Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Lemon Zest

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

A simple, low-carb pan-seared salmon dish finished with a fragrant garlic butter sauce and bright lemon zest for a flavorful dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb, keto) ready in about 17 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 400 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons 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 until the skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip the salmon carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan; swirl the butter continuously for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the butter begins to brown lightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the salmon, spooning the garlic butter sauce on top.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the salmon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (5 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 Garlic Butter and Lemon Zest?

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 Garlic Butter and Lemon Zest?

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 Garlic Butter and Lemon Zest 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 Garlic Butter and Lemon Zest low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, keto, 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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