Description
This Lemon Butter Salmon recipe delivers restaurant-quality tender salmon fillets bathed in a rich, buttery sauce infused with fresh lemon zest and garlic. Quick and simple to make in under 30 minutes, it combines vibrant citrus flavors with savory garlic and fresh herbs, providing a healthy, flavorful, and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 fresh salmon fillets, skin-on (about 6 oz each)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, setting them aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan or skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add freshly minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, careful not to burn it. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest, letting the sauce simmer briefly to marry the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the skin turns golden and crisp. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily.
- Combine and Serve: Drizzle the warm lemon butter sauce over the cooked salmon fillets. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley for freshness.
Notes
- Choose fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the salmon; remove when it flakes easily to stay juicy.
- Keep the skin on to lock in moisture and achieve a crispy texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow juices to settle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg