Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Garlic lemon butter salmon is a classic dish for a reason. It’s incredibly flavorful, quick to prepare, and surprisingly healthy. This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

## Why This Recipe Works

This garlic lemon butter salmon recipe stands out because:

* **It’s fast:** From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 20-25 minutes.
* **It’s simple:** Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to cooks of all levels.
* **It’s versatile:** Serve it with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes.
* **It’s packed with flavor:** The combination of garlic, lemon, and butter creates a rich, tangy, and savory sauce that perfectly complements the salmon.
* **It’s healthy:** Salmon is a fantastic source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Salmon fillets:** Look for skin-on or skin-off fillets, about 6-8 ounces each. Skin-on fillets tend to be more forgiving when cooking, but skin-off works perfectly well too. Fresh or frozen (thawed) salmon can be used.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the saltiness of the dish. You can also use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt you add later.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Mince it finely for even distribution in the sauce.
* **Lemon:** You’ll need both lemon juice and lemon zest for the sauce. The zest adds a bright, aromatic element, while the juice provides acidity and tang.
* **Fresh parsley:** Chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color. Other herbs like dill or chives can also be used.
* **Olive oil:** Used for searing the salmon, olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle flavor.
* **Salt and pepper:** To taste, for seasoning the salmon and the sauce.
* **Optional additions:** Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, white wine for a more complex sauce, or a squeeze of honey for a hint of sweetness.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make garlic lemon butter salmon:

**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15-20 minutes
**Total Time:** 20-25 minutes

**Yields:** 2 servings

### Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them sear properly and prevents them from steaming in the pan.
2. Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

### Step 2: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Set aside.

### Step 3: Sear the Salmon

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon.
2. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
3. Sear the salmon for 4-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the skin is crispy and golden brown (if using skin-on fillets) and the sides are opaque.
4. Flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

### Step 4: Finish with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to low.
2. Add the garlic lemon butter sauce to the skillet, spooning it over the salmon fillets.
3. Allow the sauce to melt and simmer for 1-2 minutes, basting the salmon with the sauce.
4. If desired, add a splash of white wine to the skillet for a richer sauce. Let it simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly.

### Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the salmon from the skillet and place it on plates.
2. Spoon the remaining garlic lemon butter sauce over the salmon.
3. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and a lemon wedge.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon

* **Don’t overcook the salmon:** Overcooked salmon is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to 145°F (63°C).
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** Fresh salmon, good-quality butter, and fresh garlic and lemon will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Don’t burn the garlic:** Burnt garlic can be bitter. Keep the heat at medium-low when melting the butter and garlic to prevent burning.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your taste:** Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to achieve your desired flavor.
* **Use a non-stick skillet:** A non-stick skillet will prevent the salmon from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* **Let the salmon rest:** After cooking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful dish.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic lemon butter sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Honey Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon:** Add a teaspoon of honey to the garlic lemon butter sauce for a hint of sweetness.
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herbs, such as dill, thyme, or rosemary, in the sauce.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Substitute the butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
* **Salmon Substitutions:** While this recipe is specifically for salmon, you could adapt it for other fish like cod, halibut, or trout.

## Serving Suggestions

Garlic lemon butter salmon is delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted vegetables:** Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are all great choices.
* **Mashed potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or quinoa are simple and healthy options.
* **Pasta:** Toss the salmon and sauce with your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
* **Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the salmon.
* **Lemon wedges:** Always serve with extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the salmon.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover garlic lemon butter salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the salmon gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on a 6-ounce salmon fillet)

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen salmon?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

**Q: Can I bake the salmon instead of searing it?**

A: Yes, you can bake the salmon. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top with the garlic lemon butter sauce and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

**Q: How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?**

A: The salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: While the salmon is best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

**Q: Can I use different types of fat instead of butter?**

A: Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

**Q: My garlic burned. What should I do?**

A: Unfortunately, burnt garlic can make the sauce taste bitter. If the garlic burns, it’s best to start over with fresh garlic and a lower heat setting.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to the pan while cooking the salmon?**

A: Yes, you can add vegetables like asparagus or green beans to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking. This is a great way to make a complete one-pan meal.

## Conclusion

Garlic lemon butter salmon is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!