Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Citrus Butter Sauce

1. Overview

This dish is giving fine dining but doable at home:

• Crispy golden salmon skin
• Silky mashed potatoes
• Rich citrus butter sauce

👉 Texture: crispy + creamy + buttery + slightly tangy

2. Time & Yield

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Cook: 20 minutes
• Serves: 2

3. Ingredients

Salmon

• 2 salmon fillets (skin-on)
• Salt & black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

Mashed Potatoes

• 400 g potatoes (peeled, cubed)
• 50 g butter
• 80 ml warm milk
• Salt

Citrus Butter Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp orange juice (or lemon)
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt & pepper

Garnish

• Microgreens or parsley
• Peas (optional)

4. Instructions

Step 1: Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes until soft (15 mins)
2. Drain and mash
3. Add butter + warm milk
4. Season with salt
   👉 Keep smooth & creamy

Step 2: Cook Salmon

1. Pat salmon dry (important for crispy skin)
2. Season with salt & pepper
3. Heat oil in pan (medium-high)
4. Place salmon skin-side down
5. Cook 4–5 mins until crispy
6. Flip → cook 2–3 mins more
7. Add butter → baste

Step 3: Citrus Sauce

1. Melt butter in pan
2. Add garlic → sauté
3. Add citrus juice + honey
4. Simmer lightly until glossy

Step 4: Plate

1. Spoon mashed potatoes
2. Place salmon on top
3. Drizzle sauce generously
4. Add herbs + garnish

5. Pro Tips

• Dry fish = crispy skin (no skip)
• Don’t move salmon early → let crust form
• Warm milk for mash → smoother texture
• Finish with butter baste → extra flavor

6. Variations

Garlic Cream Sauce

• Add cream + parmesan

Spicy Version

• Add chili flakes or chili oil

Herb Upgrade

• Add dill or thyme

7. Serving Ideas

• Pair with white wine 🍷
• Add roasted veggies
• Perfect for date night