Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it's quick and easy, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. The garlic lemon butter sauce is incredibly flavorful, with a perfect balance of richness and freshness. The salmon itself is full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and provides a satisfying, heart-healthy meal. Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, making it accessible to anyone. Whether you're a fan of seafood or not, this dish is sure to win you over.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• ¼ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until the salmon is golden and crispy. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

3. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

5. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

6. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let the salmon heat through in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.

7. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: You can add vegetables such as asparagus, spinach, or zucchini to the skillet when cooking the salmon for a complete meal.

• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.

• Use other fish: While salmon is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with other fish like trout, cod, or halibut if you prefer.

• Herb variations: If you don't have parsley, try using dill, thyme, or basil for a different flavor profile in the sauce.

• Oven-baked salmon: For a hands-off approach, you can bake the salmon in the oven instead of pan-frying it. Simply place it on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If reheating in the skillet, add a small amount of water or broth to prevent the fish from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking.

2. Can I make the garlic lemon butter sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving.

3. How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

4. Can I use a different type of butter?

Yes, you can use flavored butters like herb butter or garlic butter for extra flavor, but regular unsalted butter works best for this dish.

5. Can I substitute the chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth or white wine can also be used as a substitute for chicken broth.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

7. Can I make this dish without lemon?

While lemon adds a fresh, tangy flavor, you can omit it or substitute it with lime or vinegar for a similar effect.

8. Can I cook the salmon in the oven instead of on the stovetop?

Yes, you can bake the salmon at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

9. What sides go well with salmon in garlic lemon butter sauce?

Sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad pair wonderfully with this dish.

10. Can I use skinless salmon fillets?

Yes, you can use skinless salmon fillets if you prefer. Just be mindful that the skin helps keep the fish moist while cooking.

Conclusion

This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that will impress any dinner guest or satisfy your cravings for a delicious meal. With its rich, tangy sauce and tender salmon, it's a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy this healthy and satisfying meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

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Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

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A quick and easy salmon dish with a rich and tangy garlic lemon butter sauce, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Pan-fried
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

¼ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until golden and crispy. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
3. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let the salmon heat through in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a bit of water or broth to prevent the fish from drying out.
• If you prefer a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or white wine.
• For a hands-off approach, bake the salmon in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg