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Easy 20-Minute Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

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This Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon comes together in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients. The lemon garlic butter sauce is rich, tangy, and coats every flake of salmon perfectly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin on or off)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon slices (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Place the salmon fillets in the pan, presentation side down (or skin-side down if using skin-on). Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes.
  4. Carefully flip each fillet using a fish spatula. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is opaque on the outside and just barely translucent in the center (internal temperature of 125°F for medium, 135°F for well-done).
  5. Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
  6. Add the butter to the same pan. Let it melt and start to foam, swirling occasionally. After about 1 minute, when the butter is bubbling and starting to turn golden, add the minced garlic.
  7. Stir the garlic into the butter and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  8. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
  9. Return the salmon to the pan, spooning the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top. Let sit for about 30 seconds.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature salmon (take out of fridge 15 minutes before cooking). Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Watch the garlic carefully as it burns quickly. The salmon will continue cooking slightly after removal from the pan. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, weeknight salmon, 20 minute salmon, pan seared salmon

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