Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

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Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

Tender, flaky salmon fillets seared to perfection and smothered in a decadent garlic butter sauce with a fresh citrus finish.

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 10–12 minutes

  • Servings: 2 people

Ingredients

  • Salmon: 2 large fillets (6 oz each)

  • Seasoning: Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

  • Fats: 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • Liquid: 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine (optional, for extra sauce)

  • Garnish: 1 fresh lemon (sliced into rounds) and 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season the flesh side generously with salt and pepper.

  2. Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon in the pan (skin-side up if skinless, or skin-side down first if you want crispy skin). Cook for 4–5 minutes until golden brown.

  3. The Butter Bath: Flip the salmon. Lower the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic. Once the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant (about 1 minute), pour in the lemon juice (and broth/wine if using).

  4. Baste: Use a spoon to continuously pour the garlic butter sauce over the fillets for another 3 minutes.

  5. Finish: Top with lemon slices and fresh parsley. Remove from heat once the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Pro Tips

  • Room Temp: Take the salmon out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.

  • Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best at medium-rare to medium. If it starts releasing a white substance (albumin), it’s getting a bit overdone.

  • Cold Butter: Using cold butter for the sauce at the end helps it emulsify and stay creamy rather than just turning into oil.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 420 kcal
Protein 34g
Fat 30g
Carbs 3g
Omega-3 2,200mg

Health Benefits

  • Heart Health: High in Omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.

  • Brain Power: Salmon is rich in Vitamin B12 and Selenium, essential for cognitive function.

  • Immune Boost: Garlic and lemon provide antioxidants and Vitamin C.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?

A: Absolutely. Just ensure it is completely thawed and patted very dry before seasoning, otherwise, it won’t sear properly and will steam instead.

Q: What should I serve this with?

A: It pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, garlicky mashed potatoes, or a light quinoa salad.

Q: Can I bake this instead?

A: Yes! Place everything in a foil packet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes. You’ll miss out on the crispy sear, but it will be incredibly moist.

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