Description
A simple and impressive recipe for Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon, featuring luscious, juicy salmon with a rich, zesty sauce. This dish is both healthy and flavorful, perfect for a quick yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices (for serving)
- Optional: fresh asparagus (for side)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Mince garlic and chop parsley. Zest and juice the lemon.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until hot.
- Season salmon fillets on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and easily released from the pan.
- Flip salmon fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour the sauce over the salmon fillets, spooning sauce on top, and cook for an extra minute to heat through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve on a platter with lemon slices and optional fresh asparagus.
Notes
- For perfectly flaky salmon, do not overcook. It should flake easily with a fork.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- Thaw frozen salmon completely before cooking for even results.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Other herbs like dill or thyme can be used instead of parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared and Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: Approx. 350
- Sugar: Approx. 2g
- Sodium: Approx. 200mg
- Fat: Approx. 25g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 3g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 25g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 90mg