Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Fillets
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-491753H53M50S
Total time: PT-491753H53M50S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp); Zest of 1 lemon; 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish); Lemon slices, for serving

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Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Fillets are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a healthy dinner. With crisp edges, juicy centers, and a rich garlic-lemon butter glaze, this recipe is elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for busy weeknights. It’s ready in under 20 minutes and pairs beautifully with rice, veggies, or salad.

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Fillets

Ingredients

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

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoon olive oil

3 tablespoon unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)

Zest of 1 lemon

1–2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Lemon slices, for serving

Directions

Prep the salmon:

I start by patting the salmon dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Sear the salmon:

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, place the salmon skin-side down, and cook it for 4–5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp. Then, I flip it and cook for another 2–3 minutes depending on thickness. Once almost done, I set the fillets aside.

Make the lemon garlic butter:

In the same skillet, I reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. I add the garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. Then I stir in the lemon juice and zest, letting it bubble for about 30 seconds to reduce slightly.

Finish the dish:

I return the salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fillets, letting them cook for 1–2 more minutes while basting them with the buttery sauce.

Serve:

I garnish the salmon with fresh parsley and lemon slices and serve it right away with my favorite sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes just about 15–17 minutes from start to finish (5 minutes of prep and 10–12 minutes of cooking time). Each fillet is roughly 6 oz, which is a satisfying portion for most adults.

Variations

I sometimes sprinkle red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for a spicy kick.

For a dairy-free version, I use a plant-based butter or omit it and increase the olive oil.

When I want to bake instead of sear, I roast the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes and then drizzle the lemon garlic butter over before serving.

I love swapping lemon with lime and adding cilantro instead of parsley for a citrusy twist.

For a heartier meal, I top the salmon with sautéed spinach or steamed asparagus before serving.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. I avoid using the microwave, as it tends to dry out the fish. If I’ve stored extra lemon butter sauce separately, I reheat and spoon it over the salmon to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?

I look for the salmon to be opaque and to flake easily with a fork. If using a thermometer, 125°F is perfect for medium doneness.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, but I always thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure even searing and better texture.

Do I need to remove the salmon skin?

Not at all. I often keep the skin on because it helps the fillets hold their shape and adds a delicious crisp when seared properly.

What sides go well with this salmon?

I love serving it with roasted vegetables, lemon rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for balance.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prepare the lemon garlic butter ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, I reheat it and spoon over freshly cooked salmon.

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is one of my go-to meals for busy nights when I want something delicious and healthy. It’s simple, quick, and always gets compliments at the table. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, I can have dinner on the table in no time—and it never fails to impress.

📖 Recipe:

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Fillets

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 15–17 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Fillets are a quick and elegant dish featuring juicy salmon fillets seared and glazed in a zesty garlic-lemon butter sauce. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and pairs well with rice, veggies, or salad.

Instructions

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
Stir in lemon juice and zest, letting the sauce bubble for 30 seconds to reduce slightly.
Return salmon to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the fillets. Cook for another 1–2 minutes while basting.
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.