Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The rich, buttery sauce with fresh garlic and lemon zest complements the tender salmon beautifully, making every bite a delight.

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

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. When hot, add salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving to obtain a crispy crust.
3. Step 3: Flip the salmon carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside, keeping it warm.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
5. Step 5: Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Step 6: Lower the heat and whisk in the unsalted butter gradually until melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Step 7: Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over the salmon fillets and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh salmon for the best flavor, but frozen fillets work well if thawed properly.
• For an extra touch, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing for a mild kick.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the rich sauce.
• If you prefer, substitute fresh parsley with dill or basil for a different herbaceous note.

Storage

Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to prevent drying out. The sauce can be reheated in a small pan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works well as long as it is fully thawed before cooking. Pat it dry to ensure a good sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What can I serve with this salmon dish?

This salmon pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. Roasted potatoes or a light pasta also complement the lemon butter sauce nicely.

Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 126 reviews

This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce recipe offers a perfectly pan-seared salmon fillet topped with a rich, tangy garlic lemon butter sauce. The crispy edges of the salmon combined with the vibrant flavors of lemon, garlic, and fresh parsley create an elegant yet easy seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Zane
• 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 Salt

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. This ensures the fish is well-flavored before cooking.
2. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking, which helps create a nice sear.
3. Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin is on) in the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the fish is mostly cooked through. Flip the fillets and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes more, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate.
4. Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring to combine and deglaze the pan. Slowly whisk in the unsalted butter a few tablespoons at a time, allowing it to melt and emulsify into a smooth sauce.
5. Finish the Sauce and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Spoon the warm garlic lemon butter sauce generously over the cooked salmon fillets. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

• For crispier skin, press the salmon gently with a spatula during the first few minutes of cooking.
• If you prefer milder garlic flavor, reduce the garlic cloves to 2 or sauté them with butter instead of olive oil.
• The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently but is best served fresh.
• Pair this dish with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

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