Print

Quick Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon

quick garlic butter salmon with lemon - featured image
Print Recipe

A 10-minute weeknight dinner featuring pan-seared salmon fillets basted in a creamy, aromatic garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon zest and parsley.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (approx. 6 oz each, skin-on preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced finely
  • 1 medium lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with sea salt and black pepper.
  2. Zest the lemon into a small bowl, then cut and juice the lemon. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
  3. Heat a large skillet (10-12 inch) over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
  4. Place salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down. Press gently to prevent curling and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until color changes halfway up the side.
  5. Flip salmon carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
  6. Remove salmon to a warm plate. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  7. Add butter to the pan and let it melt and foam. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
  8. Remove pan from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and half of the parsley.
  9. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the salmon and garnish with remaining parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure salmon is patted very dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Keep heat at medium to prevent butter from burning. For dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil or ghee. For a spicy variation, add honey to the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, garlic butter, lemon, quick dinner, weeknight meal, healthy seafood, pan-seared salmon, gluten-free, keto-friendly

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/quick-garlic-butter-salmon-with-lemon-10-minute-easy-dinner/