Delicious Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. The salmon is tender, flaky, and rich in flavor, while the garlic lemon butter sauce adds the perfect balance of brightness and richness. It’s a quick and easy meal that only requires a few ingredients but delivers big on taste. Plus, it’s packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious option for any meal. The combination of garlic, lemon, and butter creates a sauce that can be used on various dishes, making this recipe even more versatile.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if using skin-on salmon). Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.

4. Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken.

5. Finish the Dish: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the salmon through and allow the flavors to meld.

6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Herb-Infused Sauce: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for some heat.

• Crispy Salmon: For a crispier skin, you can pan-sear the skin side of the salmon for a few extra minutes before flipping.

• Parmesan Crust: Before searing, coat the salmon with a thin layer of grated parmesan cheese for a crispy, cheesy crust.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet over low heat and cover. Heat until warmed through, or you can microwave it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for best results.

2. Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative if you want a lighter version.

3. What sides go well with garlic lemon butter salmon?

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, rice, or a simple green salad.

4. How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

5. Can I make the garlic lemon butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

6. How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce to give it a spicy kick.

7. What can I use instead of lemon?

If you don't have lemons, you can use lime or orange for a citrus twist.

8. Can I cook this recipe on the grill?

Yes, you can grill the salmon and drizzle the garlic lemon butter sauce over it once it’s done.

9. Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of salmon?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken takes longer to cook than salmon.

10. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Start with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.

Conclusion

This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce recipe is an easy, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. The garlic and lemon flavors elevate the richness of the salmon, and the recipe can be customized with various variations to suit your taste. Whether served with your favorite sides or on its own, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

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This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce recipe features tender salmon fillets paired with a rich, garlicky, and tangy lemon butter sauce, creating a quick yet impressive dish.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-searing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if using skin-on salmon). Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken.
5. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the salmon through and allow the flavors to meld.
6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Herb-Infused Sauce: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
• Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
• Crispy Salmon: Pan-sear the skin side for a few extra minutes for crispiness.
• Parmesan Crust: Coat the salmon with grated parmesan cheese before searing for a crispy crust.
• Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 95mg