DisclaimerTerms Of UseGDPR PolicyCookie Policy

Pagosa Recipes

Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon Tasty and Easy Recipe

by
To make this tasty dish, you will need: - 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Juice of 2 lemons - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients bring a burst of flavor. The salmon is rich and buttery. The garlic adds depth, while lemon brings freshness and brightness. You might want to add: - Red pepper flakes These flakes give the salmon a spicy kick. Use them if you like heat in your food. Just a pinch can change the whole dish. To make your dish look and taste great, consider: - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for serving) Chop fresh parsley for a pop of color. Lemon slices add a nice touch when serving. They also let guests add more lemon juice if they want. Using these ingredients will make your Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon shine! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take your salmon fillets out. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This helps the seasoning stick. Next, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. Make sure to cover each piece well. This step is key for flavor. Now, let’s make the garlic butter sauce. Grab a small saucepan and place it on medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Stir for 1-2 minutes until you smell that lovely aroma. Be careful to not let the garlic burn. It can turn bitter. After that, squeeze in the juice of two lemons. Add the zest from one lemon too. If you like a bit of heat, stir in some red pepper flakes. Time to cook! Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a tablespoon of your garlic butter. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Sear them for 4-5 minutes without moving them. This gives a nice crust. After that, gently flip the fillets over. Pour the rest of the garlic butter sauce on top. Cook for another 4-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Finally, transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices for a fresh touch. When you pick salmon, look for bright color. The flesh should be shiny and firm. Check for a fresh smell, like the ocean. Avoid any fish that smells fishy or sour. Fresh salmon looks moist, not dry. If possible, buy it from a trusted fish market. Ask the seller when it was caught. This gives you the best chance of getting fresh salmon. To cook salmon well, use a hot skillet. The key is to sear it skin-side down first. This helps keep the fish moist. Cook it for 4-5 minutes without moving it. When you flip it, pour the garlic butter on top. This adds flavor and keeps the fish juicy. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Use a thermometer if you have one; it should reach 145°F. To make your meal pop, serve the salmon with lemon slices. They add a fresh touch. Fresh parsley on top gives color and taste. You can also add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Pair the salmon with rice or a green salad. This adds balance to your plate. You can even serve it with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter. Enjoy your tasty dish! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh salmon and garlic for the best flavor in your dish. Don't Overcook: Salmon is best when it flakes easily with a fork; keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid dryness. Resting Time: Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with Sides: Pair this dish with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of garlic butter lemon salmon by adding spices. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes. A hint of dill can give a fresh taste. Experiment with your favorite spices to find your best blend. If you need to avoid dairy, swap the butter for olive oil. You can also use coconut oil for a different flavor. For a lighter dish, try using skinless salmon fillets. If you're gluten-free, this recipe is safe as is. Always check labels to be sure. Garlic butter lemon salmon goes well with many sides. Pair it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness. You might also enjoy it with brown rice or quinoa for a healthy option. Try different sides to create a meal you love! To keep your garlic butter lemon salmon fresh, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store the container in the fridge. Your salmon will stay good for about 2-3 days. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use the oven or skillet for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover with a lid and heat on low. If you need to store the salmon for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This will prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the salmon for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To cook salmon until it is well done, aim for about 8 to 10 minutes. You should cook it for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. The salmon should change color and flake easily with a fork. If you want to check the temperature, it should reach 145°F (63°C). This ensures that the salmon is safe to eat and has a nice texture. Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this by placing it in the fridge overnight or running it under cold water. Once thawed, pat it dry with paper towels and season as usual. Thawing helps the salmon cook evenly and gives you the best flavor. Many side dishes go well with Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed asparagus: A light and crunchy complement. - Roasted potatoes: Crispy and soft, they add heartiness. - Quinoa salad: Healthy and filling with fresh veggies. - Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the garlic butter. - Mixed greens: A fresh salad adds a nice contrast. These sides enhance the flavors of the salmon and make for a well-rounded meal. This blog post covered how to make garlic butter lemon salmon step by step. We talked about key ingredients and optional ones for extra taste. You learned how to prepare salmon and make the sauce for great results. I shared tips on choosing fresh salmon and cooking it perfectly. For more flavor, remember to try different spices and side dishes. With proper storing, your leftovers will remain tasty. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious meals ahead!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you craving a dish that’s simple yet bursting with flavor? My Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon recipe is just what you need! With easy steps, fresh ingredients, and mouthwatering tastes, you’ll impress anyone at your dinner table. Plus, the recipe is quick, making it perfect for busy nights or special occasions. Let me guide you through this tasty journey that will leave everyone’s taste buds dancing!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful Combination: The garlic butter and lemon create a deliciously rich and tangy flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
  3. Healthy Choice: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and is a great source of protein, making this dish not just tasty but nutritious.
  4. Customizable: You can easily add your favorite herbs or spices to the garlic butter for a personal touch!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

To make this tasty dish, you will need:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients bring a burst of flavor. The salmon is rich and buttery. The garlic adds depth, while lemon brings freshness and brightness.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

You might want to add:

  • Red pepper flakes

These flakes give the salmon a spicy kick. Use them if you like heat in your food. Just a pinch can change the whole dish.

