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Easy 15-Minute Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

easy 15-minute lemon garlic butter salmon - featured image
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A quick and delicious salmon recipe with a buttery lemon garlic sauce, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (3g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. If using skin-on fillets, score the skin lightly with a sharp knife (3 shallow cuts across) to prevent curling. Let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
  2. Wash the lemon thoroughly. Zest the lemon to get about 1 teaspoon of zest, then cut in half and juice to get about 2 tablespoons. Set aside.
  3. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
  4. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Swirl to combine. When the butter stops foaming and smells nutty (about 1 minute), proceed.
  5. Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Press gently with a spatula for 5 seconds. Cook for 4 minutes without moving them, until the edges are opaque and the skin is crispy and golden. For skinless fillets, cook for 3 minutes on the first side.
  6. Carefully flip the salmon using a fish spatula. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the pan, spooning it around the fillets. Cook for 2-3 minutes, tilting the pan slightly and spooning the melting garlic butter over the tops of the fillets.
  7. After 2 minutes, add the lemon juice and zest to the pan. Let it bubble for 30 seconds, then spoon the sauce over the salmon once more. If using red pepper flakes, sprinkle them in now.
  8. Check for doneness: the salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium or 135°F (57°C) for well-done.
  9. Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the salmon. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes, then serve immediately with the pan sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

For best results, pat salmon dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. If using frozen salmon, add 2-3 minutes to the cook time. Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon garlic butter, quick dinner, weeknight meal, 15-minute recipe, easy salmon

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/easy-15-minute-lemon-garlic-butter-salmon/