Cowboy Butter Salmon
Cowboy Butter Salmon is a quick skillet salmon recipe where crispy pan-seared fillets are finished in a bold garlic butter sauce with lemon, herbs, Dijon mustard, and a little heat. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s a simple dinner with big flavor.
Quick and flavorful, this Cowboy Butter Salmon is perfect for busy weeknights. Pan-seared salmon fillets are enhanced by a rich garlic butter sauce infused with lemon, herbs, Dijon mustard, and a hint of heat, making each bite memorable.
Instructions
- 1
Pat the 4 salmon fillets dry and season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin side down and cook for about 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and releases easily. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove to a plate and rest.
- 3
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 6 tablespoons butter. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chicken broth, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
- 5
Add the lemon slices to the skillet and let them warm in the sauce. Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the cowboy butter sauce generously over the top. Simmer gently for about 2 minutes.
- 6
Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over.
Ago's Notes
- Adjust salt to taste based on your canned goods.
Let the flavors of the salmon and butter linger on your palate. This simple yet elegant dish is a testament to the power of bold but balanced ingredients—savor every spoonful as a quiet celebration of simplicity and warmth.
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