Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to seafood recipe! The Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe brings together flaky, pan-seared salmon with a rich, tangy sauce that literally takes minutes to make—yet tastes like a restaurant-quality treat. This dish is as impressive as it is easy, bursting with fresh flavors of lemon and garlic, barely-there prep, and a buttery finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking to wow guests with minimal effort, this recipe rises to every occasion.

Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here is in the simplicity: every single ingredient serves a real purpose, creating layers of flavor and vibrant color. With just a handful of items, you’ll achieve a perfect balance of sumptuous butteriness and zesty brightness that makes this dish unforgettable.

Salmon Fillets: Opt for fresh, center-cut fillets (skin on or off as you prefer) for the moistest, most flavorful results.
Olive Oil: Adds a slightly fruity note and helps sear the salmon to perfection.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out every nuance of the salmon’s flavor—don’t skip this simple seasoning.
Unsalted Butter: Gives the sauce its luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rounds out all the flavors.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides that irresistible aroma and a gentle kick to the sauce.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up and lifts the richness of the butter for a beautifully balanced sauce.
Lemon Zest: Infuses the dish with even more fresh citrus flavor—zest the lemon before juicing to make it easy!
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Just a little greenery to keep everything vibrant and fresh.
Lemon Slices (optional): Makes your finished plate look extra special and adds a burst of color.

How to Make Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon

Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This not only helps the seasoning to cling but also ensures a delightful sear. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy—with just a few ingredients, proper seasoning makes your fish taste bold and fresh.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place your salmon fillets skin-side down (if you’re using skin-on). Let them sizzle undisturbed for 4–5 minutes—this encourages crisp, golden edges and helps lock in moisture. Flip and continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, just until the center easily flakes with a fork. Remove the fillets and keep them warm on a plate.

Step 3: Craft the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and add the butter. As it melts and begins to bubble, stir in the minced garlic. Let the garlic work its magic for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant—take care not to let it burn. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in the zest, stirring gently. The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell like a five-star bistro!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Spoon the sauce over the salmon, letting all that flavor soak into the fillets. Add chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, a swirl of lemon slices for brightness. Serve your Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe immediately so every bite is warm and luscious.

How to Serve Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

No need to go overboard—a sprinkle of chopped parsley and some thin lemon slices transform this dish into something elegant and eye-catching. The green and yellow pops of color also signal the zesty, herbaceous goodness in every bite.

Side Dishes

This is truly one of the most versatile main courses you can make! Try pairing your Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe with fluffy steamed rice, roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp, herby salad. Anything light and fresh will complement the bold flavor of the sauce and keep the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, plate the salmon on a platter, spoon over the sauce, and let guests serve themselves. Or, for bistro flair, build individual plates with the salmon resting atop a bed of greens or grains, and finish with parsley and lemon slices. Even a simple drizzle of extra sauce around the plate adds a restaurant-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store your cooled salmon and remaining Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the sauce separate, if possible, to avoid sogginess and preserve every delicious bite.

Freezing

While salmon can be frozen, the sauce is best enjoyed freshly made. To freeze, wrap salmon fillets tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and preparing fresh sauce.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat salmon in a skillet over low heat or in a 300°F oven until just warmed through. If you stored your sauce separately, warm it gently and spoon over the salmon just before serving to keep everything moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your frozen salmon fillets completely in the fridge and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This ensures you’ll still get that beautiful sear and flaky texture.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon?

While freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest deliver the brightest flavor, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just know you might miss a little of that lively citrus pop the zest provides.

Is it okay to use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Fresh parsley adds color and a gentle herbal brightness, but if you only have dried, use about a third as much (since dried herbs are more potent) and sprinkle it on sparingly.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

Your salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily at the thickest part with a fork and is still just a little translucent in the center. Overcooking can make it dry, so keep a close eye from the seven-minute mark onward.

Can I make the Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the unsalted butter for your favorite plant-based alternative—the sauce will still be creamy and packed with flavor, so everyone can enjoy this family favorite.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe and see how easy, delicious, and rewarding a quick home-cooked seafood dinner can be. Give it a go the next time you crave something special but simple—this dish is sure to make regular appearances on your table!

Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the succulent flavor of pan-seared salmon topped with a luscious garlic lemon butter sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a healthy seafood dinner that’s bursting with fresh and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Fillets:

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

Seasoning:

1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season and Sear Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry, season with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet until crispy.
Make Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add lemon juice and zest. Simmer.
Finish Dish: Return salmon to the skillet, spoon sauce over fillets, garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve.

Notes

This dish complements well with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for optimal flavor.
Avoid overcooking the salmon to retain its moistness and flakiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American