Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Butter Glaze

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

A delicate salmon fillet pan-seared to golden perfection, finished with a tangy citrus-butter glaze that brightens the rich fish. This seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillet, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets 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 until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving, until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the salmon and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 cloves minced garlic to the skillet. Spoon the melted butter over the salmon as it cooks for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in 1/4 cup fresh orange juice and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Pour the citrus-butter glaze over the salmon and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Butter Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Butter Glaze?

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 6 oz each salmon fillet from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Butter Glaze?

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-Butter Glaze 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.

Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Butter Glaze 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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