Description
Succulent Mediterranean-style Lemon Garlic Salmon promises a culinary escape with zesty citrus and aromatic herbs. Fresh salmon fillets dance with garlic, lemon, and herbs, delivering a quick, elegant dinner you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Thoroughly dry salmon fillets using paper towels, then generously season both surfaces with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil to coat the bottom, and once the oil shimmers, carefully place salmon skin-side down to create a golden, crispy exterior.
- Allow salmon to sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a rich golden crust develops, then gently flip the fillets and reduce heat to medium.
- Immediately introduce butter to the pan, scatter minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, letting the aromatics dance and release their fragrant essence for approximately 30 seconds.
- Liberate fresh lemon juice directly over the salmon, then delicately spoon the infused garlic butter across the fillets, optionally introducing a gentle drizzle of honey for subtle sweetness.
- Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, monitoring the salmon’s texture until it effortlessly flakes when prodded with a fork, indicating perfect doneness.
- Remove skillet from heat, sprinkle vibrant chopped parsley across the surface, and transfer immediately to serving plates alongside complementary accompaniments.
Notes
- Select salmon with bright, firm flesh and a fresh ocean smell to ensure top-quality protein.
- Pat salmon completely dry before seasoning to achieve crispy, golden exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Use cast iron or stainless steel skillet for optimal heat distribution and perfect caramelization of fish surface.
- Control heat carefully to prevent garlic from burning, which creates bitter taste and ruins delicate salmon flavor.
- Baste salmon continuously with pan sauce during cooking to keep fish moist and infuse intense lemon-garlic flavor.
- Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes for medium-rare texture if preferring slightly translucent center.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for lower glycemic alternative or skip sweetener for lighter version.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or light salad to complement rich, buttery salmon profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg