Hey y’all! If you’re craving a meal that’s both elegant and effortless, this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is sure to make your taste buds dance. The flaky, moist salmon paired with a rich, tangy butter sauce is a vibrant combo that’s perfect for everything from cozy weeknights to impressive dinner parties. Ready to whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Bursting with bright, tangy flavors balanced by creamy butter.
- Fast and easy—on the dinner table in just 25 minutes.
- Healthy, omega-3-rich protein main dish everyone will enjoy.
- Perfect for both special celebrations and busy weeknights.
- Minimal prep and cleanup thanks to simple, fresh ingredients.
Ingredients for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Optional: lemon slices for serving
Directions: How to Make Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on). Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is golden on the outside and opaque in the center. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in fresh lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 1 minute.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Return the cooked salmon to the skillet. Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over each fillet, letting it warm through for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle parsley on top and garnish with extra lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes on Cooking Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Patting the salmon dry helps the surface brown and crisp for the best texture.
- Don’t overcook! Salmon is perfectly done at 135°F to 140°F internal temp. Use an instant-read thermometer for the best result (learn more about cooking salmon).
- Fresh lemon juice is key—skip the bottled kind for a more vibrant sauce (cooking with lemons tips).
Variations of Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Herb Twist: Add fresh dill or basil to complement the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for a little heat.
- Sheet Pan Version: Bake salmon fillets at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, then pour sauce over baked salmon.
Required Equipment for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Butter Sauce Recipe
- Large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan
- Fish spatula or regular spatula
- Citrus zester
- Measuring spoons
- Instant-read thermometer
Storage Instructions for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or lemon juice, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overcooking on reheating.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Serve over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
- Add a side of steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Pair with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for the perfect dinner experience.
Pro Tips for Perfect Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Bring salmon to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even doneness.
- Use wild-caught salmon for richer flavor and better texture (salmon health benefits).
- If your salmon has skin, press gently with a spatula while searing to get extra crispy skin.
FAQ: Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
- Yes! Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and pat dry before cooking for best texture.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Swap butter for a high-quality vegan butter alternative—taste and richness will still shine through.
- How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
- Salmon flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 135°F to 140°F for perfect doneness.
Love this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe? Find more healthy seafood recipes and cooking tips at the Eat Right Foundation!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless or skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
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1Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
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3In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
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4Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer for a minute, then remove from heat.
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5Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the cooked salmon fillets. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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