If you’re in the mood for a dinner that feels both effortlessly elegant and bursting with flavor, then this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s the perfect harmony of tender, flaky salmon paired with a luscious, tangy sauce that brings a bright, buttery richness to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish balances simplicity and sophistication in the best possible way, making every meal feel a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing an important role in creating a dish that’s savory, fresh, and bursting with texture and flavor.
- 4 (6 oz) skinless salmon fillets: The heart of the dish, providing a rich and tender protein base.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the salmon.
- 2 tsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and perfect crispness when cooking the salmon.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic gives the butter sauce a warm, aromatic depth.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: A gentle liquid base that brings flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brings bright acidity that balances the richness of the butter.
- 3 Tbsp + 1 tsp unsalted butter, diced: Creates the silky, decadent body of the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp honey: A touch of sweetness to round out the tangy lemon.
- 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant color.
- Lemon slices (optional): For a decorative touch and extra citrus aroma.
How to Make Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Rest the Salmon
Start by taking your salmon out of the fridge and letting it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This step helps ensure the fillets cook evenly, so you don’t end up with a cold center and overcooked edges. It’s a little thing that makes a big difference in texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the salmon gently warms up, melt a teaspoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until it turns golden and fragrant, around 1 to 2 minutes — watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Then, pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Allow the mixture to simmer until it reduces by half, concentrating those vibrant flavors in just about 3 minutes. Finally, whisk in the remaining butter and honey until your sauce is creamy and smooth, then set it aside. This garlic lemon butter sauce is the soul of the dish, rich and tangy in perfect harmony.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Drying your salmon is key! Pat the fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps you get that gorgeous golden crust when cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, building essential flavor right from the start.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place your salmon fillets carefully in the pan, skin-side down if your fillets have skin. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 minutes so they develop a beautiful golden brown crust. Flip the salmon and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork. This technique locks in the juices while delivering a tender, flaky finish.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer your perfectly cooked salmon fillets onto plates. Generously drizzle the warm garlic lemon butter sauce over each fillet, then sprinkle with minced parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Add lemon slices on the side for that extra citrusy zing and a charming visual flair. Serve immediately to enjoy the rich sauce while it’s velvety and fresh — this final touch elevates the entire dish.
How to Serve Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley and lemon slices do wonders here. The parsley adds a fresh herbaceous note that brightens the plate, while the lemon slices provide an inviting pop of color and an option for an extra citrus kick at the table. These little additions make the dish feel thoughtfully plated and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs brilliantly with a variety of sides depending on your mood. Try buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy quinoa for a comforting meal. Light, crisp steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans bring freshness and a nice crunch contrast. Even a bright salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the lemon butter sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, you can serve the salmon on a bed of creamy risotto or wild rice pilaf to soak up the sauce. Arrange colorful roasted vegetables around the fillet to make a vibrant plate that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. You can even drizzle some extra sauce in elegant swirls on the plate for that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your delightful meal, wrap leftover salmon tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated and enjoy within 2 days for the best flavor and texture so it’s still delicious when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your cooked salmon, it’s best to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cooked salmon maintains quality for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight for gentle defrosting.
Reheating
To reheat leftover salmon without drying it out, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or use the oven set at 275°F (135°C) until heated through. Pour a little extra garlic lemon butter sauce over the fillet while reheating to keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?
Absolutely! Cooking salmon with the skin on helps protect the flesh and adds a crispy texture if you sear it skin-side down first. Just make sure to crisp it up well for the best taste experience.
Is chicken broth necessary for the sauce?
Chicken broth adds a subtle savory depth that complements the garlic and lemon perfectly, but if you prefer, you can substitute with vegetable broth or even water mixed with a little lemon zest for a lighter touch.
Can I make the garlic lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and gently reheat it when ready to serve. Just be sure to whisk it well before drizzling to bring back that silky texture.
What type of pan is best for cooking the salmon?
A non-stick skillet is ideal for this recipe because it helps cook the salmon evenly without sticking, ensuring a delicious crust without tearing the fillets when flipping.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque pink color throughout. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist and tender, aiming for a slightly firm but juicy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and achievable. The bright lemon and garlicky butter bring the salmon to life in a way that’s fresh and memorable. It’s a recipe to keep close for weeknights when you want something quick yet impressive, or whenever you want to treat yourself and loved ones to a truly delicious meal. Trust me, once you try it, this will be a go-to favorite in your rotation.
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Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Sodium
Description
This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce recipe features tender salmon fillets pan-seared to a golden brown and topped with a rich, tangy garlic lemon butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and elegant dish perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. The buttery sauce, infused with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of honey, complements the natural flavors of the salmon beautifully.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 (6 oz) skinless salmon fillets (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil
Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp + 1 tsp unsalted butter, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rest the salmon: Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tsp of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, to develop a fragrant base. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, then allow the mixture to simmer until the sauce reduces by half, approximately 3 minutes. Stir in the remaining butter pieces and honey, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Set aside while you cook the salmon.
- Season salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook salmon: Heat 2 tsp of olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon fillets into the pan and cook, skin-side down if skin is present, for about 4 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown and releases easily from the pan. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon fillets to serving plates. Spoon the warm garlic lemon butter sauce generously over each fillet, sprinkle with minced fresh parsley for an herbal brightness, and garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Allowing the salmon to rest at room temperature before cooking promotes even cooking and prevents the center from being undercooked.
- Patting the salmon dry is crucial to achieving a golden crust during searing.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the sauce.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative but note that it will alter the flavor slightly.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
