Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Elevate your dining experience with this Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon recipe. Bursting with fresh flavors, this dish features tender salmon fillets coated in rich garlic butter and zesty lemon, making it a perfect, quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for special occasions. Serve it with your favorite sides for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-05T12:26:13.321Z

Discover the delightful fusion of garlic and lemon with rich, buttery salmon. This dish not only tastes fantastic but also takes minimal time to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or elegant gatherings.

A Flavorful Combination

Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors that brings together the earthiness of garlic, the richness of butter, and the brightness of lemon. This trifecta turns simple salmon fillets into a gourmet experience. The depth of flavors meld beautifully, making every bite a journey of taste. It's easy to see why this dish quickly becomes a household favorite, whether for a busy weeknight or a lavish dinner get-together.

What elevates this dish further is the freshness of the ingredients. Whenever possible, opt for wild-caught salmon, which offers a superior taste and texture compared to farmed options. Fresh, minced garlic and real butter create a luscious sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the salmon, ensuring that each bite is delicious. This recipe is a great reminder that cooking quality ingredients simply doesn't require fancy techniques; it's all about letting their individual flavors shine.

Simple Yet Impressive

One of the key advantages of this Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon recipe is its simplicity. In just a few steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes as if you've spent hours in the kitchen. This is why it works well for both casual family dinners and more formal occasions. Guests will be impressed by the vibrant presentation and the rich aroma wafting from the kitchen, leaving them eager to dig in.

Moreover, this recipe allows for versatility. While the classic flavor profile is lovely on its own, you can customize it according to your preferences or what you have on hand. Consider adding capers for a briny kick or incorporating fresh herbs like dill or basil for additional layers of flavor. The simplicity of this dish makes it forgiving and adaptable — perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.

Perfect Pairings

Ingredients

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth preparation.

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Salmon

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.

Make Garlic Butter

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Cook the Salmon

Add the salmon fillets to the skillet, cooking each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Add Lemon Juice

Drizzle the lemon juice over the salmon during the last minute of cooking. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your garlic butter lemon salmon with your choice of sides!

Storage Tips

Leftover Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently to avoid overcooking the salmon and losing its flaky texture. A quick pop in the microwave or a brief time on the stove over low heat will suffice. Just be sure to heat the salmon until it’s warm but not steaming to preserve its quality.

If you prefer, you can freeze the salmon for longer storage. Wrap individual fillets tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They should be consumed within three months for the best flavor. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using the same gentle methods.

Nutritional Benefits

Salmon is often hailed as a superfood, and for good reason. It's high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for heart health and reducing inflammation. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a solid nutritional punch, enhancing your overall well-being. Including it regularly in your diet can offer numerous health benefits.

Moreover, the garlic in this recipe is known for its potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and improving cardiovascular health. Combined with the wholesome lemon juice, which is rich in vitamin C, this dish becomes a powerhouse of nutrition, ensuring you nourish your body while indulging in delicious flavors.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

→ What sides pair well with garlic butter lemon salmon?

This dish pairs well with asparagus, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

Elevate your dining experience with this Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon recipe. Bursting with fresh flavors, this dish features tender salmon fillets coated in rich garlic butter and zesty lemon, making it a perfect, quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for special occasions. Serve it with your favorite sides for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

  1. 4 salmon fillets
  2. 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  3. 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  4. Juice of 1 lemon
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. Fresh parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 02

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 03

Add the salmon fillets to the skillet, cooking each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 04

Drizzle the lemon juice over the salmon during the last minute of cooking. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 40g
  • Fat: 20g