Pan-Seared Salmon with Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Sauce
Crisp-skinned salmon fillets pan-seared and finished with a vibrant lemon butter sauce infused with fresh herbs. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe (gluten free, high protein), ready in about 22 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 380 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets with skin on. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon carefully and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside on a warm plate. Lower heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the pan.
- Step 5: Once butter melts and begins to foam, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 6: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest to the herb butter sauce.
- Step 7: Spoon the lemon herb butter sauce over salmon fillets and serve immediately with your choice of sides.








