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Light & Flavorful Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon: Easy 20-Minute Recipe

lemon garlic butter salmon - featured image
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A quick and easy salmon recipe with a bright, buttery lemon garlic sauce that comes together in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both healthy and indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the salmon fillets out of the fridge 10 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If using skin-on fillets, score the skin lightly with a sharp knife (three shallow cuts across) to prevent curling.
  2. Zest the entire lemon before cutting it in half. You’ll need about 1 teaspoon of zest. Then juice it—you should get about 2 tablespoons. Set both aside.
  3. Smash each garlic clove with the flat side of your knife, then mince finely. Set aside.
  4. Place your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter. Swirl to coat. Wait until the butter is melted and starting to foam.
  5. Place the fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) or presentation-side down (if skinless). Press gently with the spatula for 10 seconds to ensure even contact. Cook for 4 minutes without moving them.
  6. Carefully flip the fillets using your fish spatula. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the minced garlic, and the lemon zest to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the salmon with the melted butter mixture. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, basting continuously.
  7. In the last 30 seconds of cooking, squeeze the lemon juice into the pan. Swirl to combine with the butter. Remove the pan from heat immediately.
  8. Transfer the salmon to plates or a serving platter. Spoon the pan sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Let it rest for 1 minute before serving.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for crispy skin. Add garlic after flipping to prevent burning. Let salmon rest for 1 minute before serving. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based butter or ghee.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon garlic butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, quick salmon, healthy salmon, weeknight dinner, low-carb, keto

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/light-and-flavorful-lemon-garlic-butter-salmon-easy-20-minute-recipe/