Texas Roadhouse Style Salmon with Citrus & Spices (Print version)

Juicy salmon fillets rubbed with smoky spices, seared hot, and finished with lemon-orange butter for a quick Texas Roadhouse inspired dinner.

# Ingredients:

For the salmon

01 - 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz (170 g) each
02 - 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
09 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
10 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
11 - 1 teaspoon orange zest

For the citrus butter finish

12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
15 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
16 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Pat the salmon fillets dry on all sides with paper towels. Leave the skin on if using skin-on fillets, since it helps protect the fish from direct heat.
02 - Stir together the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, brown sugar, cayenne, lemon zest, and orange zest in a small bowl.
03 - Brush the salmon with olive oil, then coat the flesh side and edges with the spice rub. Let the fillets stand at room temperature for 10 minutes while the skillet heats.
04 - Heat a large cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving it.
05 - Flip the fillets and cook for 2-4 minutes more, until the thickest part flakes easily and reaches 145°F for fully cooked salmon.
06 - Lower the heat. Add the butter, lemon juice, and orange juice to the pan. Spoon the melted citrus butter over the salmon for 30 seconds, then remove from the heat.
07 - Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges while warm.

# Good to know:

01 - Use center-cut fillets of similar thickness for the most even cooking.
02 - The citrus butter is best added at the end so the flavor stays bright.
03 - Cook in batches if your skillet is small.

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