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–+ servings
Two perfectly cooked salmon fillets with a golden-brown crust, glistening in a buttery sauce and sprinkled with fresh herbs.

Restaurant-Style Salmon

Learn how to cook salmon like a restaurant chef with this simple pan-seared recipe. This method focuses on achieving a perfect medium-rare with a rich, buttery sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Resting Time 3 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Dinner
Calories: 464
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Salmon
  • 4 fillets salmon 180g/6oz each, skinless and boneless
  • 1/2 tsp salt cooking / kosher
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Butter Sauce
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp garlic approx. 2 cloves, finely minced
  • 6 tbsp salted butter cut into cubes (or unsalted + 1/4 tsp salt)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice plus more to taste
  • 2 tsp parsley finely chopped

Equipment

  • Non-stick skillet
  • spoon
  • Plate

Method
 

  1. Take salmon out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon, presentation side down, and cook for 3 minutes until golden.
  3. Turn the salmon and cook the other side for 1 minute. Then, add the butter to the pan.
  4. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the garlic. Immediately start spooning the bubbling butter continuously over the salmon for 1 1/2 minutes. Tilt the pan slightly so the butter pools on one side. Use a large spoon to scoop the butter up and spoon it over the salmon.
  5. Check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should be 50°C/122°F for medium-rare. Remove the salmon to a plate and let it rest for 3 minutes. The temperature will rise to 53°C/127°F.
  6. Put the pan back on the unlit stove to keep the butter warm. Add the lemon juice to the butter.
  7. Place the salmon on serving plates. Spoon over the butter sauce, and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 464kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 36gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 531mgPotassium: 891mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 639IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This method can be used for other fish suitable for pan-frying. Cooked salmon leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave, or used flaked at room temperature in salads or sandwiches.

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