Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The tender salmon fillets are complemented by a rich, zesty sauce that brings bright fresh flavors to the plate.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste (for sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and the salmon is cooked halfway through.
3. Step 3: Flip the salmon fillets carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still moist inside. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a warm plate.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
5. Step 5: Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it cook for 1 minute to slightly reduce.
6. Step 6: Lower the heat and whisk in the unsalted butter gradually until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and remove the sauce from heat.
8. Step 8: Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over the cooked salmon fillets and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use a mix of butter and olive oil when cooking the salmon.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice or quinoa to make it a complete meal.
• If fresh lemon isn’t available, substitute with 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice combined with a teaspoon of lemon zest.

Storage

Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out, or warm in the microwave in short bursts.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and a nice sear.

What can I substitute for fresh parsley?

If fresh parsley is not available, you can use dried parsley or fresh herbs like dill or chives for a different but complementary flavor.

Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 83 reviews

A delicious and simple recipe for pan-seared salmon fillets served with a rich and tangy garlic lemon butter sauce. This dish balances the savory flavor of perfectly cooked salmon with the bright freshness of lemon and garlic-infused butter, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

• Author: Matteo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6–8 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using to enhance flavor.
2. Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down if skin is on. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked halfway through. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
4. Add Lemon and Butter: Pour in the fresh lemon juice and add the lemon zest to the skillet. Let it simmer briefly for about 1 minute. Then add the unsalted butter and stir until melted and combined into a smooth sauce.
5. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to cook for another minute to blend the flavors well.
6. Serve: Pour the warm garlic lemon butter sauce over the cooked salmon fillets and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately with preferred sides.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
• If you prefer crispy skin on your salmon, make sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding the fillets.
• You can substitute fresh parsley with dill or chives for a different herbaceous note.
• Cooking times may vary based on salmon thickness; adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to keep the meal light and healthy.

Keywords: salmon recipe, garlic lemon butter sauce, pan-seared salmon, healthy seafood dinner, easy salmon recipe