Y'all, let me tell you about this salmon.
I remember the first time I made this dish—I was trying to impress some folks coming over for dinner, and I wanted something that looked fancy but didn't have me stressed out in the kitchen all day. You know how it is: you want that restaurant vibe without the restaurant hassle.
So I grabbed some fresh salmon, pulled out my Spicy Lemon Pepper seasoning, and got to work. The moment that fish hit the hot skillet and started sizzling, I knew I was onto something special. That crispy, golden crust? Chef's kiss. But here's where it gets real good—that garlic butter sauce with the lemon and a little extra kick of spice takes it straight over the top.
When I plated it up with some creamy mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus, my guests thought I'd ordered takeout from somewhere expensive. Nah, fam—this is all homemade magic, and it's easier than you think.
Whether you're cooking for your family on a Tuesday night or trying to show out for company, this Spicy Lemon Pepper Salmon is the move. It's elegant, it's flavorful, and trust me—it's gooder than a mug.
Let's get into it.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
• 2 skinless salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• Gooder Than A Mug Spicy Lemon Pepper (to taste)
• Gooder Than A Mug Seafood Seasoning (to taste, optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste (optional)
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Gooder Than A Mug Spicy Lemon Pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon freshly squozen
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
• Rinse under cold water and pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This will help achieve a nice sear.
• Season both sides of the salmon with Gooder Than A Mug Spicy Lemon Pepper. If you prefer, sprinkle a little salt.
2. Pan-Searing the Salmon:
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet.
• Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
• Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F). Season the fillets with GTAM Seafood seasoning to really bring out the salmon’s natural rich flavor.
• Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Making the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
• In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium.
• Add the butter and let it melt.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in lemon juice and Gooder Than A Mug Spicy Lemon Pepper. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and add the lemon zest and fresh parsley. Cover and allow the flavors to meld.
4. Combining:
• Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top, allowing it to warm through for about 1 minute.
- OR -
• Transfer the salmon to plates and spoon the sauce over the salmon and garnish with more chopped parsley.
Key Tips:
• The Spicy Lemon Pepper seasoning enhances the salmon’s flavor while the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce adds richness and tang.
• This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes & steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.