Description
This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce recipe offers a delicious and healthy main course featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets topped with a vibrant garlic lemon butter sauce. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and season salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Cook salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
- Make garlic lemon butter sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. When melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine salmon and sauce: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over them. Let them cook together for 1 to 2 minutes to warm and soak up the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salmon and garnish with lemon slices before serving. Enjoy immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- Use fresh wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- If red pepper flakes are not preferred, they can be omitted without impacting the overall taste.
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
