Description
Zaatar Salmon with Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce is a delicious and aromatic dish featuring perfectly seared fresh salmon fillets coated with a fragrant zaatar spice blend and topped with a rich, spicy garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe offers a lovely balance of Middle Eastern flavors and tender, flaky fish, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Fillets
- 4 fillets fresh salmon fillets (4-6 ounces each)
Seasoning & Spice Blend
- 2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend (dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and oregano)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients including fresh salmon fillets, zaatar spice blend, butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Season Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Apply Zaatar Spice: Evenly sprinkle the zaatar spice blend over the top of each salmon fillet to infuse aromatic Middle Eastern flavors.
- Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to achieve a crispy crust.
- Flip and Cook: Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily. Remove the fillets from the skillet and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
- Make Spicy Garlic Butter: Lower heat to medium, add the butter to the same skillet and melt it. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Heat: Stir in the red pepper flakes into the garlic butter, allowing the flavors to meld for about one minute.
- Combine Salmon and Sauce: Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the spicy garlic butter sauce over each fillet. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Serve: Transfer salmon to plates and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired for added brightness.
- Enjoy: Savor your flavorful Zaatar Salmon with Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce for a delightful meal.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with skin on if available.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your preference.
- Zaatar spice can be found at Middle Eastern markets or online; alternatively, you can make your own blend.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon to keep it tender and moist.
- Serve with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
