Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Herb Butter
Salmon fillets pan-roasted to tender, flaky perfection and finished with a zesty citrus-herb butter sauce that brightens the rich fish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free, low carb) ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving to crisp the skin.
- Step 3: Flip the fillets carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tsp orange zest to the pan. Spoon the melted herb butter over the salmon for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp orange juice, allowing the sauce to warm and slightly thicken, coating the salmon.
- Step 6: Serve the salmon fillets drizzled with the citrus-herb butter sauce alongside steamed vegetables or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Herb Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Herb Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Herb Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Herb Butter gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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