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Flavorful Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter

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A quick and easy herb-crusted salmon recipe with a crispy herb butter crust and a silky lemon butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6 ounces each, preferably wild-caught)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for lemon butter sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herb Crust: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons each of finely chopped parsley, dill, and thyme with the minced garlic, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter. Mix until you get a spreadable paste.
  2. Season the Salmon: Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Apply the Herb Butter: Spread a generous layer of the herb butter mixture evenly over the skinless side of each salmon fillet.
  4. Heat the Pan & Sear: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon fillets, herb side down, in the pan. Sear for about 4-5 minutes, until the herb crust is golden and crisp. Gently flip and cook the skin side for another 3-4 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through but still tender inside.
  5. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: While the salmon cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Keep warm until ready to drizzle over the salmon.
  6. Serve: Drizzle the lemon butter sauce generously over the herb-crusted salmon and serve warm.

Notes

Use softened butter, not melted, for the herb crust to spread evenly. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a crispy crust. Moderate heat to prevent burning herbs. Let salmon rest briefly before serving. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and use olive oil for the lemon sauce. Herb butter can be prepared up to two days ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb-crusted salmon, lemon butter sauce, quick salmon recipe, easy dinner, healthy salmon, weeknight meal, seafood, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/flavorful-herb-crusted-salmon-recipe-easy-5-step-lemon-butter-guide/