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Lemon Herb Salmon with Snap Peas, 30 minute dinner recipes for busy nights
Brittany Stage

Lemon Herb Salmon with Snap Peas

Seasoned salmon fillets sear to a golden crust in one skillet, then crisp snap peas finish in the same pan for a fast, complete weeknight dinner that comes together in about 15 minutes.
Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

  • 2 salmon fillets about 6 oz each, skin-on preferred
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 tsp lemon zest from about half a lemon
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz fresh snap peas strings pulled if needed

Equipment

  • large skillet (12-inch)
  • microplane or fine grater
  • tongs
  • small bowl

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Wet fish steams instead of searing, so this step matters. In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the lemon zest, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the flesh side of both fillets.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until it is genuinely hot. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
  3. Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down into the hot pan. Do not move them. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 minutes. You will see the flesh turn from translucent to opaque about halfway up the sides of the fillet. That is your cue that a crust is forming underneath.
  4. Flip the fillets gently using a wide spatula. Cook the flesh side for 2 to 3 more minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon is done when it flakes easily when you press the thickest part with a fork and the center looks just barely opaque. Transfer fillets to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
  5. Add the snap peas to the same skillet. Toss them in the remaining pan drippings and cook over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and just tender but still have a snap to them. Season with a pinch of salt.
  6. Drizzle the lemon juice over the snap peas, then plate everything together. Serve immediately while the salmon skin is still crisp.

Notes

Scaling to 4 servings: cook salmon in two batches or use two skillets to avoid crowding the pan. Crowded fish steams and will not brown.