This salmon dinner feels both cozy and bright all at once. The nutty taste of browned butter combined with fresh lemon zest adds a rich and zippy touch. It cooks in just fifteen minutes, so you get restaurant-style flavor with very little work.
This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something special. The crispy salmon skin and warm buttery sauce make every bite feel like a treat. It is fancy enough to feel special but simple enough to make any night of the week.
Ingredients
- Neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
- Four salmon fillets with skin (about six ounces each)
- Kosher salt
- One lemon (zest and juice used)
- Four tablespoons of unsalted butter, cubed
- One large garlic clove, finely chopped
- One tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or dill
How to Make
- Heat a stainless steel skillet over medium heat with a little oil until it shimmers. Pat the salmon dry and sprinkle salt on both sides.
- Place salmon in the pan skin-side down. Cook without moving it for four minutes.
- Flip the salmon over. Grate lemon zest around the fillets. Scatter the butter cubes in the pan and swirl to melt the butter and mix with the zest. Let it cook two minutes.
- Cut the lemon in half. Add the garlic and the lemon juice around the salmon. Let it cook, undisturbed, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the garlic smells soft and gentle, about one more minute.
- Carefully move the salmon to a platter. Sprinkle with parsley or dill before serving.
Protein in Each Main Item
- Salmon fillet: about 25 grams of protein per 100 grams
- Butter, oil, garlic, parsley: almost no protein
This dish delivers a strong dose of protein from the salmon and tastes rich and bright all at once.
Disclaimer
This recipe is for home cooking fun and general enjoyment. It is not a substitute for professional health or dietary advice. If you have specific dietary needs, health issues, or allergies, please speak with a doctor or nutrition expert before trying new recipes.
