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Salmon with Sauce

Salmon with Sauce
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This quick and easy salmon with sauce recipe delivers tender, flaky salmon fillets paired with vibrant, luscious sauces that elevate every bite. Perfect for a healthy and flavorful weeknight dinner, it combines fresh ingredients with simple steps, making it an impressive dish for both busy cooks and food lovers seeking bold flavors without fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 4 fresh salmon fillets (wild-caught recommended)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or orange/lime juice for variation)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon mustard or honey (choose based on desired sweetness or tang)
  • Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or basil), finely chopped, about 2 tablespoons
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Chili flakes or hot sauce (for spicy kick)
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce, grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for Asian flair)
  • Fresh tarragon or chives, chopped (herb-infused)
  • 1/2 ripe avocado, blended (creamy avocado, dairy-free)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat your salmon fillets dry to ensure a crispy, golden finish. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then gently place the salmon skin-side down. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes without moving it to develop a nice crust.
  2. Flip and Cook Through: Carefully flip the salmon using a spatula and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork but stays moist inside.
  3. Whip Up the Sauce: While the salmon cooks, mix together sauce ingredients in a small bowl — whether a creamy dill sauce, zesty lemon butter, or tangy mustard dressing. Stir until smooth and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the salmon and spoon generous amounts of the vibrant sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or a lemon wedge for extra color and brightness. Serve immediately to enjoy the salmon at its tender best.

Notes

  • Let salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to prevent steaming and to promote a crispy crust.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and herbs for the best flavor impact.
  • Check doneness carefully: salmon cooks quickly and is best enjoyed slightly pink in the center to retain moisture.
  • Let salmon rest off the heat for a minute before serving to finish cooking and lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, seafood, quick dinner, healthy recipe, pan-seared salmon, salmon sauce, omega-3 rich, weeknight meal, easy recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/salmon-with-sauce/