Few flavor combinations are as magical as nutty browned butter and zesty lime. In this Browned Butter and Lime Salmon recipe, those two simple ingredients transform salmon into a decadent yet fresh-tasting dish that’s ready in no time.
Browned butter adds an incredible depth of flavor, creating a slightly nutty, caramelized richness that pairs beautifully with the delicate salmon.
Fresh lime juice and zest brighten the dish, cutting through the butter’s richness and enhancing the fish’s natural sweetness.
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a quick yet impressive dinner.
Salmon is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients, making this meal both delicious and nourishing.
The buttery sauce lightly coats each salmon fillet without overwhelming it, allowing the fresh ingredients to shine.
You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, to pull this meal together.
A quick sear in a hot pan ensures crispy edges on the salmon while keeping the center tender and juicy.
The browned butter sauce can be drizzled over side dishes like rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies for extra flavor.
This meal feels elegant but is extremely simple, requiring minimal technique for maximum reward.
You can use wild-caught or farm-raised salmon—just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on thickness.
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end adds color and an extra layer of flavor.
Serve it with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty bread to round out the meal.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this Browned Butter and Lime Salmon is sure to impress with its rich yet vibrant taste.
Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Servings: 4 servings
Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
- Add the salmon fillets skin-side up and sear for about 3-4 minutes until golden.
- Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter.
- Cook butter, stirring frequently, until it foams and turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lime zest and juice.
- Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the browned butter lime sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Tips:
- Watch the butter closely—it can burn quickly once it starts to brown.
- Use a nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for best searing results.
- Adjust lime juice to taste if you prefer a tangier flavor.
- For extra crispy salmon skin, pat fillets dry with paper towels before cooking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its freshest and most aromatic.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
You’ll fall for this Browned Butter and Lime Salmon because it’s rich, fresh, and incredibly flavorful, yet requires minimal time and ingredients. It’s a meal that feels indulgent while being light and nourishing.
Summary: Browned Butter and Lime Salmon features crispy-seared fillets draped in a luxurious browned butter sauce with fresh lime juice and zest. Elegant, easy, and bursting with flavor!
