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Garlic Butter Salmon with Crispy Edges

Close-up of a perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Salmon with crispy edges and fresh herbs.

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Follow these steps to cook salmon fillets with a rich garlic butter coating that results in perfectly crispy skin or edges.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness.
  2. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
  4. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear without moving for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
  5. Flip the salmon fillets gently. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
  6. In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
  7. Spoon half of the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the salmon fillets.
  8. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  9. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the salmon reaches your desired doneness (internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit).
  10. Remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon the remaining garlic butter over the fish immediately before serving.

Notes

  • For the crispiest skin, ensure the pan is hot before adding the fish and do not overcrowd the skillet.
  • If your fillets are very thick, you may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
  • Serve with roasted asparagus or steamed rice to complete the meal.

Nutrition