Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a flavorful and elegant dish that brings together the delicate taste of salmon and the richness of a lemony garlic butter sauce. The addition of fresh parsley and the zesty brightness of lemon makes this a perfect dinner option. It’s an easy-to-make, restaurant-quality meal that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
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4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1/2 cup unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
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Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
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Sear the Salmon: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Sear for 3-4 minutes until golden-brown, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
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Finish Cooking in the Oven: If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the salmon to an oven-safe dish.
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Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Serve: Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven or skillet. Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the salmon fillets and garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutrients
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Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
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Protein: 35g
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Carbohydrates: 4g
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Fat: 26g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Cholesterol: 90mg
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Sodium: 450mg
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Potassium: 700mg
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugar: 2g
The Salmon: Light, Flaky, and Tender
To start, salmon fillets are the star of this dish. Whether you choose skin-on or skinless salmon, both options work wonderfully. The skin can provide added crispiness if you choose that option, while skinless fillets are easier to work with for those who prefer not to deal with the skin. Salmon is a flavorful fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high in protein, making it not only delicious but also a nutritious choice for your meal.
Before cooking, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is essential to ensure that the salmon sears properly, creating a crispy golden-brown crust. Season the fillets with salt, black pepper, and a bit of paprika (if you like a slight smokiness and extra flavor). The paprika adds a gentle kick, but it is optional, depending on your flavor preferences.
Searing the Salmon: Perfectly Golden-Brown
To achieve a beautifully seared salmon fillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets to the pan. Place them skin-side down if you’re using skin-on fillets. Let them sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. After flipping the fillets, cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the salmon is cooked through but still juicy and tender.
If you have an oven-safe skillet, this is the time to transfer the skillet to the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) to finish cooking. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork. If you’re not using an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the salmon to an oven-safe dish and continue baking.
The Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: Rich and Zesty
While the salmon is cooking, prepare the garlic lemon butter sauce. This sauce is incredibly simple yet packed with flavor. Begin by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked.
Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to give the sauce a refreshing citrus kick. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly, concentrating the flavors. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. The result is a rich, tangy sauce with a velvety texture that beautifully coats the salmon.
Serving: Simple Yet Elegant
Once the salmon is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven or skillet. Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce generously over the salmon fillets, making sure each piece is coated in the luscious sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
For the perfect side dishes, consider serving the salmon with roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or a light green salad. You could also serve it with rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Nutritional Breakdown
Each serving of Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce contains approximately 400 calories, making it a balanced, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With 35g of protein, this dish is packed with high-quality protein from the salmon, which is excellent for muscle repair and overall health.
The 26g of fat in this dish comes from the salmon and the butter used in the garlic lemon sauce, with 7g of saturated fat. While the dish does have some saturated fat, it also contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, which are beneficial for heart health. The dish also contains 450mg of sodium, which is typical for a savory dish like this but can be adjusted to taste, particularly if you’re watching your sodium intake.
With just 5g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber, this dish is relatively low in carbs, making it a great choice for those following low-carb or keto diets. The sugar content is minimal at 3g, mostly coming from the natural sugars in the lemon juice.
In addition to its deliciousness, this dish provides important nutrients like potassium (700mg), which supports heart and muscle function, as well as vitamin A (295 IU) from the parsley and vitamin C from the lemon.
Conclusion: An Easy Yet Elegant Meal
Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a perfect meal for any occasion, from casual weeknights to special dinners. The combination of tender, flaky salmon and a rich, creamy lemon garlic sauce creates an irresistible dish that’s both luxurious and simple to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s full of vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re serving it to your family or guests, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.