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Cozy Small Batch Salmon Dinner for Two

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An easy, flavorful salmon dinner perfect for two, featuring crispy skin, a light herb sauce, and simple side vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for intimate dinners without leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each), skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or dill
  • Salt and flaky sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons white wine
  • Side vegetables such as 8 asparagus spears or 8 small baby potatoes, roasted or steamed

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Prepare side vegetables: parboil baby potatoes for about 8 minutes until just tender, then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Trim asparagus ends and drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
  3. Roast potatoes and asparagus in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized. Alternatively, steam asparagus for 5 minutes and sauté potatoes until golden.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down carefully and press gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and golden.
  5. Flip salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until flesh is opaque and flakes easily. Remove from heat and set aside on a warm plate.
  6. Lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If using white wine, pour it in now, scraping up browned bits. Let reduce slightly for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and chopped herbs.
  7. Spoon herb sauce over salmon fillets and arrange roasted vegetables on the side. Garnish with extra herbs or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before cooking for crispy skin. Let salmon come to room temperature before cooking for even doneness. Press salmon skin down gently to prevent curling. If salmon sticks, pan may not be hot enough or fish not dry. Butter can be replaced with olive oil or dairy-free spread for dairy-free option. White wine in sauce is optional. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat gently in oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon dinner, small batch recipe, easy salmon, dinner for two, crispy salmon skin, herb sauce, quick salmon recipe

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/cozy-small-batch-salmon-dinner-for-two-easy-perfect-recipe/