Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
