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If you’re looking for an easy seafood dinner that feels a little fancy without requiring hours in the kitchen, this Easy Salmon Francaise is the recipe to save. Crispy pan-seared salmon is simmered in a silky lemon butter sauce with garlic, white wine, and fresh parsley for a dinner that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant.
This is one of my favorite go-to meals during Lent, but honestly, it’s good any time you want something quick, cozy, and impressive. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that lemony sauce.
✨ Save this recipe for your next easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
2 salmon filets
Flour, for dredging
Olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup white wine
Juice from 1 lemon
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Salmon Francaise
Start by lightly coating your salmon filets in flour. This helps create that beautiful golden crust and gives the sauce a little extra richness.
Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the salmon for a few minutes on each side until golden, flaky, and cooked through.
I’ve made this in stainless steel before, but a good nonstick pan honestly makes this recipe so much easier — especially if salmon tends to stick for you. The nonstick skillet I use is linked here and has become one of my most-used kitchen staples
Once the salmon is cooked, gently move it to the side of the pan. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Next, stir in the butter and flour. Whisk everything together to create a quick roux — this is what gives the sauce that smooth, velvety texture.
Pour in the white wine, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth. Whisk until the sauce becomes silky and combined, then let it simmer for a few minutes.
Finish with fresh parsley, then spoon the sauce over the salmon until every piece is coated in that buttery lemon goodness.
That’s it — simple, elegant, and so good.
Tips for the Best Salmon Francaise
Pat the salmon dry before cooking for the crispiest texture.
Fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference here.
Don’t skip spooning the sauce over the salmon before serving.
Pair with angel hair pasta, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread.
Kitchen Favorites Used in This Recipe
These are the kitchen tools I use all the time for easy dinners like this:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another fish?
Yes! This sauce also works beautifully with cod, tilapia, or halibut.
What wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works best.
Can I make this without wine?
Absolutely. Just replace the wine with extra chicken broth and a little more lemon juice.
If you try this Easy Salmon Francaise, don’t forget to save it for later and share it on Pinterest!
