Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon is a light yet flavorful dish where tender salmon fillets are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of fresh lemon juice. It’s the perfect balance of richness and brightness, and I love how quickly it comes together in one pan. Whether I serve it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe always delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, elegant, and packed with flavor. The garlic butter gives the salmon a rich, savory depth, while the lemon cuts through with a fresh, zesty lift. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and easy to pair with vegetables, rice, or salad. Best of all, it’s cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Salmon fillets (skin on or off)

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil

• Butter

• Garlic (minced)

• Lemon juice

• Lemon zest (optional)

• Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

• Lemon slices (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. I pat the salmon fillets dry and season them with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. I place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) and sear for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy.

4. I flip the fillets and cook for another 2–4 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is just cooked through. Then I remove them from the pan and set aside.

5. In the same pan, I reduce the heat to medium, add the butter, and let it melt.

6. I stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

7. I add the lemon juice (and zest if using), stir to combine, and let the sauce simmer for another minute.

8. I return the salmon to the pan and spoon the garlic butter lemon sauce over the fillets.

9. I garnish with chopped parsley or dill and lemon slices before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 5–10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, so I usually have it ready in under 20 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra depth. I also love topping it with capers for a salty, briny twist. If I’m feeling indulgent, I stir in a bit of cream to make a creamy lemon butter sauce. For a herbaceous version, I switch up the parsley with fresh thyme or basil.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. I avoid microwaving it too long, as salmon can easily dry out.

FAQs

Can I bake the salmon instead?

Yes, I sometimes bake the salmon at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, then pour the garlic butter lemon sauce over it just before serving.

What type of salmon should I use?

I use fresh or frozen fillets—Atlantic or wild-caught both work well. I just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Can I use ghee or oil instead of butter?

Yes, ghee or a high-quality olive oil can be used, though butter gives the richest flavor.

Do I need to remove the skin?

No, I often leave the skin on for added flavor and easier flipping. It also helps keep the fillet from drying out.

What should I serve with garlic butter lemon salmon?

I usually pair it with roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad to keep things light and fresh.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon is a quick, flavorful dish that’s as elegant as it is easy. The richness of the butter, the brightness of the lemon, and the tenderness of the salmon come together in a dish that feels special but takes less than 20 minutes. Whether I’m cooking for myself or a dinner guest, it’s always a go-to favorite.

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