Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Elevate your seafood experience with this mouthwatering Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce. Perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets are bathed in a rich, zesty sauce that combines the vibrant flavors of garlic, fresh lemon, and creamy butter. This quick and easy recipe showcases the natural deliciousness of salmon while adding a touch of elegance to your dinner table, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-05T12:26:14.039Z

This delightful dish features tender salmon fillets cooked to perfection and topped with a luscious garlic lemon butter sauce. It's a showstopper that's easy enough for any home cook.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Rich and flavorful sauce
  • Elegant presentation
  • Healthy source of protein

Elevate Your Everyday Meals

Preparing a meal with salmon not only enhances your dining experience but also provides numerous health benefits. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Incorporating salmon into your weekly meal planning can significantly improve your nutrient intake, all while experiencing a dish that feels special.

This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce allows you to transform a simple weeknight dinner into a delightful culinary experience. The balance of flavors from the buttery sauce and the zest of lemon makes it easy to impress yourself and your guests. Plus, the recipe is designed for busy individuals, requiring less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

A Flavorful Journey

The charm of this dish lies in the garlic lemon butter sauce, a dynamic combination that brightens up the salmon and enhances its natural flavors. Garlic adds a fragrant depth while the fresh lemon provides a refreshing zing. This sauce can easily be adapted; consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat or some capers for a briny twist.

Each element in this dish works harmoniously, contributing to a rich taste that tantalizes your palate. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or whipping up something special for yourself, the elegant presentation and expressive flavors make this recipe stand out.

Perfect Pairings

This salmon dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside roasted asparagus or creamy mashed potatoes, both of which complement the zesty sauce. A fresh garden salad can also provide a nice contrast with its crisp texture and vibrant colors, ensuring a well-rounded meal.

For a complete dining experience, don’t forget to choose an appropriate wine pairing. A chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay, works wonderfully with the flavors in this dish, enhancing your meal without overpowering it. Elevate your dinner table with thoughtful pairings that create lasting memories.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 2 salmon fillets, skin-on
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Cook the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place the fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy.

Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and let it simmer for a minute.

Add chopped parsley before drizzling over the salmon.

Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for the Perfect Salmon

To achieve the perfect salmon fillet, always allow the fish to come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout. A quick pat-down with a paper towel can also help achieve a nice sear by removing excess moisture from the skin.

Cooking salmon with the skin on provides added protection against overcooking. When the skin is crispy, it acts as a barrier, keeping the salmon moist and tender. Be patient, and allow it to cook skin-side down until golden brown before flipping.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in the skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Heat on low until it is warmed through with a flick of the garlic lemon butter sauce for added flavor.

Avoid using the microwave for reheating salmon as it can make the fish rubbery. Instead, focus on methods that allow for a gradual reheating process, maintaining the fish's flaky texture and mouthwatering taste.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon?

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

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Pair it with vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Elevate your seafood experience with this mouthwatering Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce. Perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets are bathed in a rich, zesty sauce that combines the vibrant flavors of garlic, fresh lemon, and creamy butter. This quick and easy recipe showcases the natural deliciousness of salmon while adding a touch of elegance to your dinner table, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 2 servings

What You'll Need

For the Salmon

  1. 2 salmon fillets, skin-on
  2. Salt and pepper to taste
  3. 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

  1. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  2. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  3. Juice of 1 lemon
  4. Zest of 1 lemon
  5. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How-To Steps

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place the fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.

Step 02

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and let it simmer for a minute. Add chopped parsley before drizzling over the salmon.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 39g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g