baste. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, drizzling any remaining lemon butter sauce over the salmon.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry is essential for a crispy skin. Use medium-high heat to avoid burning the butter or oil. Remove salmon just before fully cooked and let rest to finish cooking with residual heat. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing. For dairy-free options, substitute butter with ghee or coconut oil. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter salmon, quick salmon recipe, easy dinner for two, pan-seared salmon, lemon garlic salmon

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