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Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon Bites: Easy 15-Minute Lemon Garlic

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Quick and easy pan-seared salmon bites with a creamy lemon garlic sauce. This recipe maximizes surface area for a crispy crust while keeping the inside tender, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Salmon Fillets (center-cut, patted dry)
  • 2 tbsp Neutral Oil (divided, e.g., avocado or light olive oil)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 4–5 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 large Fresh Lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 2 tbsp Fish Stock or Water
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (plus more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp neutral oil. Let sit while heating the pan.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil and wait until it shimmers.
  3. Add salmon cubes to the pan in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until a golden crust forms.
  4. Flip the bites and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through but moist. Remove salmon to a plate and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same pan. Once melted, add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add lemon zest and cook for 10 seconds. Pour in lemon juice and fish stock, letting it bubble for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
  7. Whisk in Dijon mustard until the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Return salmon bites to the pan and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Remove from heat immediately.
  9. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure salmon is very dry before cooking to achieve a crispy crust. Do not move the fish too early; let it release from the pan naturally. Garlic burns quickly, so keep heat at medium-low when adding it. For dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil. Leftovers can be stored for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a skillet to avoid rubbery texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon bites, lemon garlic salmon, quick dinner, weeknight meals, pan-seared salmon, healthy seafood, gluten-free, keto-friendly

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