Description
This lemon garlic butter salmon is a fast, flavorful, and healthy dinner recipe featuring tender salmon fillets, zesty lemon, fresh garlic, and rich melted butter.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat.
Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet and stir to combine into a sauce.
Place the salmon skin-side down in the skillet or baking dish and spoon the sauce over the top.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor.
Do not overcook the salmon; it continues cooking slightly after removing from heat.
To add extra depth, marinate the salmon for 15–30 minutes in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
Add crushed red pepper for a spicy version or a splash of cream for a creamy twist.
Great served with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bakingor or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: lemon garlic butter salmon, healthy salmon recipe, easy baked salmon, salmon dinner