Description
This lemon garlic butter salmon is quick, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Learn the best method to cook lemon garlic butter salmon—pan-fried, baked, or foil-steamed—for a rich, zesty dish ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: 1 tablespoon heavy cream for a creamy sauce
Instructions
1. Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes.
5. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes until salmon is flaky.
6. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining butter to the pan.
7. Baste salmon with sauce for 1–2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
For baked salmon: Wrap fillets in foil with sauce ingredients and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
Add a tablespoon of heavy cream for a creamy variation.
Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried, Oven-Baked, Foil-Baked
- Cuisine: American