Name: Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 fillets salmon (6 ounces each); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 lemon zest (of 1 lemon); salt to taste; black pepper to taste; fresh parsley (chopped) for garnish; lemon slices for serving

Jump to Recipe

There is nothing quite as satisfying as a perfectly cooked piece of fish bathed in rich, zesty flavors, which is exactly what makes this Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon so irresistible. This dish brings together tender salmon fillets cooked in a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce with bright lemon juice and zest that awaken your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, the Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon offers a delicate balance of buttery richness and refreshing citrus, making it a standout recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon starts with a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in its flavor and texture. Every component is chosen not just for taste, but to create a harmonious, colorful dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Salmon fillets: Opt for fresh, six-ounce portions for even cooking and a tender, flaky result.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness while providing a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic adds a fragrant, savory punch that complements the buttery sauce beautifully.
Fresh lemon juice: Bright and acidic, the lemon juice cuts through the richness and brightens the dish.
Lemon zest: The zest adds an extra layer of citrus aroma and flavor without additional liquid.
Salt: To enhance the natural flavors of the salmon and season the dish perfectly.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to balance the buttery sauce.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous notes as a garnish.
Lemon slices: Perfect for serving alongside for an optional citrus boost.

How to Make Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon

Start by patting the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel to ensure they sear nicely. Then, season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor. This first step sets the foundation for perfectly seasoned, juicy salmon.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic

Place a skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter until it becomes smooth and shimmering. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, enough to release its fragrant aroma without letting it brown or burn, which could turn bitter. This garlicky butter is where the dish starts to build its signature flavor profile.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon Fillets

Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if your fillets have skin. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing a beautiful golden crust to form. Resist the temptation to move the salmon around; this crust adds wonderful texture and flavor complexity.

Step 4: Flip and Add Lemon

Gently turn the fillets over and pour the fresh lemon juice along with the lemon zest over the salmon. These bright citrus elements add a refreshing contrast to the rich butter and garlic. Continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes until the salmon is opaque, flaky, and perfectly cooked through.

Step 5: Rest and Prepare to Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and let the salmon rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite moist and flavorful. Reserve the buttery, garlicky sauce in the pan to drizzle over the salmon when plating.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a gorgeous splash of green and a subtle herbaceous brightness that complements the richness of the salmon perfectly. Adding lemon slices on the side not only enhances the presentation but invites anyone at the table to add an extra citrus zing.

Side Dishes

Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from light, crisp salads and steamed asparagus to buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. These sides help soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, ensuring nothing goes to waste and every forkful is bursting with flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the salmon atop a bed of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables, garnished with lemon zest curls and parsley. You can also plate the salmon alongside a colorful grain salad or cauliflower rice for a modern touch. Presentation is just as fun as flavor when sharing this lovely dish with friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of this Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

Salmon can be frozen for up to one month after cooking. Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and preserve the flavors of the butter and garlic sauce.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently in a low oven or in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the salmon moist and prevent it from drying out. Adding a splash of water or a bit of extra butter can help revive the sauce’s luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon fully in the refrigerator before cooking for even heat distribution and the best texture.

What can I substitute for fresh lemon juice?

If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice will always provide a brighter, fresher flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a plant-based butter, though the flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Cooked salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork but remain moist in the center. Usually, 8-10 minutes total over medium heat works for six-ounce fillets.

Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it gently before adding the salmon to the skillet to keep the fresh garlic flavor bright.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about serving a plate of Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon that tastes like a restaurant-quality dish while still being so simple to make at home. The combination of buttery richness, bright lemon, and garlic’s warmth creates a flavor profile that is guaranteed to become a favorite. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch it bring warmth and joy to your table!

Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 25 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon recipe features tender, flaky salmon fillets cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with bright citrus notes from fresh lemon juice and zest, making it a quick and elegant meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

4 fillets salmon (6 ounces each)

Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 lemon zest (of 1 lemon)

Seasoning & Garnish

salt to taste
black pepper to taste
fresh parsley (chopped) for garnish
lemon slices for serving

Instructions

Season the Salmon: Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring a well-balanced flavor base.
Melt the Butter: In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, allowing it to become hot and ready for sautéing the garlic without burning.
Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful to stir and avoid letting the garlic brown or burn, which can cause bitterness.
Cook Salmon Skin-Side Down: Gently place the seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook without moving the fillets for 4-5 minutes to form a delicious, crispy crust underneath.
Flip and Add Lemon: Carefully flip the salmon fillets. Pour the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over them. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, signaling it’s fully cooked.
Rest the Salmon: Remove the skillet from heat and let the salmon rest for a minute. This helps the juices redistribute for moist, tender fillets.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the salmon fillets and drizzle with the remaining garlic butter from the pan. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside lemon slices for an additional citrus burst.

Notes

Use fresh salmon fillets for best flavor and texture.
Adjust lemon juice quantity to taste based on how tangy you prefer the dish.
To keep skin crispy, avoid flipping the salmon too early or too often.
This recipe can be paired perfectly with steamed vegetables or a light salad.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil, but the flavor will slightly differ.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American