Ingredients:

  • 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skin-on
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/2 lemon, freshly squeezed juice

Instructions:

  1. Pat each salmon fillet thoroughly on all sides with paper towels until the skin is completely dry.
  2. Season the fillets generously with salt and pepper immediately before cooking.
  3. Heat avocado oil in a stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and just begins to smoke.
  4. Place salmon skin-side down in the pan, pressing firmly with a spatula for 10 seconds to ensure total contact. Cook undisturbed for 4-6 minutes until the skin is crispy and naturally releases from the pan.
  5. Flip the fillets. Immediately add the butter, smashed garlic, and thyme to the pan.
  6. Tilt the pan and spoon the foaming garlic butter over the crispy skin for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Remove the pan from heat and drizzle the fillets with fresh lemon juice before serving.