If you’re craving a meal that feels both indulgent and fresh, indulge yourself with this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon. It’s a dazzling blend of buttery richness, zesty lemon brightness, and savory garlic goodness that transforms simple salmon fillets into a restaurant-quality dinner right at home. The Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is incredibly easy to prepare but impressively flavorful, making it perfect for cozy weeknights or special occasions when you want to serve something truly spectacular without fuss.

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role to build the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and vibrant appearance in this dish.

Salmon fillets (4 fillets, 6 oz each): Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and flaky texture.

Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds creamy richness that carries the garlic and lemon flavors beautifully.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses aromatic depth that enhances the buttery sauce.

Lemon (juice and zest from 1 lemon): Brings bright acidity and fresh citrus notes that lighten up the richness.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for highlighting all the natural flavors.

Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle spice and warmth without overpowering.
Dried parsley (1 teaspoon) or fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Provides a splash of color and a mild herbal finish.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

The foundation of any great salmon dish is proper preparation. Begin by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this will help the seasoning stick and encourage a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to shimmer. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when the garlic’s aroma fills the kitchen without turning brown or bitter. This step lays the fragrant foundation for your luscious sauce.

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Zest

Once your garlic is fragrant, squeeze the fresh lemon juice into the skillet and add the lemon zest. Stir everything together to marry those bright citrus flavors with the buttery garlic base. This is where the dish gains its signature freshness and zing that makes Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon so irresistible.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets into the skillet skin-side down. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes to develop a beautifully crisp skin and sear. Then, carefully flip and cook for an additional 6 to 7 minutes on the other side, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Patience here ensures perfectly cooked, tender fillets.

Step 5: Add Parsley and Finish

When you’re almost done, sprinkle the dried or fresh parsley over the salmon fillets. This pop of green adds freshness and a delightful herbal note that balances the richness. Finally, spoon the garlicky lemon butter sauce over the fish before serving to maximize that luxurious flavor.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like thin lemon slices, a sprinkle of extra parsley, or even a few capers can elevate your presentation and add bursts of flavor. These touches keep your Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon looking fresh and inviting right on the plate.

Side Dishes

Classic side dishes such as roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a mixed green salad pair beautifully. The rich butter sauce and bright lemon notes balance well with earthy vegetables or creamy sides to complete your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salmon over a bed of fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice for a grain option that soaks up the sauce. Alternatively, plate each fillet with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables arranged artfully, turning your dinner into a feast for the eyes and palate alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, allow the salmon to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 2 days. This short storage time ensures the salmon still tastes fresh and juicy when reheated.

Freezing

Freezing cooked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is possible but not ideal, as the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze it, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, placing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 275°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the fish and weaken the delightful lemon garlic butter sauce’s flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon fillets work just fine. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even seasoning and proper texture.

Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice and zest?

Fresh lemon juice and zest deliver the best bright flavor for this dish, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Fresh zest, however, is highly recommended for its aromatic oils.

What can I substitute for butter if I’m dairy-free?

For a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. Both will provide richness, though the flavor profile will slightly differ from traditional butter.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Cooking times may vary depending on thickness, so keeping an eye on texture helps too.

Can I add other herbs besides parsley?

Absolutely! Dill, thyme, or chives all complement lemon garlic butter flavors beautifully. Feel free to experiment to match your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is like inviting a burst of sunshine right to your dinner table. Its blend of buttery, garlicky, and citrusy notes is downright irresistible, and it’s so easy to make that it quickly becomes a go-to meal any time you want something special without the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every bite just like I did!

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 30 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon recipe features tender, flaky salmon fillets cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and zest. Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared to juicy perfection, this dish is a quick and elegant dinner option that balances zesty citrus flavors with savory garlic and butter, complemented by a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)

Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 lemon (juice and zest)

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper, then set them aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat, allowing it to become hot but not browned.
Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.

Add Lemon: Squeeze the juice from the lemon into the skillet along with the lemon zest. Stir the mixture to combine the flavors well.
Cook Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down into the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, carefully flipping the fillets once to ensure even cooking. The salmon should be opaque and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F.
Add Parsley: During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the dried or fresh parsley over the salmon for added aroma and flavor.

Serve: Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the skillet onto plates. Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce generously over the top before serving warm.

Notes

Use fresh parsley for a brighter flavor, though dried parsley works well in a pinch.
To avoid overcooking, check salmon doneness early if your fillets are thinner than 1 inch.

Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
For a lower-fat option, reduce butter to 2 tablespoons and substitute the rest with olive oil.
Ensure the skillet is well-heated before adding salmon to get a nice sear and prevent sticking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course

Method: Pan-searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce (6 oz)

Calories: 370 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 540 mg

Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g

Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0.5 g

Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg

Keywords: salmon, lemon garlic butter, pan-seared salmon, quick dinner, healthy fish recipe