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Creamy Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon

Creamy Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon
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Creamy Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon is a quick and elegant dinner recipe that features tender, flaky salmon perfectly seared to crisp the skin, complemented by a luscious, tangy cream sauce infused with fresh lemon and garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines bold flavors, simple ingredients, and beautiful presentation for a nourishing and satisfying meal ideal for weeknights or guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Fats

  • 4 fresh skin-on salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Sauce and Flavorings

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped
  • Optional: 1/4 cup white wine or broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides to ensure crispy skin and locked-in flavor.
  2. Heat the Pan and Sear: In a heavy skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon skin-side down, pressing gently for even contact. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully turn the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness, until just cooked through, flaky yet moist inside.
  4. Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce: Remove salmon to a plate. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the pan, sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Add lemon juice and zest, stirring until sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. If using, add white wine or broth during this step for depth.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the salmon to the pan and spoon sauce over the fillets. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs. Serve immediately while warm and tender.

Notes

  • Use room temperature salmon: Let fish sit out for 10-15 minutes before cooking for even cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook fillets in batches if needed to maintain perfect sear.
  • Pat salmon dry: Moisture inhibits achieving crispy skin.
  • Fresh lemon is key: Bottled juice lacks brightness.
  • Adjust heat carefully: Medium-high for searing, medium for sauce to avoid burning cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, creamy sauce, pan seared salmon, lemon sauce, quick dinner, healthy seafood, gluten free, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/creamy-pan-seared-salmon-with-lemon/