I have a go-to twist on Salmon Recipes Lemon Garlic Butter that never disappoints. I prepare succulent salmon fillets seared in olive oil and unsalted butter, accented with minced garlic, lemon juice, zest, and a dash of fresh parsley. Every pan-fried bite bursts with vibrant flavor and juiciness.
I always get excited when I whip up this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon even though I’ve been making it for a while now. I start out with 4 salmon fillets seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper then heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan.
After that I toss in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 4 cloves of minced garlic which immediately fills my kitchen with an amazing aroma. I squeeze the juice from 1 lemon and add its zest to bring in that bright tangy flavor that really makes the dish pop.
Then I let everything come together while I sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a little extra color and taste. This step-by-step pan fried salmon recipe is all about achieving that juiciest result every time.
Trust me, after trying out a few versions of salmon recipes, there is nothing like this perfect mix of lemon, garlic and butter to impress even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy!
Why I Like this Recipe
1. I really love how the crispy skin gives the salmon a nice texture and adds a lot of flavor, and I ain’t even exaggerating here.
2. The lemon garlic butter sauce is so tangy and rich; it makes every bite burst with flavor and makes me want to eat it all up.
3. I appreciate how quick the recipe is, which is perfect when I’m in a rush but still want a homecooked meal.
4. The fresh parsley and zesty lemon brighten up the dish just right, making it both tasty and impressive to look at.
Ingredients
- Salmon: A lean protein source, packed with omega 3 fatty acids for heart health.
- Garlic: Adds robust flavor and antioxidants, boosting the immune system naturally.
- Lemon: Juice and zest gives a tangy sour punch that brightens and tenderizes fish.
- Olive oil: Drizzled on the fish, it adds healthy fats and a smooth finish.
- Butter: Enriches the dish with a creamy consistency though it contains saturated fats.
- Parsley: Provides vibrant color, vitamins A and C while lending a fresh, herbaceous aroma.
- Salt and pepper: Season fish properly enhancing the natural flavors without extra calories.
- Unsalted butter: Gives creamy texture without extra sodium when used moderately.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6oz each)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How to Make this
1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place the salmon fillets in the pan skin-side down and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
4. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 4 minutes or until the salmon is just cooked through.
5. Reduce the heat to medium, then add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan.
6. Once the butter is melted, toss in the 4 minced garlic cloves; cook them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
7. Add the juice and zest from 1 lemon to the pan and let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes so it thickens a bit.
8. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce generously over each salmon fillet while it’s still in the pan.
9. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving to add a burst of color and flavor.
10. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish and enjoy the juicy, flavorful salmon!
Equipment Needed
1. Paper towels – for patting the salmon dry
2. Large non-stick skillet – for searing and simmering the salmon
3. Spatula – for flipping the fillets
4. Measuring spoons – for the olive oil, butter, and parsley
5. Knife and cutting board – for mincing garlic and zesting the lemon
6. Lemon reamer and zester – for extracting the juice and zest of the lemon
FAQ
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If you dont have unsalted butter, try using ghee or even coconut oil for a different flavor twist
- Instead of olive oil, you can substitute with avocado oil which also works great for cooking
- For the fresh parsley, basil or cilantro can be good alternatives if parsley isnt available
- If lemon zest is missing, a few drops of lemon extract might help mimic the citrusy kick
Pro Tips
1. When you preheat your pan, make sure it’s really hot before you add the salmon – this helps get a super crispy skin and makes it less likely to stick.
2. Use a wide, thin spatula when flipping the fish, ’cause if you use a clunky spatula it might break the fillets, and that just ruins the look of your dish.
3. Keep an eye on the garlic once you add it to the butter; if you let it get too dark it might taste bitter, so stirring constantly can save the sauce.
4. Try letting the fillets sit out for a few minutes before cooking to help them cook more evenly – a small trick that makes a big difference in the final flavor.
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
My favorite Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Paper towels – for patting the salmon dry
2. Large non-stick skillet – for searing and simmering the salmon
3. Spatula – for flipping the fillets
4. Measuring spoons – for the olive oil, butter, and parsley
5. Knife and cutting board – for mincing garlic and zesting the lemon
6. Lemon reamer and zester – for extracting the juice and zest of the lemon
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6oz each)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place the salmon fillets in the pan skin-side down and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
4. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 4 minutes or until the salmon is just cooked through.
5. Reduce the heat to medium, then add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan.
6. Once the butter is melted, toss in the 4 minced garlic cloves; cook them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
7. Add the juice and zest from 1 lemon to the pan and let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes so it thickens a bit.
8. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce generously over each salmon fillet while it’s still in the pan.
9. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving to add a burst of color and flavor.
10. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish and enjoy the juicy, flavorful salmon!
