Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This pan-seared salmon recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Gordon Ramsay, is the perfect solution for a quick and impressive dinner. It's a delicious dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this simple yet sophisticated recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves two. Feel free to double or triple the ingredients depending on how many people you're feeding.
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For the Salmon:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a delightful smoky depth)
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For the Lemon-Dill Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional, but adds a lovely complexity)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through the preparation and cooking process.
Preparing the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear.
- Season both sides of the salmon generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cooking the Salmon:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot before adding the salmon.
- Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets) in the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. Thicker fillets will require longer cooking time.
Making the Lemon-Dill Sauce:
- While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
- Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, stir in the fresh dill, season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it simmer gently for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving:
Spoon the delicious lemon-dill sauce over the pan-seared salmon fillets. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Salmon:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will lower the temperature and result in steamed rather than seared salmon.
- Use a good quality olive oil: It makes a difference in the flavor and texture.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked to your liking (internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C).
- Don’t overcook: Overcooked salmon is dry and tough.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon-dill sauce for a little heat.
- Herby delight: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon.
- Creamy sauce: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to the lemon-dill sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: Approximately 30-35g Fat: Approximately 20-25g
Enjoy this healthy and delicious meal! This easy fish recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and it's sure to impress your family and friends. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out!