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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 ounces)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: salmon, lemon butter salmon, garlic salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon dish
