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Pan Fried Salmon Steaks with Lemon Butter Sauce

Jen Paleracio
Perfectly seared salmon steaks. Crispy skin, moist and tender inside with buttery tangy sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Tongs
  • Spatula
  • Small prep bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2 6 oz. Salmon steaks
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil

FOR THE LEMON BUTTER SAUCE

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions
 

  • Season the salmon steaks with salt and pepper. Heat a pan with oil.
  • Fry the salmon for 5 minutes on each side. Do not move until after the 5 minutes is over (see NOTE #1).
  • Use a flat-slotted spatula or turner, and carefully flip the fish. If it still sticking on the pan, don't move it and continue to cook for another 2 minutes or until golden brown and can be easily moved.
  • Use tongs and a spatula to hold the salmon sideways and crisp the skin (see NOTE #2).
  • When the salmon steaks are done cooking, immediately remove the pan from the heat and loosely cover it with foil for 5 minutes.
  • Meantime, make the lemon butter sauce. In a small bowl, melt the butter. Add salt, lemon juice, lemon zest, red chili pepper flakes, and dried parsley. Stir to combine.
  • Uncover the pan and brush or pour the lemon butter sauce over the salmon steaks.

Video

Notes

NOTE #1: No matter how thick the salmon steaks are, do not move them until after 5 minutes in the pan. If the fish still sticks and doesn't easily lift when using a spatula, don't force it or it'll tear. For 6 oz. salmon takes about 5 minutes to brown on each side. 
NOTE #2: The salmon skin is very flavorful. I like holding them sideways to crisp the skin using tongs and a slotted spatula for at least a minute. You can gauge them when the skin turns brown on the edges. 
 
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Keyword butter, dried parsley, lemon, lemon butter, pan fried, pan fried salmon, parsley flakes, red chili pepper flakes, salmon, salmon steaks