Print

Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon: Best Spring Dinner

lemon garlic butter salmon - featured image
Print Recipe

This Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is bright, buttery, and packed with spring flavor. It comes together in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Lemon slices for serving (optional)
  • Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon: Take the fillets out of the fridge about 10 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. Pat them very dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the pan: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it get hot until shimmering, almost smoking.
  3. Sear the salmon: Place the fillets skin-side down (or presentation-side down if skinless) in the hot pan. Press gently with a spatula for a few seconds. Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  4. Flip and finish: Carefully flip the fillets using a fish spatula. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side, depending on thickness. The salmon should be opaque in the center and flake easily with a fork (internal temperature of 125°F for medium).
  5. Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Push the salmon to one side of the pan and add the butter to the empty space. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic and lemon zest. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using). Swirl the pan to combine.
  6. Baste and serve: Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the salmon fillets for about 30 seconds. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately with lemon slices on the side.

Notes

For best results, pat salmon very dry before searing. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Add garlic after reducing heat to prevent burning. If using frozen salmon, add 2-3 minutes to cooking time. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a low oven (275°F) for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, spring dinner, quick salmon, healthy salmon, pan-seared salmon, garlic butter sauce

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/easy-lemon-garlic-butter-salmon-best-spring-dinner/