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Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

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Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon is a quick, elegant dish with pan-seared salmon fillets smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and brightened with lemon juice. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, it’s flavorful, healthy, and ready in under 20 minutes.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
  • Lemon slices (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on) for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 2–4 minutes until done. Remove from pan and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet.
  5. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Stir in lemon juice and zest, simmer for 1 minute.
  7. Return salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over fillets.
  8. Garnish with parsley or dill and serve with lemon slices.

Notes

  • Add a splash of white wine or pinch of red pepper flakes for variation.
  • Top with capers or stir in cream for a richer sauce.
  • Switch herbs to thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.
  • Bake instead of searing for an oven-friendly option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/garlic-butter-lemon-salmon/