Salmon With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Name: Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 to 8 ounces each, skin-on or skinless); Salt and black pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika (optional); 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)

Why This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

There’s something quietly luxurious about cooking salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce. It tastes like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant, yet it’s shockingly simple to make in your own kitchen. This recipe brings together rich, flaky salmon with a zesty lemon-infused butter sauce that clings to every bite without overpowering the fish.

salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce on plate with parsley and lemon slices — Golden seared salmon topped with garlic lemon butter and fresh herbs.

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen wondering what to cook that feels impressive but doesn’t demand hours, this is it. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or someone special, this dish hits the sweet spot between comfort food and clean eating. It’s ideal for anyone craving an easy salmon dinner that still feels elevated.

With just a few ingredients and a single pan, you can bring this bright, buttery salmon dish to life in under 30 minutes. If you’re after healthy salmon recipes that don’t taste like a compromise, you’re in the right place. This one satisfies both flavor lovers and time-pressed home cooks.

Ingredients for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

To bring out the perfect balance of richness and citrus brightness, this recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients. Everything on this list is easy to find in most grocery stores and pantry-friendly, which makes it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (6 to 8 ounces each), skin-on or skinless depending on your preference
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, adds a smoky depth)

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 chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste

These ingredients come together to create a sauce for salmon that is both silky and full of flavor. The butter provides the richness, the garlic brings depth, and the lemon gives it that essential tang that wakes everything up. A touch of parsley at the end adds freshness and color without overpowering the dish.

If you’re looking to build a collection of go-to salmon sauce recipes, this one deserves a top spot. It’s the kind of sauce that can also work beautifully on other white fish like cod or flounder, which adds to its versatility.

How to Make Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

This dish comes together in three simple stages: searing the salmon, making the garlic lemon butter sauce, and finishing everything together for a silky, flavorful meal. With just one pan and about 30 minutes, you can create something truly special.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon

Start by patting the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. This helps them sear more effectively. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika if you’re using it.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, place the salmon into the pan skin-side down if it has skin. Let it cook without moving for 3 to 4 minutes. This builds a crisp crust on the bottom. Flip the salmon carefully and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The surface should turn golden and slightly crisp.

salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce seared in skillet with golden crust — Salmon fillets sizzling in a skillet with a crisp golden crust.

Step 2: Finish Cooking in the Oven

If your skillet is oven-safe, place it directly into a preheated oven at 375°F. If not, gently transfer the salmon to a baking dish and roast it for 10 to 12 minutes. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the center is slightly opaque.

This oven step ensures even cooking without drying out the fish. It also frees up your stovetop to make the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

While the salmon finishes in the oven, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned.

Pour in the fresh lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Stir in chopped parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.

salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce being drizzled over seared fillet with lemon slices — Garlic lemon butter sauce poured over seared salmon fillet with fresh herbs.

Once the salmon is done, plate each fillet and spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce generously over the top. The result is a rich yet balanced dish that feels comforting and elegant at the same time.

Tips and Variations for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

The beauty of this salmon dish is how adaptable it is. With a few small tweaks, you can make it suit different tastes, dietary needs, or even just what you have on hand. Here are some tips to make sure your salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce comes out perfectly every time.

Cooking Tips for the Best Results

Use fresh salmon when possible. It delivers better texture and flavor, but high-quality frozen fillets can work just as well if thawed properly.
Don’t skip patting the salmon dry. This step helps the surface crisp up and prevents steaming.
Sear without moving. Let the salmon sit undisturbed in the pan to develop a golden crust.
Check doneness early. Salmon cooks quickly, and slightly undercooked is better than overdone. Look for flesh that flakes easily but still looks moist inside.

Variations to Try

Make it dairy-free by swapping the butter with a plant-based alternative. Choose one with a clean, neutral flavor to let the lemon and garlic shine.
Add herbs like dill, thyme, or basil for a fresh twist. You can fold them into the sauce or sprinkle over the finished dish.
Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Serve it in bowls with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables to turn it into a full meal. This works especially well for meal prep.

salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce served with asparagus and lemon slice — Seared salmon in garlic lemon butter sauce, paired with roasted asparagus.

This recipe also pairs well with other types of fish. Try it with cod, haddock, or flounder if you want to switch things up. The garlic lemon butter sauce is versatile enough to complement many mild white fish varieties without overpowering them.

Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works well as long as it’s properly thawed. Let it defrost in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method if you’re short on time. Be sure to pat it dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking. Moisture can interfere with getting a good sear.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon?

Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant. If you go this route, you may want to add a small pinch of lemon zest or a bit of white wine vinegar to balance the acidity.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic lemon butter sauce a few hours in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving. Just keep it covered and store it in the fridge if you’re not using it right away. Add fresh parsley right before serving for the best flavor and color.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. The cooked salmon keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the sauce separate if possible and reheat gently to preserve its texture. It’s perfect for easy salmon bowls or paired with a quick salad for lunch.

What sides go best with this dish?

This salmon pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a simple side of garlic rice. The sauce is so flavorful that it can elevate even the most basic sides.

Make This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Tonight

If you’ve been searching for a meal that feels special but doesn’t take hours to prepare, this salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce is your answer. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels thoughtful and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself to something better than average, this recipe delivers.

The sauce alone is worth remembering. Its balance of richness and brightness turns a basic salmon fillet into something memorable. And because it’s so flexible, you can make it your own with just a few small changes.

Try it once, and it might just earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation. If it hits the spot, don’t forget to bookmark the recipe, leave a comment, or share it with someone who could use a little weeknight dinner inspiration.

Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Emily Wilson

This salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce is a quick and elegant meal that blends flaky, seared salmon with a bright, buttery citrus sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish made easy for any home cook. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner guests.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 fillets

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

Skillet
Oven
Saucepan
Tongs

Ingredients

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets 6 to 8 ounces each, skin-on or skinless
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika optional

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

Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon skin-side down for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until golden.
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily and is slightly opaque in the center.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in lemon juice and zest. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Add parsley at the end.
Plate the salmon and spoon garlic lemon butter sauce over each fillet. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

For best results, use fresh salmon and serve the sauce warm. This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or wild rice. Try substituting flounder or cod for a different twist.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)