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After Eating This, I'm Never Having Salmon Any Other Way! Honey Lime Butter Salmon
Jessica

Honey Lime Butter Salmon

Pan-seared salmon fillets with a glossy honey lime butter sauce that's sweet, tangy, and incredibly flavorful. Ready in 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon 6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 3 tablespoons honey preferably local
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 1 large lime
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 3 cloves garlic minced fine
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped for garnish
  • lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Paper towels
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place salmon fillets in pan, leaving space between each.
  3. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until deep golden crust forms on bottom. Flip gently and cook another 3-4 minutes until almost cooked through (125°F internal).
  4. Remove salmon to a plate and tent with foil. Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons butter to same pan.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, lime juice, and lime zest. Whisk constantly 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Remove from heat and whisk in remaining tablespoon butter. Pour sauce over salmon fillets. Garnish with parsley and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

  • Let salmon sit at room temperature 10 minutes before cooking for even results
  • Don't move salmon while searing - let the crust form properly
  • Make sauce in same pan to capture flavorful browned bits
  • For spicy version, add 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder to butter sauce