Imagine a meal that combines the rich, buttery elegance of perfectly seared salmon with the vibrant, earthy goodness of zucchini and kale – all infused with a zesty lemon twist. This Lemon Buttered Salmon with Zucchini and Garlicky Kale isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that transforms your home kitchen into a gourmet restaurant. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutrition and bursting with flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Slice zucchini into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Mince garlic cloves finely, creating small, uniform pieces for even flavor distribution.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and slightly bubble.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet, cooking for approximately 4-5 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and golden.
- Carefully flip salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove salmon from skillet and set aside on a warm plate, covering loosely with foil to retain heat.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sliced zucchini, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add minced garlic and chopped kale to the skillet, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until kale wilts and becomes bright green.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the sautéed zucchini and kale, placing salmon fillets on top.
- Garnish with additional lemon wedges if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Always pat your salmon fillets dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that salmon reaches the perfect 145°F internal temperature.
- For the most even cooking, choose salmon fillets of similar thickness.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet – this helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Let the salmon rest for a minute after cooking to help retain its juices and maintain tenderness.
- Use fresh garlic for the most intense flavor in your kale.
- Cut zucchini in uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
