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Perfect Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe

Ingredients Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets cooked to tender, flaky perfection and topped with a rich, flavorful garlic lemon butter sauce. The bright citrus and savory garlic blend beautifully with the buttery sauce to complement the natural richness of the salmon, making for an elegant yet easy-to-make dinner that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

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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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. This ensures a flavorful crust when seared.
  2. Sear the Salmon: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin or underside is golden-brown and crisp, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes to form a nice crust.
  3. Finish Cooking in the Oven: Transfer the oven-safe skillet with the seared salmon to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, carefully transfer the salmon to an oven-safe dish before baking.
  4. Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: While the salmon is finishing in the oven, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, then let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.
  5. Serve: Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce generously over the cooked salmon fillets and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can use skin-on or skinless salmon depending on your preference; skin-on will crisp up nicely when seared.
  • For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce while it simmers.
  • If you don’t have fresh lemons, substitute with 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest.
  • This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
  • Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it cooks quickly and remains moist and tender at medium doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon recipe, garlic lemon butter sauce, seared salmon, easy dinner, healthy fish recipe, quick salmon, butter sauce

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/ingredients-recipe/