Recommended Garnishes

To make your dish look and taste great, consider:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon slices (for serving)

Chop fresh parsley for a pop of color. Lemon slices add a nice touch when serving. They also let guests add more lemon juice if they want.

Using these ingredients will make your Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon shine!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Salmon Fillets

First, take your salmon fillets out. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This helps the seasoning stick. Next, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. Make sure to cover each piece well. This step is key for flavor.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now, let’s make the garlic butter sauce. Grab a small saucepan and place it on medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Stir for 1-2 minutes until you smell that lovely aroma. Be careful to not let the garlic burn. It can turn bitter. After that, squeeze in the juice of two lemons. Add the zest from one lemon too. If you like a bit of heat, stir in some red pepper flakes.

Cooking the Salmon to Perfection

Time to cook! Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a tablespoon of your garlic butter. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Sear them for 4-5 minutes without moving them. This gives a nice crust. After that, gently flip the fillets over. Pour the rest of the garlic butter sauce on top. Cook for another 4-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Finally, transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices for a fresh touch.

Tips & Tricks

How to Choose Fresh Salmon

When you pick salmon, look for bright color. The flesh should be shiny and firm. Check for a fresh smell, like the ocean. Avoid any fish that smells fishy or sour. Fresh salmon looks moist, not dry. If possible, buy it from a trusted fish market. Ask the seller when it was caught. This gives you the best chance of getting fresh salmon.

Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Salmon

To cook salmon well, use a hot skillet. The key is to sear it skin-side down first. This helps keep the fish moist. Cook it for 4-5 minutes without moving it. When you flip it, pour the garlic butter on top. This adds flavor and keeps the fish juicy. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Use a thermometer if you have one; it should reach 145°F.

Serving Suggestions to Enhance Flavor

To make your meal pop, serve the salmon with lemon slices. They add a fresh touch. Fresh parsley on top gives color and taste. You can also add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Pair the salmon with rice or a green salad. This adds balance to your plate. You can even serve it with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter. Enjoy your tasty dish!

Pro Tips

  1. Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh salmon and garlic for the best flavor in your dish.
  2. Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best when it flakes easily with a fork; keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid dryness.
  3. Resting Time: Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
  4. Serve with Sides: Pair this dish with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Variations

Adding Spices for Different Flavor Profiles

You can change the taste of garlic butter lemon salmon by adding spices. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes. A hint of dill can give a fresh taste. Experiment with your favorite spices to find your best blend.

Substituting Ingredients for Dietary Needs

If you need to avoid dairy, swap the butter for olive oil. You can also use coconut oil for a different flavor. For a lighter dish, try using skinless salmon fillets. If you’re gluten-free, this recipe is safe as is. Always check labels to be sure.

Pairing with Different Sides

Garlic butter lemon salmon goes well with many sides. Pair it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness. You might also enjoy it with brown rice or quinoa for a healthy option. Try different sides to create a meal you love!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers Properly

To keep your garlic butter lemon salmon fresh, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store the container in the fridge. Your salmon will stay good for about 2-3 days.

Reheating Tips for Best Taste

When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use the oven or skillet for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover with a lid and heat on low.

Freezing Options for Longer Storage

If you need to store the salmon for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This will prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the salmon for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How long do I cook salmon for it to be well done?

To cook salmon until it is well done, aim for about 8 to 10 minutes. You should cook it for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. The salmon should change color and flake easily with a fork. If you want to check the temperature, it should reach 145°F (63°C). This ensures that the salmon is safe to eat and has a nice texture.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this by placing it in the fridge overnight or running it under cold water. Once thawed, pat it dry with paper towels and season as usual. Thawing helps the salmon cook evenly and gives you the best flavor.

What are some side dishes that pair well with Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon?

Many side dishes go well with Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon. Here are some tasty options:

  • Steamed asparagus: A light and crunchy complement.
  • Roasted potatoes: Crispy and soft, they add heartiness.
  • Quinoa salad: Healthy and filling with fresh veggies.
  • Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the garlic butter.
  • Mixed greens: A fresh salad adds a nice contrast.

These sides enhance the flavors of the salmon and make for a well-rounded meal.

This blog post covered how to make garlic butter lemon salmon step by step. We talked about key ingredients and optional ones for extra taste. You learned how to prepare salmon and make the sauce for great results. I shared tips on choosing fresh salmon and cooking it perfectly.

