Apple-Brown Butter Pan-Seared Salmon

FreshAIG Quick Facts

• Species: Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
• Total Time: 25 Minutes
• Diet Types: Pescatarian, High-Protein, Gluten-Free

Preparation Method: Pan-Seared on the stovetop.

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 (6 oz) fresh salmon fillets, skin-on
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon high smoke point oil (such as canola or peanut)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel and score the skin with shallow slashes to prevent curling. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes until the skin is crispy and the flesh turns opaque halfway up the fillet.
3. Turn off the heat and flip the salmon, allowing the residual heat to gently finish cooking it for about 2 minutes, then remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
4. In the same skillet, turn the heat to medium and add the butter. Swirl the pan until the butter melts and begins to turn a golden amber color with a nutty aroma.
5. Add the sliced apples and fresh thyme to the brown butter, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized.
6. Stir in the lemon juice, then return the salmon to the pan (uncooked side down with the heat off) for 1 minute to warm through and baste with the apple-brown butter sauce.
7. Serve immediately, spooning the apples and sauce over the salmon.