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crispy brown butter lemon herb salmon skillet - featured image

Crispy Brown Butter Lemon Herb Salmon Skillet

  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick and easy 20-minute recipe delivering perfectly crispy skin salmon with a nutty brown butter, fresh lemon, and herb sauce. Juicy inside with a golden, crackly crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest and juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: substitute parsley with dill

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels, especially the skin side (about 5 minutes).
  2. Season both sides of the fillets evenly with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature while preparing the sauce (2 minutes).
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Swirl the pan gently as the butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
  4. Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and chopped herbs to the browned butter. Stir to combine and set aside (about 5 minutes total for sauce prep).
  5. Wipe out the skillet if needed, then add olive oil and heat over medium-high until shimmering but not smoking (2 minutes).
  6. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Press gently with a spatula for 10-15 seconds to prevent curling.
  7. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy and golden brown.
  8. Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until salmon is just cooked through but still moist inside (internal temperature about 125°F / 52°C).
  9. Spoon the brown butter herb sauce over the salmon fillets while still in the skillet to coat and add flavor (1 minute).
  10. Remove salmon from the pan and let rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon skin dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Use medium-high heat and be patient to get a golden crust without burning. Add garlic after removing butter from heat to avoid bitterness. Do not crowd the pan to prevent steaming. Use fresh herbs and lemon zest added off heat to preserve brightness. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to maintain crispness.

  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 o
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 0.5
  • Sodium: 150
  • Fat: 26
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 2
  • Fiber: 0.5
  • Protein: 34

Keywords: salmon, crispy salmon, brown butter, lemon herb salmon, quick salmon recipe, pan-seared salmon, healthy dinner, easy salmon skillet

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Find it online: https://flavorfullrecipes.com/crispy-brown-butter-lemon-herb-salmon-skillet-easy-perfect-20-minute-recipe/