Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

This Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a succulent fish dish that’s bursting with flavor. Tender salmon fillets are seared to perfection and brushed with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh lemon juice, creating a tantalizing, zesty glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, making it a versatile addition to your dinner rotation.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-05T13:25:31.140Z

This Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and is sure to impress your guests.

The Perfect Salmon Dish

Salmon is not only a delicious choice for dinner but also packed with essential nutrients. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it's known for promoting heart health and brain function. This Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon elevates the natural flavors of this fish, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

Cooking salmon to perfection requires attention to detail. The key is to start with high-quality fillets and get the sear just right. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to keep the fish moist and tender. Pairing it with a buttery sauce and a hint of citrus adds depth and zest that makes every bite irresistible.

Meal Pairings

This flavorful salmon dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, complement the rich flavors of the garlic butter sauce while adding a healthy crunch.

For a lighter option, consider serving this dish over a fresh garden salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette will enhance the zesty notes of the salmon while keeping your meal light and refreshing.

Making It Your Own

Feel free to customize the garlic butter sauce to suit your taste. Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give the dish a delightful kick, while incorporating different herbs such as dill or thyme can introduce exciting flavor variations. Experimenting with your favorite spices can make this recipe uniquely yours.

If you're looking to reduce calories, you can substitute the butter with a healthier oil alternative, like olive oil or avocado oil. This will impart a distinct flavor while still keeping the dish delicious. Enjoy being creative with the recipe while maintaining its essence.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Combine these ingredients to achieve a flavorful dish.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Salmon

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the minced garlic and lemon juice.

Combine and Serve

Flip the salmon, brush with the garlic butter sauce, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet over low heat until warmed through to retain its moistness, or you can use a microwave for convenience.

For those wanting to prepare ahead, you can make the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving with your freshly cooked salmon.

Nutritional Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is considered a superfood due to its high nutrient content. Not only does it offer an abundance of protein, but it also provides vital vitamins and minerals like B12, vitamin D, and selenium. Regularly incorporating salmon into your diet may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

In addition to being healthy, salmon is versatile. It adapts well to different seasoning and cooking methods, ensuring you never tire of its delightful flavor profile. Include this garlic butter lemon version in your meal planning for an easy weeknight treat or special occasion.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad pair well.

Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

This Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a succulent fish dish that’s bursting with flavor. Tender salmon fillets are seared to perfection and brushed with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh lemon juice, creating a tantalizing, zesty glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, making it a versatile addition to your dinner rotation.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Healthy & Light

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Salmon

  1. 4 salmon fillets
  2. Salt and pepper to taste
  3. 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  2. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  3. Juice of 1 lemon
  4. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How-To Steps

Step 01

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 02

Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes.

Step 03

In a small saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the minced garlic and lemon juice.

Step 04

Flip the salmon, brush with the garlic butter sauce, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g