If you’re craving a flavorful seafood dinner that’s elegant yet simple, this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is the perfect recipe. Tender, flaky salmon is pan-seared until golden, then smothered in a rich, buttery garlic lemon sauce that tastes like it came straight from a fine-dining restaurant. Best of all? It’s ready in just 25 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh & Flavorful – Bright lemon, savory garlic, and rich butter make every bite irresistible.
- Restaurant-Quality – Impress family or guests with minimal effort.
- Versatile – Pairs well with rice, pasta, or veggies.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra slices for garnish)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon – Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Salmon – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice and chicken broth (or white wine), scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Finish the Dish – Return salmon to the skillet. Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over the fillets. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices.
- Serve & Enjoy – Plate with your favorite sides and drizzle extra sauce on top.
Serving Ideas
- Over creamy mashed potatoes 🥔
- With steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli 🥦
- On a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa 🍚
- With garlic bread or a fresh salad 🥗
Tips for the Best Salmon
- Don’t Overcook – Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Crispy Skin – For extra crunch, make sure the skillet is hot before adding salmon.
- Use Fresh Lemon – Freshly squeezed juice makes the sauce vibrant and zesty.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep the salmon moist.
This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly easy—perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.