Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe a tender and flavorful salmon recipe, cooked to perfection with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce that complements the fish beautifully. Perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.

Once the skillet is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.

Flip the salmon fillets and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir the butter and garlic around the fillets, letting them cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet, spooning the buttery garlic sauce over the fillets.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the salmon with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little heat.

Herb Variation: Try fresh herbs like dill or rosemary in place of thyme for a different flavor profile.

Crispier Skin: For even crispier skin, place the salmon under the broiler for the last minute or two of cooking.

Lemon Butter Sauce: For more sauce, double the butter and lemon, and pour extra over vegetables or rice.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can warm it up in a skillet on low heat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Can I make this recipe without the skin on the salmon?

Yes, you can make this recipe with skinless salmon fillets. Just be mindful that without the skin, the cooking time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on the salmon.

What can I serve with this lemon garlic butter salmon?

I love serving this salmon with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with light sides that won’t overpower the delicious buttery sauce.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

Yes, fresh garlic is perfect! Just be sure to mince it finely for even distribution in the butter sauce.

How can I make the salmon more flavorful?

For more flavor, try marinating the salmon for 30 minutes before cooking. A marinade made of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and thyme would be a great addition to this recipe.

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is everything I want in a quick, flavorful meal. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a perfectly cooked fish that is moist and bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Recipe:

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A tender and flavorful salmon recipe, cooked to perfection with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce that complements the fish beautifully.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
Once the skillet is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.
Flip the salmon fillets and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir the butter and garlic around the fillets, letting them cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet, spooning the buttery garlic sauce over the fillets.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the salmon with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.