Classic Garlic Butter Salmon Skillet
This recipe guides you through making a delightful salmon dish with garlic butter. It's quick to prepare and cook, resulting in a flavorful and tender meal.
Equipment
- Paper towels
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Tongs or spatula
- Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic freshly minced
- 1/2 lemon zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or a knob of butter)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (the secret ingredient)
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels; this helps ensure crispy skin and a good sear. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add olive oil or a knob of butter to the hot skillet.
- Place salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable, in the hot skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy or a crust forms.
- Flip the salmon, reduce heat to medium-low, and add butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and honey or maple syrup to the skillet.
- Spoon the garlic-butter sauce over the salmon, cooking for another 3-5 minutes, basting frequently. Cook until the salmon reaches your desired doneness, or an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Serving
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked salmon and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the salmon marinate in a little lemon juice and salt for 15 minutes before patting dry and searing. Be careful not to overcook the salmon; it should be flaky but still moist. A cast-iron skillet is highly recommended for an excellent sear and even cooking.