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Savory Honey Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe for Crispy Tender Crust

honey garlic butter salmon - featured image

A quick and easy salmon recipe featuring a crispy skin and a luscious honey garlic butter sauce that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 salmon fillets (skin-on, about 6 ounces/170 grams each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (60 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, honey, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and set aside.
  3. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but isn’t smoking.
  4. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press gently with a spatula for about 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and releases easily.
  5. Flip the salmon fillets and reduce heat to medium. Immediately spoon the honey garlic butter sauce over the salmon. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the sauce occasionally to glaze the fish and keep it moist.
  6. Check for doneness: the salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork but still juicy inside.
  7. Remove the salmon from the pan and spoon any leftover sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before cooking for crispy skin. Add honey garlic butter sauce after flipping to avoid burning garlic. Use a fish spatula to flip gently. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. Use avocado oil for higher smoke point or dairy-free butter alternatives for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, honey garlic butter, crispy salmon, quick dinner, easy salmon recipe, healthy fish recipe, pan-seared salmon