Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Herb Butter and Garlic Green Beans
Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a bright citrus herb butter, and served alongside crisp garlic sautéed green beans. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs 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 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each, skin on salmon fillets
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lb, trimmed green beans
- 3 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until skin is crispy and golden.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through but still moist. Remove salmon to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet along with 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Stir until butter melts and becomes fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 1 lb trimmed green beans and 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the green beans are tender-crisp and the garlic is golden but not burnt.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat the green beans in the citrus herb butter sauce.
- Step 7: Serve each salmon fillet topped with a spoonful of the citrus herb butter alongside the garlic green beans.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Herb Butter and Garlic Green Beans 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 Herb Butter and Garlic Green Beans?
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 Herb Butter and Garlic Green Beans?
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 Herb Butter and Garlic Green Beans 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 Herb Butter and Garlic Green Beans low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
