Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both simple and downright delicious, you’ve got to try this Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for company yet takes just about 20 minutes from start to finish. I absolutely love how tender and flavorful the salmon turns out, perfectly kissed by that bright lemony butter sauce with garlic notes that my family just can’t get enough of. Stick around, because I’m going to walk you through every step so you can nail this recipe every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together so effortlessly to create a vibrant, buttery sauce that complements the richness of salmon. Be sure to use fresh lemon juice for that perfect tang and really fresh garlic to make the sauce pop!

• Salmon fillets: I like skinless and about an inch thick so they cook evenly without drying out.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Keeps things simple – just enough seasoning to bring out the salmon’s natural flavor.
• Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for the best flavor in your pan-searing.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh – it makes all the difference in the sauce.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth without overpowering, plus it helps reduce the sauce nicely.
• Fresh lemon juice: Always fresh, never bottled, to brighten up the entire dish.
• Unsalted butter: Cut into small pieces for easier melting and a rich buttery finish.
• Honey: Just a touch to balance out the tang and garlic.
• Fresh parsley: Finely minced for a pop of color and fresh herbal lift.
• Lemon slices (optional): Great for garnish or squeezing fresh juice at the table.

Variations

I love tweaking this garlic lemon butter salmon in little ways depending on the mood or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to make it your own – I promise you’ll still get that delicious buttery lemon goodness.

• Adding capers: I discovered this trick during a spontaneous dinner – those little briny bursts add an exciting tang.
• Swap chicken broth for white wine: For a slightly more elegant sauce, I sometimes use dry white wine instead of broth, which adds lovely depth.
• Use salmon with skin on: I’ve tried this often; just cook skin side down longer until crispy and skip the skin when serving.
• Keto or dairy-free version: Substitute butter with ghee or a vegan butter to keep the richness without dairy.

How to Make Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Bring Salmon to Room Temperature

Take your salmon fillets out of the fridge and let them rest on the counter for about 10 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents that cold center some recipes end up with. I always do this first – it’s a little step that makes a noticeable difference, trust me.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

While the salmon rests, melt a teaspoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until just golden and fragrant – don’t let it burn! Then pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Let it simmer gently until the liquid reduces by half, around 3 minutes. Whisk in the rest of your butter pieces and the honey until silky and smooth, then set aside. This sauce is the heart of the recipe and comes together so easily – you’ll find it hard to stop licking the spoon!

Step 3: Season and Sear Your Salmon

Pat both sides of your salmon dry with paper towels—this helps get a beautiful sear. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly on both sides. Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a heavy 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil’s shimmering, add the salmon fillets. Sear the first side for about 4 minutes until you see a gorgeous golden crust forming, then carefully flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through. Remember, salmon can dry out quickly, so keep an eye on it!

Step 4: Serve with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Plate your salmon fillets, leaving the flavorful oil in the pan for extra richness if you like. Generously drizzle the warm garlic lemon butter sauce over the salmon, sprinkle minced fresh parsley on top for a vibrant finish, and garnish with lemon slices if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately and watch your family’s happy faces!

How to Serve Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh minced parsley right before serving to add color and freshness—plus it looks so pretty. If I’m feeling extra, I place a couple of thin lemon slices on the plate for a beautiful garnish and an option for guests to add a bit more zing if they want.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides here are roasted asparagus or steamed green beans and a fluffy wild rice pilaf. Sometimes I serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside a crisp garden salad. These sides soak up the garlic lemon butter sauce deliciously.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the salmon on a large white platter surrounded by lemon wedges and fresh parsley sprigs. You could also serve it on a bed of sautéed spinach or nestle the fillets on a colorful quinoa salad for a bright, elegant presentation that’s sure to impress even picky eaters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer the salmon to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the sauce separate if you can, so the salmon doesn’t get soggy, but I usually drizzle extra sauce on top just before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon with butter sauce isn’t my favorite because the texture changes a bit, but if you must, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon is in a low oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10-15 minutes. This prevents it from drying out. You can also warm it gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth and some of the leftover sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s effortless but feels like a special treat every time. There’s something so satisfying about that buttery sauce with fresh garlic and lemon shining through—your kitchen smells incredible, and you get dinner on the table fast. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do; it’s a recipe that never fails to please and makes weeknights a little brighter.

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