Sea Jax Tavern-Inspired Pan-Roasted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

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

Pan-roasted salmon fillets served with a zesty lemon butter sauce, capturing the fresh, coastal flavors of a favorite seafood tavern. This seafood (gluten free) ready in about 17 minutes blends (6 oz each, skin on) salmon fillets, salt, black pepper 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 400 calories and feeds 2, 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: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Seafood cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 salmon fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon and reduce heat to medium; add remaining 2 tbsp butter and 1 minced garlic clove, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, then spoon the lemon butter sauce over the salmon before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sea Jax Tavern-Inspired Pan-Roasted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (5 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 Sea Jax Tavern-Inspired Pan-Roasted Salmon with Lemon Butter 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 Sea Jax Tavern-Inspired Pan-Roasted Salmon with Lemon Butter 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 Sea Jax Tavern-Inspired Pan-Roasted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sea Jax Tavern-Inspired Pan-Roasted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce 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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