Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple pan-seared salmon fillet finished with a zesty lemon herb garlic butter sauce that enhances the fish’s natural richness. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges are crispy and the skin releases easily.
  3. Step 3: Flip the fillets carefully and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir the butter and garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme to the butter sauce, swirling the pan to combine and coat the salmon.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the salmon fillets and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce?

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-Seared Lemon Herb Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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