Perfectly pan fried salmon is definitely one of those dishes that can make any dinner feel special, while being surprisingly simple to prepare.
The golden-brown crust, the tender, flaky meat, and the rich buttery flavor come together to create something truly remarkable on your plate.
With just a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll be able to make restaurant-quality salmon right in your own kitchen. The secret lies in the simple yet effective marinade.
This recipe keeps things straightforward with classic flavors that work perfectly together – butter, lemon, and carefully chosen seasonings.
These ingredients enhance the natural taste of the salmon without overwhelming it. It’s the kind of dish that works well whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredient List: There are only six ingredients in this recipe – salmon, butter, lemon, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. That’s it! No complicated ingredients to hunt down, no long shopping lists to manage.
Quick Cooking Time: Once your salmon has marinated, it only takes about 8 minutes to cook! That’s right – just 4 minutes on each side and you’re done.
Nutrient Dense: Salmon is one of the most nutrient-rich foods you can eat on the carnivore diet. This cooking method preserves all those important nutrients because it’s quick and doesn’t require high heat for long periods.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons Melted Butter
- 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated Lemon Zest
- 2 tablespoons Butter (for frying)
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
In a shallow dish – combine the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 2
Place the salmon fillets in the dish, and pour the marinade over them using a spoon. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Step 3
After marinating, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it sizzles.
Step 4
Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down. Cook for about 4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
Step 5
Flip the salmon. Pour the marinade that remained over the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices.
Continue until the salmon reaches your desired level of doneness. Them, remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy!
💡Tips
1. Room Temperature Salmon
Take your salmon out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking. This is super important – cold salmon straight from the fridge won’t cook evenly.
When the fish is too cold, the outside can get overcooked while the inside stays raw. When it’s at room temperature, it cooks much more evenly and you’ll get that perfect doneness throughout the whole fillet. Just don’t leave it out for more than 30 minutes do it doesn’t spoil.
2. Pat The Salmon
Before you start marinating, pat your salmon really dry with paper towels. This might seem like a small detail, but it makes a huge difference. Any extra moisture on the surface will prevent that beautiful golden crust from forming.
Also, drying the fish helps the marinade stick better to the salmon instead of just sliding off. Make sure to pat both sides, including the skin, and don’t forget the edges.
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FAQ
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but you’ll need to thaw it completely first. The best way to thaw salmon is to place it in the fridge overnight.
If you’re in a hurry, you can put the sealed fish in a bowl of cold water for about an hour, changing the water every 20 minutes.
Never thaw salmon at room temperature, and don’t use warm water as this can start cooking the fish and make it mushy.
2. What if my salmon doesn’t have skin?
Skinless salmon works fine in this recipe, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time slightly. The salmon will cook faster – about 3- 3.5 minutes on each side instead of 4. Also, be extra careful when flipping skinless fillets as they’re more delicate.
Carnivore Pan Fried Salmon
Print RecipeIngredients
- 2 salmon fillets 6 ounces each
- 3 tablespoons Melted Butter
- 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon finely grated Lemon Zest
- 2 tablespoons Butter for frying
Instructions
- In a shallow dish – combine the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Place the salmon fillets in the dish, and pour the marinade over them using a spoon. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- After marinating, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it sizzles.
- Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down. Cook for about 4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
- Flip the salmon. Pour the marinade that remained over the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices.Continue until the salmon reaches your desired level of doneness. Them, remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy!