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Quick Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe

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A quick and easy 15-minute salmon recipe featuring crispy skin, bright lemon zest, and fresh herbs for a healthy and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Stir well and set aside.
  3. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot, about 2 minutes.
  4. Carefully lay the fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Press down lightly with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until the skin is crispy and releases easily.
  5. Flip the fillets gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature around 125°F). Add another minute if well-done is preferred.
  6. Transfer salmon to a plate and let rest for 1 minute.
  7. Spoon the lemon herb mixture over the salmon just before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before cooking for crispy skin. Do not crowd the pan. Press the fillet down with a spatula for the first 10 seconds to keep skin flat and crisp. Use medium-high heat and avoid burning garlic in the drizzle. Let salmon rest for 1 minute after cooking. For a dairy-free version, skip butter. You can bake salmon at 400°F for 12-15 minutes as an alternative cooking method.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon herb salmon, quick dinner, healthy dinner, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, seafood