Description

This Crispy Salmon with Flavorful Spiced Butter recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets with a crispy skin, topped with a rich and aromatic spiced butter made from garlic, fresh herbs, smoked paprika, cumin, and a hint of lemon juice. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that combines bold flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

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Salmon

4 pieces Fresh Salmon Fillets (6 oz each), skin-on for crispy texture
1/2 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Oil for cooking (vegetable or olive oil, amount as needed)

Spiced Butter

4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (parsley, dill, or chives), finely chopped
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Cumin
1/2 piece Lemon Juice (juice of half a lemon)

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Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavor and ensure a crispy skin.
Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil. Heat until the oil is shimmering, indicating it’s hot enough for searing the salmon.
Sear the Salmon Skin-Side Down: Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden, crispy skin.
Make the Spiced Butter: While the salmon cooks, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh herbs, smoked paprika, cumin, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
Flip and Cook Through: Gently flip the salmon fillets over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
Add and Melt the Spiced Butter: Spoon the prepared spiced butter into the skillet around the salmon. Allow it to melt, basting the fillets with the aromatic butter for added flavor and moisture.
Plate and Garnish: Transfer the salmon fillets to serving plates. Drizzle them with any remaining melted spiced butter from the skillet and garnish with extra fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.
Serve Immediately: Serve the crispy salmon hot to enjoy the contrast of textures and the rich, spiced butter sauce at its best.

Notes

For a crispier skin, make sure the salmon fillets are thoroughly patted dry before cooking.
You can substitute the fresh herbs with your favorite combination such as basil or thyme.
If you prefer less spice, reduce the smoked paprika and cumin to 1/2 teaspoon each.
The spiced butter can be made ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before use.
Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for best results.