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Fresh Lemon Herbed Salmon Recipe – Easy Crispy Edges & Zesty Garnish

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This easy skillet salmon recipe features crispy edges, a zesty lemon-herb garnish, and comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering bold flavor and comforting nostalgia.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on preferred)
  • 2 lemons (1 for juice, 1 for thin slices and zest)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch, for dusting fillets
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, use plant-based if dairy-free)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Extra chopped herbs (for garnish)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Dust one side with cornstarch (about 1/4 tsp per fillet).
  2. Finely chop dill, parsley, and chives. Mince garlic. Zest one lemon, slice the other into thin rounds.
  3. Place skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer for about 1 minute.
  4. Lay salmon fillets skin-side down (or cornstarch side down if skinless). Press gently so fillets don’t curl. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until edges are deep golden and flesh turns opaque halfway up.
  5. Flip fillets carefully. Add lemon slices and half the herbs. Sprinkle minced garlic over the top. Cook another 2-3 minutes until salmon flakes easily and edges are crispy.
  6. Optional: Add butter to the pan and swirl, basting fillets gently.
  7. In a small bowl, mix lemon zest, remaining herbs, and a pinch of flaky sea salt for the zesty garnish.
  8. Transfer salmon to plates. Scatter zesty garnish over each fillet and squeeze lemon juice over the top.
  9. If salmon sticks, wait another minute before flipping. For crispier edges, increase heat slightly for the last minute. If herbs start to burn, add them later in the process.

Notes

Pat salmon dry for crispiness. Don’t crowd the pan. Cornstarch helps create crispy edges. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Let salmon rest for a minute before serving. For dairy-free, skip butter or use a vegan alternative. You can bake or air fry as alternative methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon, herbs, skillet, crispy edges, easy dinner, gluten-free, healthy, weeknight, fish recipe

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/fresh-lemon-herbed-salmon-recipe-easy-crispy-edges-and-zesty-garnish/