Lemon Butter Salmon

Lemon Butter Salmon is a simple, elegant dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Juicy salmon fillets are pan-seared until golden and topped with a silky lemon butter sauce. Light, fresh, and full of flavor, this dish is perfect for both a quick weeknight meal and an impressive dinner for guests.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 
 

  • 24 oz salmon fillets
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Method
 

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon, skin side down, and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in chicken broth (or wine), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Return salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over the fillets. Cook another 1–2 minutes to warm through.
  6. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with rice, potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 34gFat: 28g

Notes

For crispy skin, don’t move the salmon while it sears.
Swap parsley for dill for a different flavor profile.
This recipe also works great with trout or cod.

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