Try this simple salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce for a fast, tasty meal you can make any night.
introduction
This salmon recipe is easy and full of bright flavor. The fish gets a quick sear and finishes in the oven. A butter sauce with garlic and lemon makes it rich and fresh. If you need another easy dinner idea, check the Chicken Parmesan with Alfredo Sauce recipe for more options.
why make this recipe
- It cooks fast and works on weeknights.
- The sauce is simple but very tasty.
- It pairs well with many sides like rice, veggies, or salad.
- It uses common ingredients you may already have.
how to make Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- Pat the salmon dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if you like.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear 3–4 minutes until the crust is golden.
- Flip the fillets and sear 2–3 minutes on the other side.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and roast for about 10–12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon roasts, make the sauce: melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the seared salmon and sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
- Serve right away with your favorite sides.
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 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
Directions :
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat salmon dry; season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Sear the Salmon: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down; sear 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and sear 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Finish Cooking in the Oven: If using an oven-safe skillet, transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and roast for about 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork and is slightly opaque in the center.
- Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the seared salmon fillets and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
how to serve Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- Serve hot, right after you add the sauce.
- Pair with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, or a simple mixed salad.
- Spoon extra sauce over the side dishes for more flavor.
- Add lemon wedges on the plate for guests who want extra citrus.
how to store Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- Cool the salmon to room temperature for up to 1 hour.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 8–10 minutes or until warm. Avoid high heat to keep salmon moist.
- Do not freeze cooked salmon with the sauce; freeze plain cooked salmon only for best texture (up to 2 months).
tips to make Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- Dry the salmon well before searing to get a better crust.
- Use a hot pan but not smoking hot to avoid burning the oil.
- If you like crisp skin, sear skin-side down and press lightly for the first minute.
- Taste the sauce and add a little more lemon or salt if needed.
- Let the salmon rest 2 minutes after oven for even texture.
variation (if any)
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for deeper flavor.
- Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick.
- Use lime instead of lemon for a different citrus note.
- Add capers or chopped dill to the sauce for extra aroma.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes. Thaw it fully in the fridge before cooking and pat dry well.
Q: How do I know when salmon is done?
A: The flesh flakes easily with a fork and looks slightly opaque in the center. An internal temp of 125–130°F (52–54°C) is medium.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Warm gently before pouring over the fish.
Q: Is this recipe oily?
A: The butter sauce is rich but balanced by lemon. Use less butter or add more lemon if you want it lighter.
Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delicious and quick salmon dish with a rich garlic lemon butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- 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 dry; season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down; sear for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and sear for 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and roast for about 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the seared salmon and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
Serve hot right after adding the sauce. Pair with steamed vegetables or a light salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