For more flavor, remember to try different spices and side dishes. With proper storing, your leftovers will remain tasty. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious meals ahea

To make this tasty dish, you will need: - 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Juice of 2 lemons - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients bring a burst of flavor. The salmon is rich and buttery. The garlic adds depth, while lemon brings freshness and brightness. You might want to add: - Red pepper flakes These flakes give the salmon a spicy kick. Use them if you like heat in your food. Just a pinch can change the whole dish. To make your dish look and taste great, consider: - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for serving) Chop fresh parsley for a pop of color. Lemon slices add a nice touch when serving. They also let guests add more lemon juice if they want. Using these ingredients will make your Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon shine! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take your salmon fillets out. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This helps the seasoning stick. Next, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. Make sure to cover each piece well. This step is key for flavor. Now, let’s make the garlic butter sauce. Grab a small saucepan and place it on medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Stir for 1-2 minutes until you smell that lovely aroma. Be careful to not let the garlic burn. It can turn bitter. After that, squeeze in the juice of two lemons. Add the zest from one lemon too. If you like a bit of heat, stir in some red pepper flakes. Time to cook! Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a tablespoon of your garlic butter. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Sear them for 4-5 minutes without moving them. This gives a nice crust. After that, gently flip the fillets over. Pour the rest of the garlic butter sauce on top. Cook for another 4-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Finally, transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices for a fresh touch. When you pick salmon, look for bright color. The flesh should be shiny and firm. Check for a fresh smell, like the ocean. Avoid any fish that smells fishy or sour. Fresh salmon looks moist, not dry. If possible, buy it from a trusted fish market. Ask the seller when it was caught. This gives you the best chance of getting fresh salmon. To cook salmon well, use a hot skillet. The key is to sear it skin-side down first. This helps keep the fish moist. Cook it for 4-5 minutes without moving it. When you flip it, pour the garlic butter on top. This adds flavor and keeps the fish juicy. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Use a thermometer if you have one; it should reach 145°F. To make your meal pop, serve the salmon with lemon slices. They add a fresh touch. Fresh parsley on top gives color and taste. You can also add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Pair the salmon with rice or a green salad. This adds balance to your plate. You can even serve it with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter. Enjoy your tasty dish! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh salmon and garlic for the best flavor in your dish. Don't Overcook: Salmon is best when it flakes easily with a fork; keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid dryness. Resting Time: Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with Sides: Pair this dish with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of garlic butter lemon salmon by adding spices. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes. A hint of dill can give a fresh taste. Experiment with your favorite spices to find your best blend. If you need to avoid dairy, swap the butter for olive oil. You can also use coconut oil for a different flavor. For a lighter dish, try using skinless salmon fillets. If you're gluten-free, this recipe is safe as is. Always check labels to be sure. Garlic butter lemon salmon goes well with many sides. Pair it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness. You might also enjoy it with brown rice or quinoa for a healthy option. Try different sides to create a meal you love! To keep your garlic butter lemon salmon fresh, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store the container in the fridge. Your salmon will stay good for about 2-3 days. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use the oven or skillet for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover with a lid and heat on low. If you need to store the salmon for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This will prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the salmon for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To cook salmon until it is well done, aim for about 8 to 10 minutes. You should cook it for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. The salmon should change color and flake easily with a fork. If you want to check the temperature, it should reach 145°F (63°C). This ensures that the salmon is safe to eat and has a nice texture. Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this by placing it in the fridge overnight or running it under cold water. Once thawed, pat it dry with paper towels and season as usual. Thawing helps the salmon cook evenly and gives you the best flavor. Many side dishes go well with Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed asparagus: A light and crunchy complement. - Roasted potatoes: Crispy and soft, they add heartiness. - Quinoa salad: Healthy and filling with fresh veggies. - Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the garlic butter. - Mixed greens: A fresh salad adds a nice contrast. These sides enhance the flavors of the salmon and make for a well-rounded meal. This blog post covered how to make garlic butter lemon salmon step by step. We talked about key ingredients and optional ones for extra taste. You learned how to prepare salmon and make the sauce for great results. I shared tips on choosing fresh salmon and cooking it perfectly. For more flavor, remember to try different spices and side dishes. With proper storing, your leftovers will remain tasty. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious meals ahead!

Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

A delicious salmon dish cooked in garlic butter with a hint of lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lemons Juice of
  • 1 lemon Zest of
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving Lemon slices
  • optional red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
  • Stir in the lemon juice and zest to the garlic butter mixture. If you want to add a bit of heat, you can include red pepper flakes at this point.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a tablespoon of the garlic butter to the skillet. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes without moving them.
  • Gently flip the salmon fillets. Pour the remaining garlic butter sauce over the top of the fillets. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Transfer the salmon fillets to a serving platter. Drizzle with any remaining garlic butter from the pan and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.

Notes

Serve with lemon slices for added flavor.
Keyword garlic butter, lemon, salmon, seafood

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating