Pan-Seared Salmon with Brown Butter and Thyme
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 ounces each)salmon fillets (skin-on)
- 3 tablespoonbutter
- 4 sprigsfresh thyme
- 1lemon
- ½ teaspoonkosher salt
- ¼ teaspoonblack pepper
- 1 tablespoonolive oil
Method
- 01
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 02
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- 03
Place salmon skin-side up in the pan and cook for 4 minutes without moving, until the skin is crispy and golden.
- 04
Flip the fillets and cook for 2 more minutes.
- 05
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and thyme sprigs to the pan, tilting it so the butter pools. Spoon the foaming butter over the salmon for 1-2 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- 06
Transfer salmon to plates. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet and drizzle with the brown butter from the pan. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
This dish shines with restraint, but you can add warmth with a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the salmon before searing. Fresh dill or tarragon would be lovely swapped in for thyme if you prefer a brighter herb note.