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Best Guest-Favorite Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Easy Dinner

lemon garlic butter salmon - featured image
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This lemon garlic butter salmon is a quick and easy dinner that impresses every time. With a nutty browned butter sauce, fresh garlic, and bright lemon, it’s comfort food that feels fancy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each)
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Take the salmon out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
  2. Pat the salmon completely dry with paper towels.
  3. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Zest the lemon, then cut it in half and juice it. Set both aside.
  5. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until shimmering.
  7. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (or presentation-side down) in the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes.
  8. Flip the salmon carefully using a fish spatula. Cook for another 3 minutes for medium doneness.
  9. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate, tented loosely with foil.
  10. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same pan and let it melt and bubble until it turns light golden brown and smells nutty (1-2 minutes).
  11. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest to the butter. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
  12. Return the salmon to the pan, spooning the garlic butter over the top. Cook for 1 minute, basting continuously.
  13. Squeeze about 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice over the salmon. Let it bubble for 10 seconds, then remove from heat.
  14. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with the pan sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

For the best sear, pat the salmon very dry before seasoning. Watch the garlic carefully—it can burn in seconds. Let the salmon rest while making the sauce to keep it moist. For dairy-free, use ghee or plant-based butter. For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, hosting recipe, crowd-pleaser, gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/best-guest-favorite-lemon-garlic-butter-salmon-easy-dinner/