Print

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Print Recipe

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon features tender, flaky salmon fillets cooked to perfection with a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and herbs. This quick, healthy, and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering a gourmet restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), wild-caught if possible
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Searing and Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced finely
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (approximately 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or thyme), chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a crispy crust. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
  2. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, until the skin turns golden brown and crisp. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still moist inside.
  3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in fresh lemon juice and your choice of fresh herbs, mixing to form a glossy and flavorful sauce.
  4. Baste and Finish: Continuously spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the salmon for 1-2 minutes to lock in moisture and infuse flavor. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer salmon fillets to serving plates, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top for extra taste.

Notes

  • Always use fresh lemon juice for a bright, clean flavor unattainable by bottled juices.
  • Do not overcook the salmon; it is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still has slight translucency in the center.
  • Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to achieve the perfect sear without sticking or tearing the fillets.
  • Let the salmon rest off heat for a couple of minutes to allow juices to redistribute for a more tender result.
  • Double the garlic butter sauce if you prefer it as a dipping sauce or want a more indulgent meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon, salmon recipe, quick salmon, healthy dinner, garlic butter sauce, seared salmon

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