Combine and serve:
Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on serving plates. Pour the lemon-garlic butter sauce over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are generously coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve immediately:
Serve your salmon with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. The lemon-garlic butter will elevate the entire meal and leave your taste buds craving more.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving suggestions:
This salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For an extra burst of freshness, drizzle a little extra lemon juice over the top before serving.
Storing leftovers:
Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to maintain the sauce, you can warm it separately and pour it over the fish once reheated.
Freezing:
While salmon is best enjoyed fresh, it can also be frozen. Place the cooked fillets in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Variants:
Herbed lemon-garlic butter:
For a fresh twist, add a few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to the butter sauce. These herbs pair wonderfully with salmon and can enhance the overall flavor profile.
Honey-lemon-garlic butter:
For a touch of sweetness, add 1 tablespoon of honey to the butter sauce. The sweetness of honey balances the acidity of the lemon, creating a lovely glaze for the salmon.
Crispy salmon:
For an extra crispy texture, you can coat the salmon fillets lightly with flour or breadcrumbs before cooking them in the skillet. This adds a crunchy layer on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Grilled salmon version:
If you prefer grilling over pan-searing, brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and grill over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side. Then, drizzle the lemon-garlic butter sauce over the grilled fish just before serving.
FAQ:
Q: How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
A: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque in the center. You can also use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Q: Can I make this recipe with frozen salmon?
A: Yes! If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Avoid cooking salmon straight from the freezer, as it may not cook evenly.
Q: Can I use another type of fish for this recipe?
A: While this recipe is best with salmon, you can use other types of fish like trout, cod, or halibut. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Q: How can I make the sauce spicier?
A: To add more heat to the lemon-garlic butter sauce, try adding red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a small finely chopped chili pepper. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Q: Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the lemon-garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just warm it up before serving over the cooked salmon.
This pan-seared salmon with lemon-garlic butter is the perfect dish for any night of the week. Simple to make yet packed with flavor, it’s a dish that can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Try it out, and enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of perfectly cooked salmon!
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