Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
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.
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)
- Calories: 400
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Potassium: 750 mg
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Vitamin A: 700 IU
- Vitamin C: 12 mg
- Calcium: 35 mg
- Iron: 1 mg