Devastating Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce in 20 Min

Oh, friends, let me tell you about my Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce! It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is secretly SO easy. Seriously, even on my most chaotic weeknights (and trust me, there are many!), I can whip this up and feel like I’ve made a restaurant-worthy meal. You know, I’ve been making a version of this since my supper club days in Asheville. The fresh lemon and garlic bring out the best in the salmon. It’s a simple dish, but the flavors? Wow! It’s a winner every time.

Why You’ll Love This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Okay, so why *should* you make this salmon? Let me tell you:

• It’s crazy quick – ready in about 20 minutes!
• Super easy – even if you’re a beginner cook, you got this.
• The flavor? Out of this world! That garlic lemon butter? Mwah!
• It feels fancy enough for guests but is simple enough for a weeknight.
• Plus, salmon is good for you! Healthy *and* delicious? Yes, please!

Ingredients for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need:

• 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each, skin on or off, your call!)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (and I mean *minced*, not just chopped!)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons, depending on how juicy they are)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a nice little kick!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

How to Make Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: Step-By-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking! This is seriously easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have amazing Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce in no time!

Preparing the Salmon for the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

First things first, grab your salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This is important! You want a nice sear, and wet salmon just steams. Now, season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! This is your chance to build flavor. I usually do a little extra pepper because I love the kick.

Cooking the Salmon to Perfection for Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking! Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin) in the skillet. Cook for about 4-6 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. This is where the magic happens! Don’t move the salmon around too much; let it get that beautiful sear. Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillets, so keep an eye on them. You don’t want to overcook them! Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. We’re almost there!

Making the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (yes, the one with all those yummy salmon bits!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is bitter, and nobody wants that. Next, pour in the lemon juice and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens. It should be glossy and gorgeous! Finally, stir in the fresh parsley. Fresh parsley is key here; it adds a brightness that otherwise would be missed. You can learn more about the benefits of fresh herbs here.

Serving Your Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Alright, the grand finale! Pour that glorious garlic lemon butter sauce over the salmon fillets. Make sure each fillet gets a good coating. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. I love it with roasted asparagus or a simple quinoa salad. Dinner is served! You did it!

Tips for the Best Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Okay, friends, let’s talk secrets! Want to take this salmon from good to *amazing*? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you’re cooking for more than two, cook the salmon in batches. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, and you won’t get that nice sear.
• Use a good quality butter. It really makes a difference in the sauce! I always use unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the lemon juice and red pepper flakes to your liking. This is *your* salmon, so make it how *you* love it!
• Rest the salmon for a minute or two after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fillet.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Alright, let’s chat ingredients! Sometimes you gotta make do with what you’ve got, right? Here’s the lowdown on some swaps you can make in this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce recipe:

• Salmon: Obviously, salmon is the star, but if you’re not a fan, try cod or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
• Butter: Okay, I’m a butter purist, but if you *must*, you can use olive oil. It won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still be tasty.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh is best, but bottled will do in a pinch. Just try to avoid the super artificial-tasting stuff. And hey, lime juice works too!
• Parsley: If you don’t have fresh parsley, a teaspoon of dried parsley will work, but honestly, fresh is so much better!
• Garlic: Okay, don’t skip the garlic! But if you’re really in a bind, a teaspoon of garlic powder *might* work. I wouldn’t, though!

Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few things folks often wonder about when making my Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:

Can I bake the Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce instead of pan-searing it?

Absolutely! If you’re not into pan-searing, baking works great. Just pop the seasoned salmon fillets on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re cooked through. Then, just pour that yummy garlic lemon butter sauce over them! Easy peasy! I’ve even done a lemon garlic butter salmon sheet pan meal with asparagus and potatoes all together – talk about easy cleanup!

What side dishes go well with Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce?

Oh, the possibilities! I love serving this salmon with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad. Quinoa or rice are also great choices. Honestly, anything that soaks up that delicious sauce is a winner! A crusty piece of bread for dipping? Don’t mind if I do!

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley in the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce?

Okay, so fresh parsley is definitely my preference, but I get it, sometimes you gotta use what you have! If you’re using dried parsley, use about 1 teaspoon. Just keep in mind that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so use a little less than you would fresh. And honestly, the fresh parsley just adds a brightness that’s hard to beat!

Serving Suggestions for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Okay, you’ve got this amazing salmon… what do you serve with it? I’m a big fan of keeping it simple. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli are always a winner. A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette? Yes, please! And honestly, some good crusty bread to soak up that sauce? Perfection!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Just don’t overdo it, or it’ll dry out! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens it right up!

Nutritional Information for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Now, keep in mind, this is just an estimate, but here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at per serving (one salmon fillet with sauce):

• Calories: About 350 (give or take, depending on the size of your fillet!)
• Fat: Around 25g
• Protein: A whopping 30g!
• Carbs: Just a smidge, around 3g

So, not too shabby, right? A delicious and relatively healthy meal!

Enjoy Your Delicious Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce!

Okay, now go make this! Seriously, you’ll love it. And hey, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out!

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