Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus and Herb Butter Sauce

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

Salmon fillets seared to a crisp golden finish and topped with a bright citrus and herb-infused butter sauce. This mediterranean-inspired easter (gluten free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, unsalted butter 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 salmon fillets dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and sear without moving for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip the fillets carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until salmon is just cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside on a warm plate.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet. Stir butter until melted and fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp orange zest, stirring to combine. Cook sauce for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  8. Step 8: Spoon the citrus and herb butter sauce over the salmon fillets before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus and Herb Butter Sauce 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-Seared Salmon with Citrus and Herb Butter Sauce?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus and Herb 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 Salmon with Citrus and Herb Butter Sauce 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-Seared Salmon with Citrus and Herb Butter Sauce gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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