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Perfect Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe for a Show-Stopping Dinner

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This foolproof salmon recipe uses a cold-start technique for perfectly crispy skin and tender, moist flesh, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s an elegant yet simple dish that’s perfect for dinner parties or a special weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each), skin-on
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: lemon wedges, extra fresh dill, red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Take salmon fillets out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking. Pat very dry with paper towels. Season flesh side generously with salt and pepper; do not season skin.
  2. Place a large skillet on the stovetop. Do not turn on heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the cold oil.
  3. Turn heat to medium. Cook salmon undisturbed for 8-10 minutes (for 1-inch thick fillets) until skin is deep golden brown and crispy, and flesh is opaque about three-quarters of the way up.
  4. Carefully flip salmon using a fish spatula. Cook flesh side for 1 minute.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Push salmon to one side. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to empty space. Once melted, add minced garlic and lemon zest; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add lemon juice and fresh dill; swirl to combine.
  6. Spoon hot garlic butter over salmon for 30 seconds. Transfer to serving platter, pour remaining butter on top, and garnish with extra dill and lemon wedges.

Notes

Start in a cold pan for even cooking and crispy skin. Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. For thicker fillets, add 1-2 minutes to skin-side cooking time. Salmon is done at 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 130°F (54°C) for medium. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a low oven or skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, crispy skin salmon, easy salmon recipe, dinner party salmon, cold start salmon

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/perfect-garlic-butter-salmon-recipe-for-a-show-stopping-dinner/