Delicious Buttery Lemon-Zest Salmon Recipe
You know that moment when you’re craving something savory, tangy, and downright delicious? Well, what if I told you that I have a recipe that’ll satisfy all those cravings and more. Get ready to tantalize your tastebuds with my Buttery Lemon-Zest Salmon with Spinach Salad and Fries Recipe. Trust me, this isn’t your ordinary salmon recipe – it’s a culinary masterpiece.
Picture this – pan-seared salmon fillets covered in a lemon butter sauce that’s infused with grated lemon zest, minced garlic, and unsalted butter. That alone is enough to make your mouth water. But wait, there’s still more! You’ll also get a generous helping of healthy spinach salad and crispy fries on the side.
If you’re worried that it looks too complicated to make or like any average salmon recipe, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. My recipe is easy to follow, uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, and it is guaranteed to impress anyone who has the pleasure of trying it. So come along for the ride as we venture into the world of luscious buttery goodness that is my Buttery Lemon-Zest Salmon with Spinach Salad and Fries Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Buttery Lemon-Zest Salmon recipe is one of the best things that you will ever taste! The combination of tangy lemon zest and rich butter creates a flavor explosion in your mouth that will leave you begging for more.
Not only is this recipe incredibly delicious, but it’s also quite healthy. Salmon is known for its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for the heart and brain. Plus, spinach is loaded with vitamins and is a superfood that we should all be eating more of!
To top it off, this recipe is incredibly easy to make! It only takes a few minutes to prepare and cook, making it the perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a dinner party with friends.
So why not give this amazing recipe a try? Once you do, you’ll never look at salmon the same way again. Trust me, this Buttery Lemon-Zest Salmon with Spinach Salad and Fries Recipe will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire!
Ingredient List
- Salmon fillets
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice and grated lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper
- Spinach leaves, wash and pat dry
- Potatoes, sliced into fries
- Olive oil or neutral cooking oil for frying
Note: Before starting the recipe, ensure that you have all of the ingredients ready to cook. If necessary, make a quick trip to the grocery store or farmer’s market to get everything you need.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s dive into the details of how to create this delicious Buttery Lemon-Zest Salmon with Spinach Salade and Fries.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions:
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Begin by seasoning your 4 salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides.
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In a small bowl, mix together the unsalted butter, grated lemon zest, and minced garlic.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lemon garlic butter to the skillet and let it melt.
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Next, take your salmon fillets and add them to the skillet skin side up. Fry salmon for about 4 minutes, until golden brown.
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After frying on one side, use a spatula to flip the salmon fillets over so that they are skin side down in the skillet. Continue to fry for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
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Pour in the lemon juice into your skillet, allowing it to coat the salmon fillets evenly.
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Let everything cook for about another minute until fully heated through.
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Finally, remove your Buttery Lemon-Zest Salmon fillets from heat and serve them alongside spinach salad (See Serving and Pairing section below) and fries.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, sometimes you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand or maybe you want to switch things up a bit. Fear not! This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit your tastes and needs.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of salmon, you can easily substitute it with another fish such as trout or halibut. You can also try swapping the fish with chicken or steak for a non-seafood option.
For those who aren’t a fan of spinach, feel free to swap it out with other greens like arugula or baby kale. Or you can simply remove it altogether for a simpler side dish.
If you prefer less buttery flavors, go for olive oil instead of butter in the pan to sear the fish. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of butter such as garlic herb or even chili lime for a spicier kick.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some extra ingredients like capers, diced tomatoes or olives to the lemon-butter sauce or sprinkle in some crumbled blue cheese over the spinach salad.
Don’t be afraid to mix things up and make this recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this delicious buttery lemon-zest salmon with spinach salad and fries recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, the salmon itself is an incredibly versatile protein that pairs well with a variety of sides. For a light and refreshing option, I highly recommend serving the salmon alongside some steamed or roasted asparagus. The bright flavors of the lemon zest and garlic butter will complement the earthy notes of the asparagus perfectly.
If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, roasted or mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. Try seasoning your potatoes with some salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme to add depth to the dish. For even more greens on your plate, consider serving the salmon alongside a heaping side of sautéed green beans.
To bring out the best flavors in this dish, consider pairing it with a light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The citrus notes in these wines will enhance the lemon zest and butter flavors in the salmon.
Overall, this buttery lemon-zest salmon with spinach salad and fries recipe is sure to impress your dinner guests. Keep your sides simple and fresh, and don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of wine before digging in!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to meal prep, this Buttery Lemon-Zest Salmon with Spinach Salad and Fries recipe is a great option. You can make the salmon ahead of time and store it in the fridge for later use. To do this, cook the salmon as per the instructions and let it cool down completely. Next, wrap the fillets tightly in cling film to keep them fresh and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry and lose its flavor.
If you have leftovers from dinner, they make a delicious lunch option for the next day. You can even use leftover salmon to make a yummy sandwich or salad. Just flake the salmon into small pieces and mix it with some mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Serve it on toasted bread with lettuce leaves.
The fries are best consumed immediately after cooking, but you can store any uneaten fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat them without losing their crispiness, spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C). Reheat for about 5-10 minutes or until they are heated through.
Overall, this recipe is ideal for those who are looking for quick and easy meal prep options that can be enjoyed throughout the week without compromising taste or texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking salmon can be intimidating at first, but with the right tips and techniques, you can create a delicious and succulent dish that will impress your guests. Here are some tips to make sure that your Buttery Lemon-Zest Salmon turns out perfectly every time:
1. Choose the freshest salmon available: The fresher the fish, the better the flavor. Check for firm flesh, bright color, and a clean smell.
2. Let the salmon sit at room temperature: Take the salmon fillets out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come up to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking.
3. Season generously: Sprinkle lemon zest, salt and pepper on both sides of the salmon fillets to add more flavor.
4. Get your butter sizzling hot: When searing salmon, add unsalted butter to a hot skillet and wait until it’s melted and slightly browned before adding the salmon fillets so they don’t stick to the pan.
5. Baste with lemon garlic butter sauce: During cooking, baste each fillet with the prepared lemon garlic butter sauce generously, flipping once midway.
6. Don’t overcook: Salmon is best served slightly pink in the middle; check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of each fillet. If it flakes easily into large chunks, it’s most likely done perfectly! For medium-rare or rare cook time, keep cooking just under done and let rest covered for an additional minute.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to make juicy and flavorful Buttery Lemon-Zest Salmon with Spinach salad and fries that everyone will enjoy.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Buttery Lemon-Zest Salmon with Spinach Salad and Fries recipe is definitely a must-try. The lemon butter sauce drizzled over the pan-seared salmon fillet with the zesty flavor of lemon zest creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.
The versatility of this recipe is also worth mentioning. You can easily switch up the sides and dressings for a new flavor experience each time you make it. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that anyone can make – no matter your cooking expertise.
So why not give it a try? Whip up this delicious meal for your family or friends and let them marvel at your culinary skills. I promise it will be worth it!
Buttery Lemon-Zest Salmon With Spinach Salade and Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 ounces salmon (2 4.5 ounce Wild Caught pieces)
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Add zest to melted butter. Coat the rack of a pan with nonstick spray and put about 1/4 inch water in the bottom on the pan making sure it does not touch the top rack. Place frozen salmon on rack and bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Turn salmon over and baste with the buttery zest. Bake three minutes more. Serve with your favorite salad and potato sides. Enjoy!
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.