This easy lemon pan-fried salmon is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. With a crispy crust and a flavourful garlic butter lemon sauce, it's ready in under 30 minutes. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and delicious results make this recipe a must-try for any home cook.
You'll also love my coconut salmon curry, teriyaki salmon stir fry, and honey-glazed salmon tray bake.
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⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Crispy Skin: The technique of searing the salmon fillets flesh side down first ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior that adds a delightful texture to the dish.
- Flavourful Butter Sauce: The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon creates a rich and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the salmon's natural flavours.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Healthy: Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making this a nutritious meal option.
- Versatile: This recipe can be easily adapted with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
🧾 Ingredients overview
- Salmon fillets: The star of the dish, providing rich, flavorful, and tender meat.
- Lemons: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the butter and salmon.
- Olive oil: Used for searing the salmon to create a crispy crust.
- Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavour.
- Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of colour for garnish.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
Pan Fried Salmon With Lemon and Garlic recipe step-by-step
- Prepare the salmon: Pat dry the room-temperature salmon fillets with paper towels. Season all over with salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil: In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the salmon: Place the salmon fillets flesh side down, pressing them lightly to ensure the entire surface of the flesh is in contact with the pan. Sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until crispy and golden. *The salmon should release easily from the pan once it's ready to flip over.
- Flip and cook: Flip the fillets and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Remove the salmon to a plate.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter, chopped garlic, 3 tablespoons of parsley, the juice of 1 lemon, and the lemon slices.
- Finish cooking: Place the salmon back in the pan and stir the butter and garlic around each fillet. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches the desired doneness.
- Garnish and serve: Taste and season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice if desired. Garnish with the remaining parsley and drizzle the butter sauce over each fillet.
📖 Variations
- Herbs: Swap parsley for dill, coriander (cilantro), or chives for a different flavour profile.
- Butter: Use a dairy-free butter substitute for a lactose-free option.
- Lemon: Replace lemon with lime or orange for a unique citrus twist.
- Garlic: Add shallots or onions for extra depth of flavour.
- Spices: Sprinkle with paprika, cayenne, or cumin for added heat and complexity.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Fridge: Store the cooled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, warm the salmon in a preheated oven at 150ºC for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can use skinless fillets, but you won't get the crispy skin. Adjust the cooking time slightly as skinless fillets may cook faster.
Yes, this cooking method works well for other types of fish such as trout, halibut, or cod. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish fillets.
If your salmon is overcooked and dry, try making a sauce or glaze to add moisture and flavour. A lemon-butter or honey-soy glaze can help revive the texture.
Yes, you can add a crust by coating the salmon in panko breadcrumbs, crushed nuts, or a mixture of herbs and spices before cooking.
Looking for other healthy fish recipes like this? Try these:
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Easy Pan Fried Salmon With Lemon and Garlic
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, approximately 170 grams (6 ounces) each
- 2 lemons, 1 sliced, 1 juiced
- 30 ml (2 tablespoon) olive oil
- 45 grams (3 tablespoon) butter, salted is fine
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped (approximately ¼ cup)
Instructions
- Pat dry the room-temperature salmon fillets with paper towels. Season all over with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets flesh side down, pressing them lightly to ensure the entire surface of the flesh is in contact with the pan. Sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Flip the fillets and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Remove the salmon to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the butter, chopped garlic, 3 tablespoons of parsley, the juice of 1 lemon, and the lemon slices. Place the salmon back in the pan and stir the butter and garlic around each fillet.
- Continue to cook the salmon for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches the desired doneness (the butter will begin to brown slightly). Taste and season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice if desired.
- Garnish with the remaining parsley and drizzle the butter sauce over each fillet.
Notes
- How to tell when salmon is done: It should be firm to the touch and flaky. An internal temperature of 48°C is recommended, as the residual heat from the butter and pan will cook the salmon a few degrees more after removal from the heat.
Nutrition
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef dedicated to helping you create unforgettable meals on a budget. Discover more about my journey and dive into a world of foolproof recipes designed for those who love to eat well without overspending.
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