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
