Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring pan-seared salmon with a sweet, tangy, and salty lemon butter glaze inspired by Texas Roadhouse. This recipe is healthier than the restaurant version and comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 oz salmon fillets (skin-on)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place salmon skin-side down in the pan. Press gently and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy.
- Flip fillets and cook for another 2-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove fish and set aside on a plate, covering loosely with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce.
- Stir in honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth and sugar is dissolved.
- Return salmon to the pan, spooning glaze over the top. Cook for 1 minute to absorb flavors.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest, and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure salmon is patted very dry before cooking to achieve a crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. The salmon continues to cook after removal from heat, so remove when just barely opaque in the center. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with glaze
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 30
Keywords: salmon recipe, lemon butter salmon, Texas Roadhouse copycat, quick dinner, healthy seafood, pan-seared salmon, weeknight meals