Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a classic and elegant dish that celebrates the natural flavors of fresh salmon while enhancing them with the zesty brightness of lemon and the rich, creamy goodness of butter. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily prepare at home. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a weeknight dinner when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
In this detailed post, we’ll cover everything from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, along with expert tips, variations, and serving suggestions to make this dish truly shine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish feels gourmet but is simple enough for home cooking.
- Versatile: Pairs well with various sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or pasta.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Impress your family or guests with this flavorful and beautifully presented dish.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures a perfect sear. Season both sides of the salmon generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
2. Sear the Salmon
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets into the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin.
- Sear the salmon for about 3-4 minutes on one side until it develops a golden-brown crust. Avoid moving the salmon too much to ensure a good sear.
- Flip the salmon over and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Finish Cooking in the Oven
- If using an oven-safe skillet, transfer it directly to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). If not, transfer the seared salmon fillets to an oven-safe dish.
- Roast the salmon in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until it is cooked to your desired doneness. Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and is slightly opaque in the center.
4. Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
While the salmon is in the oven, prepare the sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, allowing the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
5. Combine and Serve
- Once the salmon is done cooking, remove it from the skillet or dish.
- Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the seared salmon fillets.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce immediately, accompanied by your choice of side dishes. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus
- Rice or quinoa
- A fresh garden salad
Tips for the Best Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon
- Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon provides the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked salmon becomes dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium doneness.
- Get a Perfect Sear: Use a hot skillet and don’t move the salmon too much to achieve a golden crust.
- Customize the Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a touch of honey for sweetness.
- Let the Salmon Rest: Allowing the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking ensures juiciness.
Variations of This Recipe
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a kick.
- Herb-Infused: Try adding thyme, rosemary, or dill to the butter sauce for extra depth.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.
- Crispy Skin: If using skin-on salmon, press it down in the pan for a crispy, restaurant-style skin.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is one of the healthiest proteins you can eat. It is packed with:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Great for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
- High-Quality Protein: Essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in B vitamins, potassium, and selenium.
- Low in Calories: A healthy, nutrient-dense choice for balanced meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should be 125-130°F for medium doneness, or it should flake easily with a fork.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
Can I grill this recipe instead?
Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.
Final Thoughts
Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a simple yet exquisite dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. With a beautifully seared salmon fillet topped with a rich, tangy butter sauce, this dish is sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Try it today and enjoy the delicious harmony of garlic, lemon, butter, and perfectly cooked salmon!
Print
🐟🍋 Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce – A Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4
Description
Flaky, tender salmon meets a rich, zesty garlic lemon butter sauce in this elegant yet easy-to-make dish. The buttery sauce enhances the natural flavors of the salmon, while the fresh lemon adds brightness and depth. Whether for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress! Pair it with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a light salad for a complete meal. ✨
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
✅ 4 salmon fillets (6-8 oz each)
✅ Salt & black pepper (to taste)
✅ 2 tbsp olive oil
✅ 1 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
✅ 4 cloves garlic, minced
✅ ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
✅ Zest of 1 lemon
✅ ½ cup unsalted butter
✅ 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
✅ Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
✔️ Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
✔️ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
✔️ Place salmon skin-side down (if applicable) and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
✔️ Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
✔️ Transfer skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven (or move salmon to an oven-safe dish).
✔️ Roast for 10-12 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and is slightly opaque in the center.
✔️ In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat.
✔️ Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
✔️ Stir in lemon juice and zest, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
✔️ Season with salt and pepper to taste.
✔️ Remove salmon from the oven and drizzle with the garlic lemon butter sauce.
✔️ Garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor.
✔️ Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Fat: 30g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 2g per serving
- Protein: 45g per serving