Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter and Herb Sauce

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

Salmon fillets pan-seared to a crisp golden skin, finished with a bright lemon butter herb sauce that complements the rich fish perfectly. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes blends (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, olive oil, unsalted butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 370 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 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 non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook without moving for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden brown. Flip carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Spoon the melted butter and garlic over the salmon for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped dill, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Spoon the lemon butter herb sauce over the salmon fillets and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter and Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter and Herb Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter and Herb 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 Lemon Butter and Herb Sauce 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter and Herb Sauce?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes