About this recipe

Tender, flaky salmon fillets bathed in a bright lemon-garlic butter sauce and finished with fresh herbs. This weeknight-friendly dinner comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup — elegant enough for guests, easy enough for any Tuesday night.

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towel — this is key for a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

2. 2

   Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over ^[medium-high heat] until the butter is melted and the pan is hot. Place salmon fillets skin-side up and sear undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook skin-side down for another 3–4 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a dipping fork. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil.

3. 3

   Reduce heat to ^[medium]. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly so it doesn't burn. Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and lemon juice, then add the lemon zest and Italian seasoning. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

4. 4

   Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over each fillet. Let everything warm together for 1 minute. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, and serve immediately.