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Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

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This easy garlic butter lemon salmon is a 20-minute dinner favorite, featuring juicy, flaky salmon fillets pan-seared and finished with a rich, garlicky lemon butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s a foolproof recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons white wine (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and sides are turning opaque.
  4. Flip fillets gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Push salmon to one side of the skillet (or transfer briefly to a plate if needed).
  6. Add butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and, if using, white wine. Stir in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Return salmon to the skillet if removed, and spoon sauce over fillets for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Transfer salmon to plates, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with more parsley and lemon zest.

Notes

For best results, use fresh salmon and don’t move the fillets while searing to ensure a crisp crust. Watch the garlic closely to avoid burning. The sauce can be customized with capers, extra herbs, or a splash of white wine. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and low-carb. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter. Salmon is done when it flakes easily and is just opaque in the center (about 125°F for medium).

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, garlic butter, lemon, easy dinner, skillet, healthy, low carb, gluten free, seafood, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/garlic-butter-lemon-salmon-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner-favorite/