Introduction
There are few things as delightful as a perfectly cooked piece of salmon, and Pan-Seared Salmon with Butter Sauce is the definition of simple elegance. This dish takes salmon’s natural richness and elevates it with a golden, crispy sear and a velvety butter sauce that’s flavored with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. Unlike baked salmon, pan-searing creates a slightly caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flaky.
It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home in less than 30 minutes. The butter sauce adds a luscious, indulgent element that makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious, while the lemon balances everything with a bright, fresh finish.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines speed, flavor, and texture. The crispy skin and golden crust are absolutely irresistible, while the butter sauce gives the dish a rich, silky finish. It feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is quick enough for a busy weeknight meal.
I also love how customizable it is—you can make it simple with garlic and lemon or elevate it with white wine, capers, or fresh herbs. And since salmon is packed with omega-3s, protein, and nutrients, it’s not just indulgent but also nourishing.
For me, this recipe is the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.
This is a must-try dish because:
- Restaurant-quality at home – Pan-seared salmon with butter sauce tastes like fine dining without the hefty bill.
- Fast and easy – Less than 30 minutes start to finish.
- Perfect for any occasion – Works for a casual family dinner or an elegant date night.
- Customizable – You can adjust the butter sauce to be garlicky, tangy, or herb-infused to match your mood.
- Healthy indulgence – Salmon is nutrient-rich, and even with the butter sauce, it’s a balanced dish.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: ~380–420 kcal per serving (varies depending on butter used)
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: International / French-inspired
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on for best sear)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth (optional, for depth)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or dill (optional, for flavor)
Cooking Directions (Quick Overview)
- Pat salmon fillets dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in skillet, sear salmon skin-side down until crispy. Flip and cook until done. Remove salmon.
- In same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, deglaze with wine or broth, then stir in lemon juice.
- Return salmon to pan, spoon butter sauce over fillets.
- Garnish with herbs and serve hot.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook 4–5 minutes until skin is crispy and the fish releases easily.
- Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes with a fork.
- Remove salmon and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter and let it melt until slightly golden (beurre noisette stage if you want nuttiness).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add wine or broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in lemon juice and optional herbs. Simmer briefly until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return salmon to skillet and spoon the butter sauce over the top.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with sauce spooned generously over salmon.
- Pair with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto
- Steamed asparagus, green beans, or roasted vegetables
- A light side salad with vinaigrette
- For extra indulgence, serve with a glass of crisp white wine.
Recipe Tips
- Dry the salmon well – Moisture prevents proper searing.
- Don’t move the salmon too soon – Let the skin crisp before flipping.
- Use a stainless steel or cast-iron skillet – These give the best sear.
- Add butter last – Butter burns quickly, so always add after searing salmon.
- Deglaze with wine or broth – This deepens the sauce flavor.
Variations
- Garlic Butter Salmon – Add extra garlic for a bolder flavor.
- Honey Butter Salmon – Stir 1–2 tbsp honey into the butter sauce for sweetness.
- Creamy Butter Sauce – Add ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Mediterranean Style – Add capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives to the sauce.
- Spicy Butter Salmon – Add chili flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months, but butter sauce may separate when reheated. Freeze salmon and sauce separately if possible.
- Reheating: Reheat salmon gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can dry out the salmon.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel recommended)
- Fish spatula (helps flip salmon without breaking)
- Small whisk (for sauce)
Conclusion
Pan-Seared Salmon with Butter Sauce is a timeless dish that combines simplicity with indulgence. The salmon’s crispy exterior and tender interior pair beautifully with the rich, lemon-garlic butter sauce, making every bite satisfying and full of flavor. It’s quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining, and with so many variations, you’ll never get bored of it.
This is a dish you’ll come back to again and again—it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a chef in your own kitchen.
Pan-Seared Salmon with Butter Sauce
Description
There are few things as delightful as a perfectly cooked piece of salmon, and Pan-Seared Salmon with Butter Sauce is the definition of simple elegance.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
For the Butter Sauce:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
-
Step 2: Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook 4–5 minutes until skin is crispy and the fish releases easily. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes with a fork. Remove salmon and set aside.
-
Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt until slightly golden (beurre noisette stage if you want nuttiness). Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add wine or broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in lemon juice and optional herbs. Simmer briefly until slightly thickened.
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Step 4: Combine and Serve: Return salmon to skillet and spoon the butter sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
