🐟 Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce 

🧾 Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 2 salmon fillets (skin-on, about 150–200g each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Lemon Butter Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for balance)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Vegetables

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1/4 cup corn kernels
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• Salt and pepper

For Garnish

• Microgreens or pea shoots
• Thin lemon slices or curls

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels (important for crispy skin).
2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

1. Heat a non-stick or stainless steel pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil.
3. Place salmon skin-side down and press gently for the first 10–15 seconds to prevent curling.
4. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
5. Flip and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes until just cooked through.
6. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. In the same or another pan, melt butter or heat oil.
2. Add asparagus, peas, and corn.
3. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. In the same pan used for salmon, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Pour in stock and lemon juice, then simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add lemon zest and honey (if using).
5. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Plate Like a Restaurant

1. Spoon the vegetables onto the plate as a base.
2. Place the salmon fillet on top.
3. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce around and over the fish.
4. Garnish with microgreens and lemon slices.

✨ Pro Tips

• Always cook salmon skin-side down first for maximum crispiness.
• Do not overcook — salmon should remain moist inside.
• Let the pan stay hot to achieve that golden crust.
• Balance the sauce with a touch of sweetness if the lemon is too sharp.

🍋 Final Result

Crispy golden salmon on the outside, tender and flaky inside, paired with fresh vegetables and a silky lemon butter sauce — light, elegant, and straight-up restaurant quality.