Print

Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Salmon with Crispy Skin

A perfectly cooked fillet of Garlic Butter Salmon with Crispy Skin Recipe resting in melted butter sauce on a white plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Follow these steps to cook skin-on salmon fillets in garlic butter, focusing on achieving perfectly crisp skin and a moist interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 oz) skin-on salmon fillets, about 1 inch thick
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets very dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy skin. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works well) over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
  3. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Press down gently on each fillet for 10 seconds to ensure full contact with the pan.
  4. Sear the salmon, undisturbed, for 4 to 6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Do not move the fish during this time.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Flip the salmon fillets carefully.
  6. Add the 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 1 minute, tilting the pan and spooning the melted garlic butter over the top (flesh side) of the salmon.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir the softened 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, and parsley into the pan juices until melted, creating the sauce.
  8. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the salmon. Let the fish rest in the pan for 2 minutes before serving immediately with the crispy skin facing up.

Notes

  • If your fillets are very thick (over 1.25 inches), you may need to finish them in a 400°F oven for 3-5 minutes after searing the skin side.
  • For the crispiest skin, ensure the pan is hot before adding the fish and do not overcrowd the skillet.
  • Use skin-on center-cut fillets for the best results.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/garlic-butter-salmon-with-crispy-skin-recipe/